What Level Of Weather Or Water Resistance Does Your Lighting Project Require?

The IP rating determines the degree of protection against the ingress of solids and liquids. This is a two-digit number that ensures the fixture will withstand adverse environmental conditions. Weatherproof light fixtures have IP ratings from IP44 to IP66. You need to choose the correct rating based on how exposed the light fixture is to the outside environment. The most common IP ratings for weatherproof lighting are:

IP44: Luminaires with these ratings are resistant to solid objects larger than 1 mm in diameter and protect against splashing water from any direction. You can use these lights in general outdoor areas exposed to rain, dust, or light splash.

IP65: You can use IP65 rated bulbs in places that are subject to frequent rain and moisture. These fixtures are completely dustproof and can withstand partial water jet protection at low pressures. Therefore, IP65 lights are more robust than IP44.

IP66: This rating protects the fixture against dust and high-pressure water jets coming from any direction. You can use IP66 fixtures in places that face harsh weather conditions and heavy rain.

Waterproof lamps

Waterproof lights are fully sealed and have a higher IP rating than weatherproof lights. These lights are rated IP67 or IP68. The application and protection levels of these classes are as follows:

IP67: Provides limited time protection against dust and immersion in water to a depth of 1 meter (typically 30 minutes). You can use fixtures with this IP rating for underwater lighting or wet and underwater areas.

IP68: Protection against dust and continuous immersion in water up to one meter deep. Fixtures used in deepwater applications require this level of protection.

The IP 67 lamps in Hishine Group Limited

Product	picture	Features
Hi-Robot High Mast Light		1. Able to withstand strong winds of level 17 2.10KV surge protection device, 20KV SPD is optional 3. It has good heat dissipation and can withstand high temperatures of 60°. 4. Smart Control: 1-10V dimming, DALI control, Photocell, Zigbee/Lora controll 5.Each model operates independently, convenient for maintenance 6.IP67
Hi-Slim Streetlight		1. It has good heat dissipation and can withstand high temperatures of 60°. 2.Power-off protection 3.NEMA socket (3/5/7pins), ZHAGA socket, Short cap, Photocell, Motion sensor, Knife switch, NTC, OLC, Solar Compatible, DALI Dimming 4. Easy to install and maintain 5.There are two vents with a balanced atmosphere pressure and moisture prevention. 6. IP67

The level of protection your lighting project requires depends on several factors. Consider location, environmental exposure, level of contact with liquids/water, etc. to find the right fixture. Below, I've added two basic facts to consider:

Consider the purpose of the light fixture

If you need one for general outdoor residential or commercial lighting, weatherproof lighting will work well. But in industrial areas, where fixtures experience large amounts of moisture, steam and oil, waterproofing is a must. In addition to air and water sealing features, you should also consider the safety features of light fixtures in these locations. In this case, tri-proof lights are water-resistant, air-resistant, and corrosion-resistant.

Contact with water and external environment

Remember, weatherproof lights are not designed to be in constant contact with water. If you are installing your light fixture in an area where the light will be exposed to rain splash, you can use a weatherproof light. But if you’re going to install your lights underwater, choose waterproof lighting. For example, if your project is boat lighting, you will need waterproof lights for underwater lighting. But if you want lighting inside your boat that will be exposed to the outside environment, a weatherproof light is a good choice.

Therefore, by analyzing your lighting needs and environmental conditions, you should choose the weatherproof or waterproof light that best suits your project.