Higher IP of the luminaires is not synonymous with more protection

There is some confusion around the security and degrees of protection offered by the IP of the luminaires., just like Leandro Boyano, R&D engineer for exterior lighting at Artesolar, explains below.

The widespread belief that a higher IP grade implies better tightness is not true in all cases.. For the less experienced, first of all, It should be noted that the IP (international protection) are the two-digit acronyms that are indicated on the lamps to indicate, with the first number, protection against objects and entry of dust and, with the second, coverage against water.

Both data determine the degree of tightness, that is to say, the 'armor' or 'shield' against external elements, such as tiny particles in suspension or liquid elements.

As indicated at the beginning, although, normally, The higher the IP number, the greater the protection., There is an exception to the degrees of protection against water jets IPX5-IPX6 and the degrees of protection for immersion IPX7-IPX8..

Following the aforementioned general rule, It would be considered that these last IPs protect a luminaire better than the first ones.. However, it's not like that, since they are evaluated through independent tests, that is to say, different variables are measured. Evaluating immersion is not the same as evaluating the response to a jet of water.

Therefore, the luminaires that pass the immersion test (whose number, by nomenclature, is superior) do not have to obtain a favorable result in pressure water jet tests, and vice versa.

In fact, in the latest review of the 'Technical requirements for luminaires with LED technology for outdoor lighting', October 2020, It is specified that even if a luminaire obtains an IP67 or IP68, does not exempt you from justifying that it also complies with the IP66 test.

On the other hand, The IP protection degrees of the luminaires are defined in the “Luminaires Part” regulations. 1: General requirements and tests (A-IN 60598-1)”, what, in turn, are based on the regulations of “Degrees of protection provided by the enclosures (A-IN 60529)”. However, the test conditions are different, well, inter alia, the first is more restrictive.

The main difference is that the luminaire regulations establish that tests with liquids must be carried out after having used the luminaire for a certain time.. Subsequently, the shutdown is carried out and the cold water jet is applied.. Then, A suction effect is produced that facilitates the entry of water into the luminaire and thus its protection capacity is evaluated..

Ultimately, IP testing conditions are more demanding than those for IP grades of enclosures, Therefore, the degree of protection that a luminaire obtains under the enclosure regulations does not mean that it will obtain the same IP category under the specific regulation of luminaires..

Special mention is required for luminaires marked with an IPX9 waterproof rating.. This qualification implies that they are prepared to work under very high pressure and temperature conditions. (For example, for car headlights), but it must be taken into account that this test is not included in the latest edition of the Spanish lighting regulations., but, at the moment, has only been adopted by the equivalent international regulation.

In any case, also, Compliance with an IPX9 does not automatically mean that the IPX7-IPX8 tests will be met., but it is necessary to test under the corresponding test conditions.

Leandro Boyano

R&D engineer for outdoor lighting Artesolar