What is IP65? – IP Ratings Explained – The IP (Ingress Protection) Rating of a product indicates whether a product can withstand water or dust penetration. The first number represents the level of protection against foreign bodies, dust and particles. The second outlines the level of water protection, whether that be just droplets or jets of water.
Below is a helpful chart which shows what each number represents;
|
First digit |
Mechanical protection
|
Second digit
|
Water ingress protection
|
||
|
0
|
|
No protection |
0
|
|
No protection |
|
1
|
 |
Protected against solid objects over 50mm such as accidental touch by hands |
1
|
|
Protected against vertically falling drops of water and condensation |
|
2
|
 |
Protected against solid objects over 12mm such as fingers |
2
|
|
Protected against direct sprays of water up to 15o from the vertical |
|
3
|
 |
Protected against solid objects over 2.5mm, e.g. tools & wires |
3
|
|
Protected against direct sprays of water up to 60o from the vertical |
|
4
|
 |
Protected against solid objects over 1mm, e.g. wires, nails etc. |
4
|
|
Protected against water splashed from all directions, limited ingress permitted |
|
5
|
 |
Protected against dust limited ingress, not harmfull deposits |
5
|
|
Protected against low pressure jets of water from all directions, limited ingress permitted |
|
6
|
 |
Totally protected against dust |
6
|
|
Protected against strong jets of water e.g. on ships deck, limited ingress permitted |
|
7
|
Protected against the effects of temporary immersion between 15cm and 1m. Duration of test 30 minutes | ||||
|
8
|
Protected against long periods of immersion under pressure | ||||
If you require further information regarding IP ratings, check out this helpful IP Code information page outlining everything in more detail. If you’re in the market for an IP65 rated light, remember to check out our Bathroom Downlights category. These downlights are also suitable for use outdoors, for example, under a canopy or soffit.