When buying an electrical item, it’s important to note its IP rating to see just how protected your product is from water and dust. You may have seen ‘IP66’ on a product before and been confused as to what this actually means. We’re here to help! In this blog we break down the IP66 meaning, from its benefits to its limitations.
At Vision Lighting, we have a high-quality range of LED products that boast high levels of durability and cutting edge LED technology. Our LEDs can be used for a wide range of purposes, including outdoor or bathroom lighting, so we know how vital a waterproof rating can be. We understand the ins and outs of an IP66 rating, so keep reading for our expert insights.
What does an IP66 rating mean?
An IP rating is an ‘Ingress Protection Rating’, basically rating how well-protected your lights are from things like dust and water. But what do the digits ‘66’ mean?
The first digit indicates protection against ‘solids’ (such as dust and debris), while the second rating shows protection against ‘liquids’ or ‘moisture’, therefore revealing how waterproof it is.
A ‘6’ on the scale is quite high- the first ‘6’ means the light is dust-tight and can prevent solid particles from entering. The second ‘6’ means the light is protected from water, specifically jet sprays and rain- this is a great rating for outdoor lights, such as flood lights, that may be exposed to harsh weather conditions, or even bathroom lights that are subjected to occasional splashes.
Benefits and limitations of an IP66 waterproof rating
So you may be thinking, is an IP66 actually fully waterproof? Let’s find out…
An IP66 product can handle:
- Extremely powerful water jets – the test involves blasting it with over 300 litres of water per minute from multiple angles. To pass, only the tiniest trace of water is allowed inside, and even then it mustn’t affect safety or normal operation.
- Splashes
- Heavy rain, and even snow
- Typical outdoor conditions
An IP66 product can’t handle:
- Full submersion in water (e.g., being dropped in a pond)
- Underwater use (e.g., being used as a pool light)
The benefits to an IP66 waterproof rating is that you can remain reassured that it has high levels of protection against both solids and water exposure. This is ideal for any outdoor lighting that isn’t intended to be used in ponds or pools.
However, it cannot be used for underwater use. For underwater lighting, a higher IP of IP67, IP68, or IP69 would be required due to their withstanding of long-term exposure to water submersion.
IP66 compared to other ratings
How does an IP66 waterproof rating stand in comparison to other ratings? The IP rating system for dust and debris goes from 1 to 6, so IP66 is highly protected in that category. However, the waterproof rating goes from 1 to 9, so 6 is not the highest number you can get.
It is important to remember that IP ratings are not cumulative.
Each rating reflects a different type of test. That is why some products are listed as ‘IP66 and IP68’, meaning they have been tested for both high-pressure water jets and temporary immersion. Passing IP68, for example, does not guarantee passing IP66, and vice versa.
A level of 1 on the waterproof protection indicates little to no protection from water, and the protection level increases with each number.
For example:
- IP64 – protection from splashing water, comparable to a garden hose, though the standard does not define pressure.
- IP65 – tested with a 6.3 mm nozzle at 12.5 L/min and about 30 kPa, closer to the pressure of a car jet wash.
- IP66 – tested with a 12.5 mm nozzle at 100 L/min and about 100 kPa, similar to the force of a fire hose.
IP67 offers protection from temporary water submersion, and IP68 and IP69 offer complete
water protection, often for extended immersion.
It is easy to assume that IP67 or IP68 are 'better' because the numbers are higher, but the right rating depends on the use case. For lighting such as Nanolight sign lights or downlights in kitchens and bathrooms, immersion is not realistic. If those fittings often installed at high levels were ever underwater, we would have far bigger problems than the light's survival.
IP66 on the other hand, focuses on resisting extremely forceful water jets, which is often the tougher test for outdoor applications. That is why for outdoor lighting at height, IP66 is highly relevant. It makes sure the product can handle heavy rain and even extreme conditions far beyond what it will face in service.
At Vision Lighting, you can shop based on the IP rating of the light, ensuring you are purchasing the right level of protection for what your outdoor space needs.
Where is an IP66 waterproof rating commonly seen?
An IP66 waterproof rating is often seen in cameras to determine if they can be used outdoors or in rain, industrial equipment, smart devices like smart doorbells, and of course in outdoor lighting.
Common lighting that typically has an IP66 waterproof rating is, as mentioned, a whole range of outdoor lights. These include:
- Security lights
- Outdoor floodlights
- LED wall/decorative lighting
- Street lamps
The IP66 waterproof meaning indicates that these outdoor lights would all be fit-for-purpose and safe to put in your garden, driveway or exterior walls.
Choose Vision Lighting for your LED products
At Vision Lighting, our LED light solutions are guaranteed to be fit-for-purpose with the right amount of durability for your lighting needs.
Our knowledge-led service means our expert team is always on hand to give you reliable, trustworthy advice for your lighting choices. From the simple LED strips to the large, elegant ceiling panels, there’s something on our site for any lighting desire!
Got a question about what light is right for you? Get in touch with our friendly team today and we’d be happy to help!
FAQs
Does all outdoor lighting have an IP66 rating?
To put it simply, not all outdoor lighting does! It depends on the intention of the outdoor lighting- where it’s supposed to be put and how it’s going to be used play a big role. Not all outdoor lights need as high of a protection level of an IP66 meaning.
IP66 is more suitable for outdoor areas that are likely to experience higher water exposure, whereas an IP44 rating is suitable for covered porches or sheltered garden areas. Most outdoor lights will need some level of water protection, so ideally shouldn’t go below a 4 in either category. All in all, how high the waterproof rating is all depends on the exposure of the light.
What tests determine an IP66 waterproof rating?
To determine an IP rating, a product must undergo a series of standardised tests. For an IP66 rating, the product has to be exposed to high levels of dust (often using a dust chamber) and high-pressure water to see what it can withstand.
To determine the waterproof rating, high-pressure water jets are sprayed on each surface of the product with 100 litres per minute for at least three minutes. It must be sprayed from different angles and on different surfaces to truly make sure that the whole product is safe.
The test then either confirms the product’s resistance to water, or it fails the test and needs a lower IP. For a product to pass the test, no water can have got in that will damage its safety or function.