A Few Awesome Things You Should Know about IP66 LED Lights in 2023
What’s the most important thing or benefit you need from a good lighting fixture?
Is it:
- Cost-effectiveness?
- Durability?
- Stunning designs?
- The ability to withstand harsh weather or environments?
Well…
The list of benefits/features can be endless since most people often look for different things in a lighting fixture.
However…
What if you can enjoy all these features and more from one kind of lighting fixture?
Sounds impossible, doesn’t it?
But, with IP66 LED lights, it’s not!
There are so many reasons why these lights are often the best in the industry. They always offer great value for money and also high-performance lighting; thus, making them the ideal choice for quite a number of residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
So:
- How much do you know about IP66 luminaries?
- What does the IP in IP66 stand for?
- And why should you consider switching to these kinds of luminaries?
These are probably some of the questions running through your mind right now. Luckily, this post covers everything you need to know about these amazing luminaries.
Let’s dive in…
Chapter 1: What Does an IP66 Rating in LED Lights Mean?
First things first…
You are probably wondering:
What does IP stand for in lighting and electronic devices?
Well:
Here’s a brief intro to help get you up to speed…
Brief Introduction to IP Ratings
IP is an abbreviation of the words Ingress Protection which is a rating given to electronic devices indicating their level of protection against dust, water, and vapor penetration.
This standard was put in place by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) as a way of helping consumers – like you – to know things like; what purpose, where, and how they can use these fixtures.
Different IP ratings mean different strengths against damage from water, dust, moisture, and so on.
Basically, an Ingress Progression rating holds two vital pieces of information:
- The fixture’s protection against dust and particle penetration.
- It’s protection against water and vapor penetration.
IP ratings are written in the format: IPXY
Where:
“X” is the light fixture’s protection against the intrusion or penetration of dust and other particles. X can be any number between 0 and 6; with 0 being the least protected and 6 the most protected. That simply means that an IP6Y fixture is bound to be better, stronger, and durable than an IP1Y luminary.
“Y” is the light’s protection against penetration by water and moisture. Y ranges from 0 to 8 with a special 9K rating too. That means that you will find electronics marked IPX0 up to IPX9K. Obviously, IPX0 is the least protected while IPX9K is the highest protection rating.
Common Examples of IP Ratings
Now, with the knowledge above, you have a clearer understanding of how IP ratings work.
But:
To cement your knowledge of IP ratings here are a few examples you may have come across…
- The ShineLong Rancher LEDluminary comes with an IP69K This means that it’s fully protected from intrusion by dust, dirt, water, moisture, and even water vapor. That makes it ideal for almost all kinds of environments including high-pressure car washes and food processing factories.
- The ShineLong LED ParkadeLights are rated IP66; meaning that they are waterproof, dustproof, damp-proof, and highly resistant to penetration by vapor too. That means that you can use it in parking garages and supermarkets.
- There’s also the ShineLong Slice US Flat LED Panelsthat come with an IP40 This indicates that this luminary can be penetrated by dust and particles that are at least 1mm in diameter and is also not suitable for moist environments.
You get the point, right?
IP ratings differ in terms of the fixtures ability to deter the penetration of particles, dust, water, and moisture.
Therefore:
An IP Rating acts as guidance information for consumers to help them find the most suitable lighting fixtures for their residential, commercial, and industrial spaces.
In summary, here’s what the IP rating numbers actually indicate (“X” represents dust and particle protection, while “Y” indicates water and moisture protection level):
- IP0Y– No protection against dust and particle penetration.
- IP1Y– The fixture is protected from intrusion by objects above 50mm in width or diameter.
- IP2Y– Protected against penetration by objects that are above 12.5mm in width/diameter.
- IP3Y– These fixtures are protected against intrusion by particles that are above 2.5mm in width/diameter.
- IP4Y– Protected against intrusion by particles above 1mm in diameter/width.
- IP5Y– Partially protected against dust penetration. Prevents accumulation of harmful amounts of dust particles.
- IP6Y– Fully protected from intrusion by dust or other particles (i.e. it is dust-proof).
And:
- IPX0– No protection against water and moisture penetration.
- IPX1– Protected against damage by vertically falling drops of water.
- IPX2– Protected against vertically falling drops of water when the light fixture is tilted by 150.
- IPX3– These lighting fixtures are built to withstand sprayed water at an angle of 600.
- IPX4– Means that the fixture is protected against damage by splashing water from any direction.
- IPX5– These fixtures can withstand jets of water coming from any angle.
- IPX6– It’s the same as IPX5 but stronger. These fixtures are built to withstand powerful jets of water that would, normally, be harmful to lighting fixtures.
- IPX7– Protected against damage by submersion when the fixture is submerged between 15cm to 100cm for under 30 minutes.
- IPX8– Protected against the effect of immersion in water as per the manufacturer’s specifications of duration and depth.
- IPX9K– This is by far the highest protection rating for lighting fixtures. It means that the fixture is fully shielded from damage by high-pressure/temperature water jets.
Now that you know all that, let’s dive into the main question in this post.
What’s an IP66 Rating?
Obviously:
By now you have a rough idea of what IP66 stands for; and maybe, why it is important.
If so, great! We’re getting somewhere.
Anyway, learning the basics is never enough to help in the decision making process.
Therefore:
We need to dig in a little deeper.
Now, from the information above, you can easily piece together the meaning of an IP66 protection rating.
Simply put, it means that the fixture is dustproof, strong, and water-proof too.
It may not be as strong an IP69K fixture, but IP66 fixtures also offer great ROI (Return on Investment).
Get this:
IP66 lighting fixtures are built to withstand harsh environments and weathers. Which is why they are mostly used for outdoor and farm lighting.
That does not necessarily mean that they can’t be used in other commercial spaces, of course.
And the best part is that they come with tons of benefit as you shall see later on in this post.
Moving forward…
The next chapter covers some exciting bits about unit testing. .
Want to learn more? Read on to find out.
Chapter 2: How to Test IP66 LED Lights?
Knowing a fixture’s ingress protection rating is good.
However, you may still be wondering:
How do manufacturers test IP66 light fixtures?
Or…
How can you be sure that such a fixture won’t get damaged if you push it to its limits?
Well, the answer to both questions is quite simple.
Learn about IP66 LED light testing. And here’s exactly what you need to know.
Equipment Used for Testing IP66 LED Lights
To effectively and correctly test these types of LEDs, manufacturers have to use the right kind of equipment.
In most cases, all it takes is a high-pressure water spray machine with a 0.5inches-wide nozzle and an IP66 LED light for testing.
Generally:
Every manufacturer knows that a fixture’s waterproof protection level is one of its most important selling points.
And that’s why a lot of them won’t spare any expenses or skip any steps in order to do this right.
Anyway, here comes the juicy part:
The Testing Process
Testing an IP66 LED fixture isn’t such a complicated process.
However, the right steps and measurements have to be made to ensure that the outcome is as expected.
This testing method is commonly referred to as the “Strong Water Spray Test (Test for IP66 Waterproof Level).”
Here’s how this works:
Step 1 – The sample IP66 LED light fixture is placed 2.5m to 3m away from the water nozzle.
Step 2 – Then, it is splashed by water from the nozzle at a flow rate of 100lts /minute (26.4 gallons per minute) or 6000 liters per hour at a steady pressure of 100-kilopascal.
Step 3 – The water jets are aimed from different directions and distances and the whole process should last for at least 3 minutes.
Step 4 – Once the process is done, the fixture is inspected for damages. And if none exist, it is marked as an IP66 LED light fixture.
Simple yet effective, right?
Well, if you are going to pay for it, you might as well pay for the real deal.
With all this in mind, you may also be interested in knowing about the best available IP66 lights for both indoor and outdoor use.
If so, this next chapter is also for you.
Chapter 3: What Kinds of IP66 LED Lights Exist for Outdoor & Indoor Use?
Due to their impressive strength and ability to withstand harsh environments, most IP66 LED lights are often used for outdoor lighting.
But:
There are also a few indoor examples for you to consider.
Here are the top five IP66 LED lights in the market today:
1. LED Flood Lights (Outdoor)
In today’s world, LED floodlights serve a myriad of purposes.
They can be used in almost any setting.
And:
The fact that they are mostly IP66 rated means that you won’t have to worry about your fixture getting damaged by dust, cold weather, rains, and so on.
Basically, IP66 LED flood lights tend to perform better, last longer and offer provisions for lighting angle adjustments.
Not forgetting the fact that they are eco-friendly and very energy efficient.
And that’s why a lot of people prefer using these lights for outdoor use.
2. LED Street Lights (Outdoor)
Aside from floodlights, street lights also often bear the brunt and harshness of the outdoors.
And unlike LED stadium lights that are only used whenever there’s a game, street lights are always on every night in order to add a bit of light and security for late-night road users.
What does that mean?
A street light has to be able to brave all kinds of weathers. Be it light showers, thunderstorms, high-humidity mist and fog, and even excessively hot days.
That’s why:
Most of these fixtures are rated IP66 and above.
3. LED Stadium Lights (Outdoor)
As mentioned above, stadium lights are also another application of IP66 LED lighting.
Why is that?
Well, like any other outdoor environment, the weather is always unkind and unpredictable. Therefore, the only way to ensure a stadium stays well-lit during a game is to install lights that can brave just about anything.
And in today’s world, IP66 LED lights fit that description perfectly.
And the best part is that they are also very economical and easy to maintain. Thus, making it easy for you to lower operational and lighting costs.
4. LED Strip Lights (Indoor)
Yes!
There are indoor applications of IP66 LED lights too.
And Strip Lights are one of the best examples of that.
LED Strip lights come in many forms, shapes, sizes, designs, and ratings. That makes it easier for anyone to find one that’s perfectly suited for any use.
Moreover, strip lights are beneficial in many other ways.
For example:
They are designed to dissipate heat efficiently. Also, they can reduce energy use by up to 80%. And most importantly, most of these luminaries are waterproof, dustproof, corrosion-resistant, and very durable.
5. LED Tri-Proof Lights (Indoor)
Last but not least, we have LED Tri-Proof Lights.
These luminaries are called Tri-Proof because they are:
- Shock-proof
- Dustproof
- Waterproof
Impressive, right?
Basically, an Ingress Progression rating holds two vital pieces of information:
- The fixture’s protection against dust and particle penetration.
- It’s protection against water and vapor penetration.
IP ratings are written in the format: IPXY
Where:
“X” is the light fixture’s protection against the intrusion or penetration of dust and other particles. X can be any number between 0 and 6; with 0 being the least protected and 6 the most protected. That simply means that an IP6Y fixture is bound to be better, stronger, and durable than an IP1Y luminary.
“Y” is the light’s protection against penetration by water and moisture. Y ranges from 0 to 8 with a special 9K rating too. That means that you will find electronics marked IPX0 up to IPX9K. Obviously, IPX0 is the least protected while IPX9K is the highest protection rating.
Basically, these features classify them among the best and strongest LED lights in the industry.
Tri-proof lights come with different protection ratings (IP65, IP66, IP67, IP68, and IP69K).
For instance:
The ShineLong Parkade Indoor Garage LED Light is an IP66 rated fixture that’s mainly used indoors.
You’ll find it in parking garages, supermarkets, tunnels, warehouses, metro stations, and large halls among other places.
Now:
You may also be wondering; where else can I use IP66 LED lights indoors? If so, the next chapter holds all the answers you need.
Chapter 4: Where Is An IP66 LED Light Ideal For Indoor Use?
When trying to figure out whether or not a luminary is suitable for your space there are a number of things you might have to consider.
So? What next?
Understanding Your Lighting Needs
Think of it this way…
Your lighting needs are determined by a number of things including:
1. The Purpose of the Lighting
What do you need the light for?
Is it for a storage facility or warehouse? Or, is it for an assembly factory?
Depending on the LED light’s intended use, you can easily identify which type of fixture will be the best for you.
For example:
A smartphone manufacturer needs enough lighting to ensure that they assemble the devices properly and with ease.
On the other hand, a warehouse storage facility won’t need as much lighting as a smartphone factory.
Basically, delicate operations may have special lighting needs. Therefore, before you start shopping, you need to first consider how much light you’ll need to smoothly drive operations in your business.
2. The Size of the Space Being Lit
This one is quite obvious.
The bigger the space, the higher your lighting demand will be.
If you have a large area that requires lighting, you’ll have two options:
- a) Install many luminaries to provide adequate illumination. It may lead to high lighting and operational costs.
- b) Replace your existing low-performance lights with bright and efficient lighting alternatives like the IP66 LED lights.
3. The Nature of Your Working Environment
The surroundings and environment can affect your lighting systems.
Therefore, you have to make sure you invest in fixtures that are built for your kind of working environment.
Take, for example:
A car wash!
Such a working environment is characterized by a few things including high humidity and moisture in the air; plus, occasional high-pressure jets of water.
That means that not all kinds of light fixtures can be used in such a place without getting damaged.
However, an IP66 LED light will do just fine.
Long story short:
Look for a fixture that’s designed for your working space. A fixture that won’t be affected by its surrounding/your work.
Now…
Once you’ve considered these three vital factors, choosing an ideal LED fixture becomes easy and fun.
Which brings us to the main question in this chapter…
Where Can You Use an IP66 LED Light Indoors?
There’s no straight answer to this question.
Why?
Well, IP66 LED lights can be used in almost all kinds of indoor environments.
The main benefits users get to enjoy are that these types of lights are strong and durable.
Plus, they come in many impressive and beautiful design hence making them easy to fit in any type of décor.
Now, you are probably wondering if there are any examples of indoor IP66 LED light application…
Well, you can use such a fixture in places like:
- Offices.
- Educational institutions like Colleges, Schools, and Universities.
- Libraries.
- Indoor Parking Garages.
- Show/Exhibition Rooms.
- Supermarkets and grocery stores.
- Food processing factories.
- Warehouses.
- Hospitals and Clinics.
- Beauty parlors.
- Tunnels and Mines.
- Grocery Store.
- Corridors.
- And even for residential lighting.
These are just a few of the many places where IP66 LED lights can do well. And that’s often mainly because of their numerous benefits.
Which brings us to the last chapter of this post…
Chapter 5: What Are the Advantages & Disadvantages of IP66 LED Lights?
Let’s face it!
The pros and cons of a fixture greatly influence a person’s purchasing decisions.
That’s why it wouldn’t be wise to end this post without touching on that topic.
So:
- What are the benefits of IP66 LED lights?
- What makes them unique and ideal for a specific kind of working environment?
- And most importantly, should you or should you not invest in these lights?
By now, you should have an answer to some of these questions.
This is critical because having sufficient information is the only way to make wise and informed decisions when making a purchase.
Here are a few advantages and disadvantages of IP66 LED lights you should know about:
Benefits of Using IP66 LED Lights
- They are highly efficient – These LED devices come with impressive energy efficiency ratings that range between 100 and 150lm/W. That means that they offer more and better lighting at a lower cost. Plus, they are kinder to the environment.
- They can cut down operational and lighting costs by up to 80%– Thanks to their high energy-efficiency, IP66 LED lights are big energy savers. Using an IP66 LED light could mean a +80% reduction in energy costs or lighting expenses. Isn’t that great?
- They are very durable– IP66 LEDs, like most LEDs, are characterized by the fact that they have very long lifespans. In fact, some can last up to 70,000 hours (up to 20 years) without breaking down. That means that you won’t have to stress about replacing your lighting fixtures for quite some time.
- They have impressive protection features– Part of the many things that make IP66 LED lights impressive is their protection rating. That’s because their IP66 badge indicates that they are waterproof, dustproof, vapor-proof, and even highly impact-resistant.
- They are easy to handle, install and maintain– That means that you don’t need a lot of experience to handle these luminaries. Plus, you have a lot of mounting options to choose from.
Now:
There are so many other benefits of using IP66 lights.
But, as we focus on the good sides, we should also look at the bad ones too…
Downsides to Using IP66 LED Lights
On this part, there’s very little to talk about.
IP66 LED lights don’t have a lot of disadvantages. In fact, only one stands out; which is…
The high initial capital requirements – LED light fixtures are expensive. That means that you’ll have to part ways with more cash than you would have if you went for incandescent or fluorescent lights.
There you have it!
Everything you need to know about IP66 LED lights.
Are you impressed? Did this post answer all the questions you had on the topic? Would you like to add something to this topic?
If so, feel free to comment. We’d love to hear what you think about IP66 LED lights.