Have you ever broken your electronic device because choosing the wrong IP rating? When choosing LED screens or other electronic devices, dust-proof and water-proof are always the key maters. Whether you are choosing LED screens or other electronic devices, this article will show you the detail of IP rating table and comparison of different IP rating. Hope this article can help you avoid some common mistakes.
What is an IP Rating?
IP Rating (Ingress Protection Rating) is an international standard that defines a device’s protection against solids (e.g., dust) and liquids (e.g., water). The IP code consists of two digits:
- First digit (0-6): Dust protection level.
- Second digit (0-9): Water resistance level.
Example: IP65 means fully dustproof (6) and resistant to low-pressure water jets (5).
IP Rating Table Explained
First Digit: Dust Protection
| Number | Protection Level | Description |
| 0 | No protection | No protection against solids. |
| 1 | >50mm solids | Protects against hands and large objects. |
| 2 | >12.5mm solids | Protects against fingers and similar objects. |
| 3 | >2.5mm solids | Protects against tools and wires. |
| 4 | >1mm solids | Protects against small screws and debris. |
| 5 | Dust-protected | Limited dust ingress (safe for operation). |
| 6 | Dust-tight | No dust ingress. |
Second Digit: Water Resistance
| Number | Protection Level | Description |
| 0 | No protection | No protection against water. |
| 1 | Vertical dripping | Resists vertically falling drops. |
| 2 | 15° tilted dripping | Resists water tilted up to 15°. |
| 3 | Spraying water | Resists sprays up to 60° from vertical. |
| 4 | Splashing water | Resists splashes from any direction. |
| 5 | Low-pressure jets | Resists 6.3mm nozzle water jets. |
| 6 | High-pressure jets | Resists 12.5mm nozzle water jets. |
| 7 | Temporary immersion | Survives 30 mins in 1m deep water. |
| 8 | Continuous immersion | Submersion under manufacturer conditions. |
| 9 | High-pressure/high-temp | Resists steam cleaning (industrial use). |
Examples:
IP67 rating: Dust-tight and survives 30 mins in 1m water.
IP54 rating: Dust-protected and resists splashes.
How to Choose the Right IP Rating from IP Rating Table?
Step-by-Step Guide
- Assess Your Environment: Is it outdoor, rainy, or industrial?
- Match IP Codes: Use the IP Rating Table to find suitable levels.
- Verify Compatibility: Check if the rating fits your device’s use case.
Example: For rainy outdoor LED screens, choose IP67 or IP68.
When to Use the IP Rating Table?
The IP Rating Table is a vital tool for selecting the right protection level for your devices. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its applications across various industries and scenarios:
When You Choose Consumer Electronics
- Smartphones & Smartwatches (IP67/IP68):
These devices often face exposure to water and dust in daily use. For example:
IP67: Protects against accidental spills, rain, or short submersion (e.g., dropping your phone in a puddle).
IP68: Ideal for more extreme conditions, like swimming with your smartwatch or using your phone near a pool.
Example: The latest smartphones from Apple and Samsung often feature IP68 ratings, ensuring durability in everyday life.
When to use the IP rating table-consumer electronics
- Wireless Earbuds (IPX4+):
Many earbuds are rated IPX4 or higher, making them resistant to sweat and light rain—perfect for workouts or outdoor activities.
When You Choose Industrial Equipment
- Sensors & Control Panels (IP65+):
Industrial environments often involve dust, moisture, and harsh conditions.
IP65: Protects against dust and low-pressure water jets, suitable for factory floors.
IP66/IP67: Ideal for outdoor industrial equipment exposed to heavy rain or temporary flooding.
Example: Temperature sensors in food processing plants often require IP67 ratings to withstand frequent cleaning with water jets.
- Robotics & Automation Systems (IP67/IP68):
Robots used in manufacturing or warehouses may need higher IP ratings to operate reliably in dusty or wet environments.
When You Choose Outdoor Devices
- Security Cameras (IP65/IP67):
Outdoor cameras must withstand rain, snow, and dust.
IP65: Suitable for covered outdoor areas with light exposure to water.
IP67: Recommended for fully exposed locations, such as coastal areas or regions with heavy rainfall.
Example: A security camera with IP67 rating can endure monsoon rains without damage.
- LED Displays (IP65-IP68):
Outdoor LED screens for advertising or events need robust protection.
IP65: Cost-effective for general outdoor use (e.g., billboards).
IP66/IP67: Better for areas with strong winds or heavy rain.
IP68: Essential for underwater or flood-prone installations.
When to use the IP rating table-outdoor LED display
- Streetlights & Traffic Signals (IP65+):
These devices are exposed to weather year-round, requiring at least IP65 rating for dust and rain resistance.
When You Choose Home Appliances
- Smart Home Devices (IP44+):
Devices like smart speakers or thermostats may need basic protection against dust and splashes.
Example: The Google Nest Thermostat has an IP54 rating, making it safe for kitchens or bathrooms.
- Outdoor Lighting (IP65+):
Garden lights or patio fixtures need to resist rain and dust for long-lasting performance.
IP Rating Table: IP65 vs. IP66 vs. IP67 vs. IP68
| IP Rating | Dustproof? | Waterproof? | Best For | Pros & Cons |
| IP65 | Yes | Low-pressure jets | General outdoor ads | √ Affordable × No submersion |
| IP66 | Yes | High-pressure jets | Coastal areas | √ Strong spray resistance × Higher cost |
| IP67 | Yes | 30-min immersion | Flood-prone zones | √ Short-term waterproofing × Not for long submersion |
| IP68 | Yes | Continuous immersion | Underwater installations | √ Max protection × Expensive |
Detailed Comparison: IP65 vs. IP66 vs. IP67 vs. IP68
IP65 vs IP66: Key Differences
IP66 has better water resistance than IP65. It can handle high-pressure water jets (like fire hoses). It’s ideal for areas with strong water exposure, like roadside advertising screens. However, IP65 is suitable for regular rain. Moreover, IP66 is also 5%-10% more expensive than IP65.
IP67 vs IP68: How to Choose?
IP67 can protect your device from short-term immersion (up to 30 minutes), while IP68 rating can withstand continuous submersion (specific depth and time defined by the manufacturer). So if your LED screen need to withstand constant water exposure, like poolside displays, then you must choose IP68 rating.
IP65 vs IP67: Which to Choose?
IP67 offers better water resistance but at a higher cost. If your setup faces occasional water exposure (like outdoor ads), IP65 is enough. For areas prone to water pooling, like low-lying spots, IP67 is recommended.
Common Scenario-based Recommendation
Shopping Mall Exteriors: IP65 rating (budget-friendly).
Coastal Areas: IP66/IP67 rating (wind, saltwater).
Underwater Stages: IP68 rating (permanent submersion).
Decision Flowchart According to IP Rating Table
There are many issues that need to be considered when making decisions among these relatively close IP levels. The following is a simplified process for choosing an IP level to help you make decisions quickly:
IP Rating Table-Decision Flowchart
Still unsure? Contact our experts for free advice.
FAQs
Q1: Does the IP Rating Table Apply to All Devices?
Yes, the IP Rating system is an international standard that applies to all electronic devices. However, the testing conditions may vary depending on the type of device. It’s always a good idea to check the product’s specific certification details for accurate information.
Q2: Does the IP Rating Table Cover All Possible Protection Levels?
No. The IP Rating Table includes the most common protection levels, but not every possible combination is widely used. For example, IP69K (resistant to high-pressure and high-temperature water) is typically found in specialized industrial equipment.
Q3: Do Indoor Devices Need to Refer to the IP Rating Table?
Yes, even indoor devices may require a certain level of dust and water protection (such as IP44) to handle accidental water splashes or dust exposure.
Q4: What’s the Difference Between IP69K and IP68?
IP69K offers both continuous water immersion and resistance to high-pressure, high-temperature water (like during cleaning processes), making it ideal for extreme industrial environments. IP68, on the other hand, is focused on long-term water immersion.
Q5: Does the IP Rating Affect the Brightness of LED Screens?
The IP Rating primarily affects the protection of the device, with minimal impact on brightness. However, higher protection levels may require more complex sealing techniques, which could slightly influence brightness levels.
Conclusion
After reading this guide and comparison, you’ll have a better understanding of IP Ratings and how to avoid potential device damage caused by incorrect choices. You can ensure the reliable operation of your devices in various environments. We hope our IP Rating table has been helpful. For more personalized advice, feel free to contact the YUCHIP team.
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