02/01/2024
Which IP Rating Do I Need for My Space?
A well-chosen LED fixture or LED batten offers major benefits for installers, facility managers and procurement departments: low energy costs, reduced maintenance and improved light quality. However, it’s not as simple as choosing a LED batten and being done — key factors such as the IP rating play a major role in how efficiently your lighting performs and how long it will last. In this article, you’ll learn which IP rating is right for your space and how to apply it in practice.
Which IP rating is required for my environment?
In industrial environments such as warehouses, production halls or offices, you must consider not only light output but also dust, moisture, shocks and cleaning procedures. An LED batten or LED tube fixture in such a space requires a different IP rating than an office. Consider, for example:
● Dry office space → relatively low IP rating is sufficient
● Warehouse with dust/particles → higher dust protection
● Workshop with cleaning routines or moisture/ventilation → higher protection against liquids
● Outdoor or semi-open hall → requires a significantly higher IP level
What do the different IP ratings mean?
The table below shows what the numbers of an IP rating represent (for both solid objects/dust and moisture/water).
First digit (solids/dust) | Description |
0 | No protection |
1 | Objects larger than 50 mm |
2 | Objects larger than 12.5 mm |
3 | Objects larger than 2.5 mm |
4 | Objects larger than 1 mm |
5 | Protected against dust accumulation |
6 | Completely dust-tight |
Second digit (moisture/water) | Description |
0 | No protection |
1 | Dripping water (vertical) |
2 | Dripping water (tilted ≤15°) |
3 | Spraying water (up to 60°) |
4 | Splashing water from all directions |
5 | Water jets from all directions |
6 | Powerful water jets |
7 | Temporary immersion (up to 1 m) |
8 | Continuous immersion / under pressure |
Which IP rating do I need for my space?
You can use the following guidelines for your facility:
● Office or dry hall: minimum IP20 is usually sufficient
● Storage or technical rooms with dust or light splashing liquids: IP44 or higher
● Warehouse or production hall where cleaning takes place or moisture/aerosols are present: IP65 or higher
● Outdoor installations or halls directly exposed to weather or wash-down conditions: IP67/IP68
