What Is IP68? Understanding IP Ratings for Lights

An IP68 rating for lighting means the fixture is fully protected against dust and can withstand continuous submersion in water under specific conditions. Whether you’re lighting up your poolside, fountains, or areas prone to heavy rainfall, an IP68-rated light fixture is built to endure the elements while providing high performance.But is it always the right choice? Let’s break down everything you need to know about the IP68 rating, when it’s necessary, and why it matters for your lighting solutions.What does IP stand for?IP stands for Ingress Protection, a standard that measures how well a product is protected against the intrusion of solid objects (like dust) and liquids (like water). The system is used across various industries, primarily electrical and lighting products, to ensure they can withstand different environmental factors.Understanding IP ratingsThe IP rating consists of two digits: the first digit indicates protection against solid objects, ranging from 0 (no protection) to 6 (completely dust-tight). The second digit represents protection against liquids, ranging from 0 (no protection) to 9 (protection against high-pressure water jets).IP RATING CHARTStandard IP ratings for lightsWhat is the difference between IP65, IP67 & IP68?The key difference between IP65, IP67, and IP68 lies in the level of protection against water immersion.IP65: Protects against dust and water jets (not submersible), ideal for outdoor environments where the light might be exposed to rain.IP67: This type of protection offers protection against dust and can withstand brief submersion in water up to 1 meter (usually for 30 minutes). It is great for locations like bathrooms or outdoor areas prone to flooding.IP68 offers the highest level of protection, ensuring complete dust tightness and the ability to withstand continuous immersion in water, typically to depths of 1 meter or more. It is perfect for underwater or pool lighting.See more: https://www.rowabi.com/blogs/stories/ip68-ingress-protection-rating