IP Rated Protection Standard You May Know
In stage lighting field, we could see IP20 and IP65 protection rate of the lights. Most moving heads are IP20, par can has IP20 (indoor par can) and IP65 (outdoor par can), most architectural lights are IP65. For now, less moving heads could achieve P65 rated, because its performance and features, moving and need good heat dissipation system.
Why called IP65 and IP20?
First we need to know what is IP.
IP = INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION, the protection rated standard and waterproof rated standard are regulated by IEC (INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION).
We could see there are 2 figures following IP, they present different standards.
First figure presents “anti-solid” materials grade, see below differences
1 — protects ≥50mm diameter solid foreign objects, and large surface areas such as hand (not protect intentionally intruded)
2 — protects ≥12mm diameter solid foreign objects, and fingers and other objects not exceeding 80mm in length.
3 — protects ≥2.5mm diameter solid foreign objects, metal wires, tools, etc, with diameter or thickness not exceeding 2.5mm.
4 — protects ≥1.0mm diameter solid foreign objects, wires or strips with a thickness greater than 1.0mm.
5 — protects dust. It is impossible to completely prevent dust from entering, but the amount of entering dust will not affect the normal operation of the equipment.
6 — Impervious to dust, no dust enters.
Second figure presents “ liquid-proof material grade”
1 — protection of water droplets (vertically falling water droplets)
2 — projection of water water droplets when the equipment is tilted 15-degree, drops fall vertically should not cause damage
3 — protection of splashed water. Water splashes from both sides of the vertical line at a 60-degree angle should not cause damage
4 — protection against water spray. When the equipment is tilted at a normal position by 15-degree, the water directed at the equipment from any direction should not cause damage
5 — protection of water jets. Shooting water from any direction of the equipment should not cause damage
6 — protection against waves. The amount of water that enters the equipment by strong waves or strong jets should not cause damage
7 — protection flooding. When immersed in water at a define pressure and time there should be no water intrusion that can cause damage
8 — protection flooding water. The equipment can be immersed in water for long periods of time under the conditions stated by the manufacturer.
So
IP20 is to prevent ≥12mm diameter solid foreign objects, fingers and other objects not exceeding 80mm in length, any water could damage the equipment (no waterproof rated at all).
IP65 is no dust enters and protection against water jets, shooting water from any directions of the equipment should not cause damage.
Notice: This article was created by Qdot Lighting Limited, reproduced please specify the source.