Solid Proof vs. Water Proof: IP rating chart
IP Rating Requirements for Different Types of LED Displays
How to choose the right IP rating for lighting
How is An Ingress Protection Rating Determined?
In recent times, LED technology has revolutionized both lighting and display applications. LED displays, with their vibrant colors, high brightness, and energy efficiency, have become a staple in various industries, from retail and advertising to entertainment and sports. Meanwhile, LED lighting continues to gain popularity for its numerous benefits over traditional lighting sources.
When selecting LED fixtures for either lighting or display purposes, it's crucial to consider factors beyond just luminescence and design. One essential aspect is the LED IP rating, which indicates the level of protection the fixture offers against dust and water ingress.
In this section, we'll explore IP ratings, their significance, and how they specifically apply to LED lighting and displays. By understanding the fundamentals of LED IP ratings, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions when selecting fixtures for various environments.
Ingress Protection, often referred to by its acronym IP, is a standardized system of rating the effectiveness of an electronic device or its enclosure at resisting dust, water, and other foreign substances.
The IP rating is an expression of the amount of shielding a piece of electronic equipment has from foreign objects, water, and other external elements. The first number in the two-digit rating reflects the level of protection from solid elements such as dust, and the second figure denotes the degree of defense from liquids such as water.
The LED IP rating provides valuable information about the level of protection a particular LED light or display offers against foreign materials and liquids. This rating is essential for determining if a fixture is suitable for specific environments, such as outdoor spaces, humid areas, or locations prone to dust or water exposure.
An IP rating chart is provided to easily comprehend the level of safeguard a lighting fixture provides against liquids and solids. This two-digit code explains the extent of protection. A straightforward description of the IP rating chart is given below:
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When getting an LED display, you should consider various factors, including the safety index against various environmental conditions. Different products work specifically and repel these aggressors to a certain degree.
Indoor LED displays generally require lower ingress protection ratings than outdoor ones, as they do not experience the effects of harsh environmental conditions. A typical rating for indoor applications is IP20. The classification offers essential protection against dust and is suitable for typical office environments with minimal exposure to moisture. This rating protects against touch but may not guard against acceptable dust accumulation. Another suitable rating is IP40, ideal for areas with moderate dust exposure and light humidity. You can see such signage in bigger spaces like malls. Signage under this category is generally for aesthetics, hence its enhanced longevity and lower maintenance rates.
Semi-outdoor LED displays operate for environments with partial shelter from the elements. Users can get this signage for their porches, covered patios, or even areas adjacent to buildings prone to these weather conditions. These displays typically feature an ingress protection rating of around IP44. The rating repels both solid objects, and water splashes from any direction. This level of protection is essential for reducing the risk of damage from light rain and dust accumulation.
A semi-outdoor display needs additional features to address sunlight glare. This feature is important given the varying lighting conditions at different times. Users can enjoy durability and reliability when they choose such ingress protection ratings. The correct choice increases the lifespan and corresponding maintenance requirements.
Some signage needs require the displays to be fully outdoor. For example, when doing a brand campaign in a city square, the billboards should be public where every customer can access them and hopefully take action. Outdoor LED displays can withstand harsh conditions. They will continue working in rain, dust, and humid weather.
These displays require higher ingress protection ratings to ensure durability and functionality. The standard figures are IP65 - which offers complete dust protection and resistance to low-pressure water jets from any direction. IP67 allows temporary submersion in water. This category of outdoor signage is your best choice if you have activities near fountains or swimming pools. The strong construction of outdoor LED displays is essential for maintaining clarity in sunlight. In this sense, the advertisements remain legible for the target audience despite glare and bad lighting conditions.
It's vital to carefully evaluate the intended application of lighting fixtures when determining the suitable IP rating. Depending on the surroundings, varying levels of defense from solid objects and fluids may be necessary.
The degree of protection needed for indoor lighting fixtures tends to be lower than for outdoor. To help you, here are some IP rating guidelines for lighting in interior spaces.:
When selecting lighting fixtures for outdoor use, it is important to consider their protection against dust, water, and other environmental factors. The IP (Ingress Protection) rating system guides the recommended level of protection required in such scenarios. For instance, here are a few IP rating suggestions for outdoor lighting:
It is necessary to consider both the cost and the amount of protection needed when selecting a lighting fixture, as the higher IP ratings provide better protection but are usually more expensive.
The installation type must also be considered when determining the right IP rating for lighting. For instance, if the lighting fixture is in a difficult-to-access spot, like a tall ceiling, it might be worth investing in a higher IP rating to minimize maintenance and replacements.
While safety is the most important element to consider when picking an IP rating, the aesthetic features must be factored in too. Many higher IP ratings often come with less appealing and larger housing designs that are inappropriate for some spaces or particular styles. As such, a compromise may be necessary between the level of protection and the appearance of the luminaire.
It is critical to consider any relevant ordinances or codes that could affect your installation. In some cases, nearby building codes or rules could necessitate a definite lowest IP rating for lighting fixtures in specific settings.
Companies like Unilumin calculate displays' IP ratings from tests conducted to measure an electronic gadget's performance in terms of protection against solids and liquids. The first digit, an integer value between 0 and 6, determines the protection against dust and other solid foreign particles. Durability pertains to exposing the device to different extents of dust and running tests to check whether it can sometimes or always resist the entrance of dust. The second digit, from 0 to 8, highlights the degree of protection of the device from water, using tests that include water jets, splashes, or immersion under certain conditions. Every experiment happens under controlled conditions; hence, the results are credible as they contribute to the final IP rating given to the product.
Third-party companies can conduct these tests on manufacturers; where these fall under the product specifications, manufacturers may follow international standards such as IEC 60529, which outlines the classification method. Therefore, with an ingress protection rating, consumers and businesses get assurance of a given device's resistance and compatibility with certain conditions.
Not all gadgets need IP (Ingress Protection) ratings. They are important for devices that require a measure of dust and water resistance. The most common ones include LED displays, smartphones, tablets, and outdoor equipment. Devices free from exposure to such elements may not undergo IP testing and subsequent certification.
Similar classification does not guarantee identical protective capabilities across a range of devices. While an IP67 rating indicates similar dust and water resistance levels, the effectiveness can vary based on design, materials, and construction quality. These devices can perform differently if the specific companies use different materials. The variations account for different levels of seal integrity and general influence in real-world conditions.
Although underwater equipment does not need to be water resistant, it needs to be waterproof, and this generally comes with an IP rating of at least IP67. This rating permits a brief exposure to water at a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes without destructive penetration. However, in the case of equipment that is to be immersed for relatively longer spans or at deeper levels, the IP 68 rating is always preferred. Such a rating means the device can work in various water contact scenarios defined by the manufacturer.
