In-depth understanding of the IP level difference between indoor and outdoor lamps

 When purchasing lamps, whether it is indoor lamps or outdoor lamps, you need to pay attention to one indicator - the IP level of the lamps, the common ones are IP22, IP44, IP5. why?

Because the indoor lamps and lights are in some specific environmental conditions: such as humid air environment, indoor waterscape surrounding, shower room, etc., or the lamps and lights are exposed to the environment rich in some solid substances in the air (industrial plants, laboratories, etc. ), as long as the substance accidentally enters the interior of the lamp, it will pose a danger to the electrical safety of the lamp.

So what is an IP rating?
IP is the abbreviation of Ingress Protection, which means "ingress protection"; and the IP level is the protection level against the intrusion of foreign objects by the electrical equipment shell, mainly referring to the protection against solids and liquids, drafted by the International Electrotechnical Association IEC (International Electro Technical Commission), is an electrical An important indicator of equipment security protection.
Its expression format is composed of the letter IP plus two characteristic numbers, such as IP20, IP44, IP65, etc. Among them, the first digit defines the ability to prevent solids from entering the housing or the minimum size (also known as dustproof capability), and the second digit defines the waterproof capability.

IP classification standard:
There is a table below, respectively marking the meaning of the different values of the first digit and the second digit of the IP level:

a. The first digit has seven different levels from "0-6". Among them, the levels of 1-4 are divided into four different levels according to the diameter of solid particles, while 5 and 6 are relatively higher protection grade;

b. The second digit has nine different levels from 0 to 8, and each level represents a different degree of waterproof performance, among which "1" means protection against vertically falling water droplets, "2, 3" means when there is water At different inclination angles, the impact of water dripping or splashing, from "4" to "8" refers to the different effects of water splashing on the lamps in all directions.

Common IP issues:

For some common IP problems, here are some summaries, you can refer to them.

Question No.1:

Dust and water resistance are tested separately, so there is no necessary direct connection between the two numbers in the IP rating. For example, a high dustproof ability does not mean that its waterproof ability is also high. Similarly, a stronger waterproof ability does not necessarily mean a higher waterproof ability.

Question No.2:

The IP rating of outdoor luminaires usually refers to the entire luminaire body, including external electrical appliances as a whole luminaire. The IP rating of indoor luminaires usually refers to the visible or exposed parts of the luminaire.

Question No.3:

The IP rating of indoor and outdoor lighting during actual use may change due to changes in its installation location and method. Therefore, the validity of the IP rating is limited to the correct and reasonable installation of the lighting in a suitable environment.

Question No.4:

In most cases, outdoor lamps can be used indoors, but indoor lamps cannot be used outdoors in general.

Question No.5:

In addition to the product catalogue, sample booklet, specifications, installation instructions and other materials provided by the manufacturer, the IP level will be marked, and the general compulsory certification (such as my country's ccc certification) or non-compulsory certification will also indicate the IP level.