IP ratings explained: what do they mean?
When you buy an LED lamp, LED bar or work light, you almost always come across an IP rating. But what does such an IP code actually mean? And more importantly: which IP rating do you need?
In this blog, we explain what an IP rating is, the differences between the most common classifications, and what to look for when choosing lighting for your vehicle.
What is an IP rating?
IP stands for Ingress Protection. This international classification indicates how well a product is protected against the ingress of dust, dirt, and water.
An IP rating always consists of two digits:
- The first digit indicates the protection against dust and solid particles.
- The second digit indicates how well the product is resistant to water.
The higher the number, the better the protection.
Example: IP68
6 means completely dust-tight, 8 means suitable for continuous immersion in water. An LED lamp with IP68 is therefore excellently protected against dust and water.
The most common IP ratings
| IP rating | Dust-tight | Water-resistant |
| IP65 | ✔ | Water jets |
| IP67 | ✔ | Briefly underwater |
| IP68 | ✔ | Continuous immersion |
| IP69K | ✔ | High pressure & hot water |
IP65
IP65 offers good protection against dust and water jets. This lighting is suitable for normal outdoor use, but not for long-term exposure to water.
Suitable for:
- Passenger cars
- Campers
- Commercial vehicles
- General outdoor use
IP67
IP67 is completely dust-tight and can be kept underwater for a short time without damage.
This IP rating is frequently found in high-quality LED lighting for vehicles.
Suitable for:
- Trucks
- Trailers
- Off-road vehicles
- Work lights
IP68
IP68 offers the same dust-tight protection as IP67, but is designed for long-term exposure to water.
This classification is widely used for professional LED bars and work lights.
Suitable for:
- Intensive daily use
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Off-road
- Trucks
IP69K
IP69K is the highest IP rating you will encounter in vehicle lighting.
In addition to full protection against dust, this lighting is resistant to high-pressure cleaning with hot water. This makes IP69K ideal for vehicles that are washed regularly or used under harsh conditions.
Suitable for:
- Trucks
- Construction machinery
- Agricultural vehicles
- Earthmoving machinery
- Municipal vehicles
IP67, IP68, or IP69K: which one do you need?
That depends on how you use your vehicle.
| Use | Recommended IP rating |
| Passenger car | IP65 or IP67 |
| Camper | IP65 or IP67 |
| 4×4 / Off-road | IP67 or IP68 |
| Truck | IP68 or IP69K |
| Tractor | IP68 or IP69K |
| Work machine | IP69K |
Does a higher IP rating always mean a better lamp?
Not always.
A high IP rating only says something about the protection against dust and water. Other properties also determine the quality of a lamp, such as the light output, the beam pattern, and the present ECE approvals.
At All Day Led, we see that many customers mainly look at the number of lumens. Yet the IP rating is at least as important. A powerful LED bar is of little use if moisture or dirt affects the lamp over time. Are you still looking for the right LED bar? Then also check out our blog Tips for choosing the right LED bar.
That is why we consciously choose LED lighting with a high IP rating. Especially for trucks, agricultural vehicles, and work equipment, we recommend at least IP68, so that the lighting is resistant to intensive daily use and varying weather conditions.
In summary: the IP rating shows how well a lamp is protected against dust and water. The higher the classification, the better the protection. Therefore, choose an IP rating that suits your vehicle and the conditions in which you drive or work. For daily use, IP67 is often sufficient, while IP68 and IP69K are the best choice for intensive use under harsh conditions.
Are you unsure which lighting best suits your situation? Then view our range of LED lighting or contact our specialists. We are happy to help you make the right choice.
