IP65, IP67 or IP44? Which protection class your moisture-proof luminaire needs

Moisture-proof luminaires are used wherever humidity, moisture or even water jets play a role. In such environments, it is essential that the lighting functions reliably and is safe at the same time. Without the right degree of protection, electrical components could be damaged by moisture, which can lead not only to lighting failure but also to safety risks such as short circuits or electric shocks. Particularly in commercial and industrial areas, luminaires must meet specific requirements to ensure the protection of people and materials.

What do the IP protection classes mean? A brief explanation

The IP protection class indicates how well an electrical component is protected against the ingress of foreign bodies and moisture. The abbreviation "IP" stands for "Ingress Protection", followed by two digits. The first digit describes the protection against solid foreign bodies such as dust or small particles, while the second digit indicates the protection against water. The higher the numbers, the better the housing is protected against external influences. This classification is particularly important when selecting luminaires for damp or wet environments.

IP44, IP65 or IP67 - What are the differences?

The IP44, IP65 and IP67 protection classes differ considerably in their scope of protection. A luminaire with protection class IP44 offers protection against solid foreign bodies with a diameter of more than one millimeter and against splashing water on all sides. This means that it is suitable for rooms with high humidity or occasional exposure to splashing water.

IP65 goes one step further: in addition to complete protection against dust, this protection class is also resistant to water jets from any angle. This makes it ideal for outdoor areas or industrial environments with intensive exposure to moisture.

IP67 offers even more safety, as these luminaires are not only dust-tight, but can also withstand temporary immersion in water. This means that moisture-proof luminaires with this protection rating can also be used in areas where there is a particularly high level of moisture or water exposure.

What protection class does your moisture-proof luminaire need?

Choosing the right protection class depends heavily on where the luminaire is used. In bathrooms or kitchens, IP44 is often sufficient, as there is only occasional exposure to splashing water. In basements or garages, where dust or moisture is more common, IP65 is a safer choice to ensure the long-term function of the lighting.

In industrial environments, production halls or outdoor areas where heavy rain or high-pressure cleaning play a role, IP65 should be selected as a minimum. For particularly demanding environments, such as in the food industry or for underwater applications, IP67 is often the best choice, as maximum protection against dust and water is required here.

Typical areas of application for different IP protection classes

Damp-proof luminaires with IP44 are often used in private bathrooms, kitchens or protected outdoor areas. They are well suited for environments where there is no direct water radiation. IP65 luminaires are widely used in basements, garages or workshops as they can withstand dust and water jets.

Industrial areas, wash halls or outdoor facilities with severe weather conditions often rely on IP67, as this protection class can withstand temporary immersion in water. In areas where regular cleaning with high-pressure cleaners is required, for example in food production, IP67 is the optimum choice for long-term and safe lighting.

Avoid common mistakes when choosing the protection class

A common mistake is to choose a protection class that is too low. Particularly in damp environments, an inadequate IP classification can lead to water penetrating the luminaire and causing damage. This can lead to failures, dangers from electric shocks or even fires.

On the other hand, some users choose an unnecessarily high protection class, which offers more safety but is associated with higher costs. An IP67 luminaire in an indoor space without exposure to moisture is often oversized and more expensive than necessary.

Finding the right IP protection class for your application

Choosing the right IP protection class is crucial for the safe and long-lasting use of moisture-proof luminaires. While IP44 is sufficient for indoor areas with occasional moisture, IP65 is more suitable for more demanding environments such as workshops or outdoor areas. IP67 is mainly used in industrial areas or where a particularly high level of water resistance is required. If you carefully analyze the specific requirements of your location, you can choose the optimum protection class and avoid making expensive mistakes.