Choosing the right LED lighting isn’t just about brightness or energy efficiency it’s also about durability and protection. That’s where IP (Ingress Protection) and IK (Impact Protection) ratings come in. These internationally recognised standards tell you how well a light fitting can resist dust, water, and physical impact. Whether you’re installing industrial warehouse lighting, outdoor sports floodlights, or commercial fixtures in the UK, understanding IP and IK ratings ensures you select products that will perform reliably in demanding environments.
In this guide, we’ll break down what IP and IK ratings mean, how to read them, and which levels are suitable for different applications. From indoor office lighting to outdoor sports courts and heavy duty industrial spaces, you’ll discover how to choose the right protection level to maximise safety, longevity, and performance.
An IP rating (Ingress Protection rating) is an international standard (IEC 60529 / BS EN 60529) that indicates how well a light fitting is protected against dust, solid objects, and water. The rating is expressed as two digits: the first shows resistance to solids (like dust or tools), while the second shows resistance to liquids (like rain or water jets).
For example, a fitting with an IP20 rating is suitable for most indoor environments where dust and water exposure is minimal, while an IP65 or IP66 rating is essential for outdoor LED floodlights, car parks, or sports facilities where fixtures need to withstand rain and weather.
Choosing the correct IP rating is crucial for safety, performance, and longevity. If a light isn’t adequately protected, dust ingress can reduce efficiency and moisture can cause electrical failures. By understanding IP ratings, you can ensure your LED lighting system performs reliably in the environment it’s installed.
The first digit of the IP rating indicates how well a luminaire is protected against solid objects and dust. Each level corresponds to the size of object (in millimetres) that cannot enter the fitting, ranging from no protection (0) to complete dust-tight sealing (6).
For LED lighting, higher levels (IP5X or IP6X) are recommended in environments like factories, warehouses, and outdoor installations, where fine dust or particles could otherwise reduce light output or damage the electronics.
The second digit of the IP rating indicates how well a luminaire is protected against water and moisture. The scale runs from 0 to 9, with higher numbers offering stronger protection against splashes, jets, or immersion.
For LED lighting, IPX4 or higher is recommended for outdoor use to ensure rain protection, while IPX5 and IPX6 are ideal for floodlights exposed to harsher conditions. For areas where fittings may be submerged or exposed to heavy cleaning (such as sports facilities, food processing plants, or architectural water features), IPX7–IPX9 may be required.
An IK rating measures how well a luminaire is protected against mechanical impact or vandalism. It’s defined by the international standard EN 62262 (IEC 62262) and expressed on a scale from IK00 (no protection) to IK10 (high impact resistance).
The rating is determined by testing the fixture with impacts of different energy levels, measured in joules (J). The higher the rating, the greater the ability of the fitting to withstand accidental knocks, deliberate vandalism, or contact with sports equipment.
For LED lighting, IK ratings are especially important in environments where fittings may be exposed to impact. For example, sports halls, warehouses, and outdoor car parks all benefit from higher IK-rated fixtures, ensuring long-term durability and reduced maintenance costs.
Selecting the correct IP and IK ratings is essential for ensuring your LED lighting performs reliably in its intended environment. The IP rating protects against dust and moisture, while the IK rating ensures durability against physical impacts. By understanding these standards, you can make informed decisions that extend product lifespan, improve safety, and reduce maintenance costs.
At Nexis Lighting, we design and supply high-performance LED solutions that meet the toughest IP and IK requirements for industrial, commercial, and sports applications. Whether you need lighting that withstands harsh outdoor weather or heavy physical use, our experts can help you find the perfect fit.
Contact our team today at sales@nexislighting.co.uk
For most outdoor applications, an IP65 or higher is recommended. This ensures the light fitting is fully protected against dust and resistant to water jets, making it suitable for rain and harsh weather conditions.
Indoor spaces like offices or retail environments usually only require IP20 or IP40, as they are not exposed to dust or water. However, areas with moisture (such as kitchens or bathrooms) may require IP44 or higher.
For environments where lights may be exposed to accidental impacts such as sports halls, gyms, or stadiums an IK08 to IK10 rating is recommended to ensure protection against strong impacts.
Both provide full dust protection, but IP65 withstands water jets while IP67 can handle temporary immersion up to 1 metre. IP67 is ideal for environments where lights may be submerged, such as in landscaping or water features.
Choosing the correct ratings ensures your lights are protected against environmental damage, reducing maintenance costs and extending product lifespan especially in harsh outdoor or industrial conditions.
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