Why Do You Need To Consider The IP Protection Grade When Choosing Lighting Fixtures?

For buyers, in addition to paying attention to the appearance and performance of lighting fixtures, they are also very concerned about the IP protection grade of lamps.Why is this?Next, EXC Streetlight will take you to know.

For outdoor lighting, experienced buyers will consider the environment where the lighting fixture will be installed before purchasing it.Such as rain, snow, wind,sand and other weather, dust impurities in the air and liquid, solid material that caused by artificial factors all will lead to the damage to the performance of lighting lamp.For indoor lighting fixture, it is necessary to consider the humid environment.Laboratory, petrochemical and other special environments have extremely high requirements for the protection of lamps and lanterns. It is necessary to avoid moisture and dust impurities entering the interior of lighting fixture,if not,it will cause damage to the components of lamps and even leaving potential safety hazards.Therefore, for safety reasons, before buying lamps and lanterns, we must pay attention to the IP protection grade of lighting lamps.

What is IP protection grade?

IP protection classes are drawn up by the IEC to classify electrical appliances according to their dust and moisture protection characteristics.It is composed by 2 numbers, the first number expresses electric appliance dustproof, prevent outside content to invade, the airtight degree that the 2nd number expresses electric appliance to prevent moisture, waterproof to invade, the number is bigger the protect grade of lamp higher.

How to distinguish IP protection grade?

The following table briefly indicates the IP protection grade standards:

After understanding the above content, in addition to lighting designers and other professionals, as ordinary consumers in the choice of lighting fixtures,we will also know how to choose.In addition, we should pay attention to the following misunderstandings in the process of purchase.

4 main misunderstandings when buying lighting fixtures

Myth 1:

In the IP protection grade,dustproof and waterproof these two have a relationship.In fact,there is no relationship between the two.For example,strong dustproof ability does not mean strong waterproof ability,and vice versa.IP protection grade of lighting lamps is designed according to the specific use environment, for example,the protection requirement for LED street lights is different from classroom lamps.

Myth 2:

Are IP protection grade of indoor lamps is the same with the outdoor lighting fixtures ?The answer is no!Outdoor lighting lamps include the whole lamp body and external electrical appliances, and indoor lamps include exposed or visible parts.

Myth 3:

As long as the lamp IP protection grade is high,the lighting fixtures can be used willfully,no mater there is outdoor or indoor?The validity of the IP rating is limited to the lamps being properly installed and used in a suitable environment.

Myth 4:

Usually indoor lighting lamps cannot be used outdoors, but outdoor lighting fixtures can be used indoors,which is wrong viewpoint.

As an outdoor lighting fixtures, the street lamp often has to withstand the attack of natural weather such as wind, rain and snow, sandstorms and so on.If the impurities such as rain and dust enter the interior of the lamp, it is easy to damage the lamp components, resulting in the lamp can not work normally, affecting the traffic operation and the safety of pedestrian and driver.

In general, the manufacturer will mark IP grade on the instruction manual or package of the product.If there is no mark of IP grade, we should think twice before buying.