IP rating appears on almost every outdoor lighting specification, but very few people actually understand it. The two numbers answer two different questions. If you confuse them, it is the reason why the lamps are flooded.

The first digit corresponds to solid and dust protection, ranging from 0 to 6; the second digit corresponds to waterproofing, ranging from 0 to 8. Therefore, IP65 means dustproof and resistant to spraying water; IP66 means dustproof and resistant to strong spraying water;IP67 means dustproof and resistant to water for a short time. Please note that none of them promises something: continuous immersion, and persistence over time.

The second half of the sentence is the most optimistic part of the specification book. The IP rating describes how a new sample behaves under test conditions. It does not say how the sealing ring behaves after two summers of ultraviolet light, or whether the cable joints on the production line are actually screwed to the specified torque. In outdoor and industrial installations, water intake usually comes from the line inlet or seal, rather than the body of the material.

Selection suggestions: IP66 should be selected in coastal and rainy areas and equipped with qualified breathing valves; the flushing operation environment requires IP66 or higher; and the honest answer for lamps that may be in a position where water is accumulated after a storm is that IP67 should be installed in conjunction with elevated installation. Remember to request the test report and ask which standard you are using.