What does IP - ingress protection and where is it used

Most people have this acronym fixed in the context of a unique number that is assigned to any device communicating via Internet Protocol. But that doesn't interest you when choosing crystal chandeliers or ceiling lights.

In such a situation, you are dealing with ingress protection. Specifically against unwanted ingress of water, dust or other foreign bodies. Let's take a closer look at this metric.

What is the IP - ingress protection?

However, ingress protection can evoke a variety of connotations, hence the use of the terms "degree of protection", "light coverage" or "IP light coverage".

How is the IP ingress protection indicated?

The abbreviation IP is then accompanied by a double number for each light, with the first digit indicating the degree of protection against dangerous contact and the ingress of foreign objects, and the second against the ingress of water.

What are they?

1. Degrees of protection against dangerous contact and ingress of foreign objects

• IP 0x = completely without protection.
• IP 1x = protection against the ingress of solid foreign bodies with a diameter of more than 50 mm (e.g. a light touch of the hand).
• IP 2x = protection against the ingress of solid foreign bodies with a diameter of more than 12.5 mm (e.g. finger insertion).
• IP 3x = protection against the ingress of solid foreign bodies with a diameter of more than 2.5 mm and larger (e.g. wide screwdriver).
• IP 4x = protection against the ingress of solid foreign bodies with a diameter of more than 1 mm and larger (e.g. narrow screwdriver or various wires).
• IP 5x = protection against wire contact and partially against dust.
• IP 6x = complete protection against dust.

2. Degrees of protection against water ingress

• IP x0 = no protection at all.
• IP x1 = protection against vertically falling water droplets.
• IP x2 = protection against direct impact of water when inclined up to 15°.
• IP x3 = protection against direct impact of water at inclinations up to 60°.
• IP x4 = protection against water splashing from all directions.
• IP x5 = protection against low pressure water flow from all directions.
• IP x6 = protection against temporary water flooding.
• IP x7 = protection against temporary immersion in water.
• IP x8 = protection against immersion in water.
• IP x9 = protection against gushing high-pressure hot water.

When is it important to monitor the IP - ingress protection?

The IP rating should be considered especially when choosing lighting for dusty or humid environments. For example, in the bathroom. In this case, the article How to choose lighting for the bathroom will inspire you.

However, you don't need to worry about the IP rating of crystal chandeliers in the living room, kitchen and dining room, bedroom or hallway, because there is no immediate risk of water or foreign objects entering these rooms. And even if such a situation were to arise, it is an intensity that our crystal chandeliers can easily cope with.

What is the degree of protection of crystal chandeliers?

Our crystal chandeliers have a protection rating of IP 21.
This means that they are sufficiently protected against:

• electric shock from dangerous finger contact,
• ingress of small objects,
• vertically falling water drops of 1 + 0.55 mm per minute.

We are here for you

Now you know what the IP ingress protection and where it is used. Do you need advice on anything else? Contact us. We will be happy to help you.