IP Ratings: What Are They? Why Do They Matter?

When you are investing in an LED, you need to know how well it is protected against different substances. When you are aware if your LED can bear water and solid intrusion, you can easily take better care of it. IP rating plays an important role in this. With this standardized rating system, you can classify the level of protection your LED has.

What are IP ratings?

An IP rating is a standard defined by the International Electronic Commission (IEC 60529) which measures the sealing effectiveness of an electronic enclosure.

“IP” stands for “ingress protection”, so the term “IP rating” means “protection from access rating”. It measures how protected electrical components are from access by potentially harmful external elements.

For example, an IP65-rated outdoor LED display can withstand dust and low-pressure water jets, while an IP20-rated indoor display might only protect against small solid objects and not liquids.

Breaking Down the IP Rating System

An IP rating typically consists of two numbers:

• The first digit: Indicates protection against solid objects (e.g., dust or dirt).
• The second digit: Indicates protection against liquids (e.g., water splashes or immersion).

An IP rating is written as “IP” followed by 2 digits, with the first digit indicating the electronic’s protection from solids such as tools & dust, and the second digit indicating the electronic’s protection from liquids such as moisture or rain.

The first digit (protection from solids) is on a scale of 0 to 6, with 0 indicating no protection from solids and 6 indicating total protection from solids.

Here’s what each digit means:

The second digit (protection from liquids) is on a scale of 0 to 8, with 0 indicating no protection from liquids and 8 indicating the highest level of protection from liquids.

The higher the digits in the IP rating, the better the protection. An IP65 rated product is more protected from solids than one rated at IP55. An IP67 product is more resistant to water than an IP65 product, and so-on.

Importance of IP ratings for outdoor LED screens

Now, let’s discuss the IP rating for outdoor LED screens and why it is important.

• First of all, an outdoor LED screen needs good protection against both solids and liquid. The screen will be placed outdoors where it will be exposed to all sorts of possible damages. It is exposed to hot sun, rain, and even to human contact.
• An ingress protection rating is important to determine the protection level of an outdoor LED screen. The outdoor LED screen will be tested to prove whether it is both durable and protected.  A high IP-rated outdoor LED screen is suitable for various outdoor applications since it is tested and is able to withstand the climatic conditions that can damage the display. In short, the outdoor LED screen is guaranteed to be both waterproof and weatherproof.
• Furthermore, It is also important for an outdoor LED screen to be validated by the IP rating as it could be exposed to various human contacts. Anything can happen outdoors especially in areas with heavy foot traffic. Some people might accidentally hit the screen, spill a drink onto the LED screen, or tiny rocks may hit the screen. Hence, an Ingress protection rating can help to make the outdoor LED screen to become a trusted product that could be put outdoors despite all the risks.
• IP rating gives confidence to users as well. Users do not have to constantly be worried about their outdoor LED screens or other outdoor electronic devices if the abilities to resist water and weather damage have been tested. Users will feel assured when the devices are IP-rated. Besides, IP-rated products can also help users to make better decision in purchasing the right devices for their applications.

Choosing the Right IP Rating for LED Displays

Selecting the correct IP rating depends on the display's intended use. Here’s a breakdown of recommendations based on application:

1. Indoor LED Displays

Indoor displays are typically shielded from harsh environmental factors and require lower IP ratings.

• IP20: Basic protection against solid objects like fingers. Suitable for offices and malls.
• IP40: Protection against fine dust, ideal for warehouses or industrial indoor settings.

2. Semi-Outdoor LED Displays

Displays used in partially sheltered areas like porches or covered walkways require moderate protection.

• IP44: Protection against splashes from any direction and moderate dust exposure.
• IP54: Enhanced dust and water resistance for environments prone to light rain or heavy dirt.

3. Outdoor LED Displays

Fully outdoor displays face the harshest conditions and need the highest levels of protection.

• IP65: Dust-tight and resistant to low-pressure water jets; ideal for general outdoor use.
• IP67: Temporary water immersion; perfect for installations near pools or fountains.

How Do IP Ratings Affect Performance?

IP ratings directly impact the reliability and lifespan of LED displays. Higher ratings mean better protection but often come with higher costs. Here’s how they influence performance:

• Weather Resistance: Displays with higher IP ratings can endure rain, snow, and dust storms, ensuring uninterrupted performance in extreme conditions.
• Longevity: Enhanced protection reduces wear and tear, lowering maintenance costs over time.
• Visibility: Outdoor displays with high IP ratings maintain clarity even in adverse conditions, such as heavy rain or dusty environments.

Purchase LED display with high IP ratings from us

To determine the best ingress protection rating for any device, you have to determine the application and the venue of the device first. Will it be indoor or outdoor? If it is to be put outdoors, then you have to carefully choose an ideal IP-rated device to make sure it will be weatherproof and waterproof.  

We Premteco is a reliable LED display supplier that makes sure that our LED products are provided with high IP level protection. If you are in need of any LED displays with high IP levels, kindly contact us immediately.

FAQs About IP Ratings for LED Displays

Q: 1. Are all LED displays rated with an IP?

A: Not all LED displays need IP ratings. Indoor displays often forgo high IP ratings due to their protected environments.

Q: 2. Can two displays with the same IP rating perform differently?

A: Yes. Even with identical IP ratings, differences in materials and manufacturing can result in varying performance levels.

Q: 3. What IP rating is best for outdoor advertising?

A: For most outdoor applications, an IP65 rating is sufficient. However, in areas prone to heavy rain or flooding, consider IP67 for added protection.