An important part of choosing the right lighting for a space is the IP value. But what is an IP value and why is it so important to apply the right value within a business space? Firefly gives you all the tips and information you need to know more about the IP value.

What does the IP value mean?

IP stands for International Protection Marking. This IP value indicates to what extent a product is protected or secured. The IP value consists of two numbers that together form a value. It is written as IPXX, XX are the first and second values ​​here. These two numbers indicate how well a product is resistant to contact, dust and moisture.

First number

The first number of the two indicates how resistant it is to contact and dust. This number is between 0 and 6. Below is an overview of which values ​​protect against which form of contact, dust and moisture:

1. IP0X indicates that there is no protection against contact and dust.
2. IP1X indicates that there is protection against contact with objects larger than 5 cm such as a hand.
3. IP2X indicates protection against contact with objects 12.5 mm in diameter, such as a finger.
4. IP3X indicates protection against objects larger than 2.5 mm, such as a screwdriver.
5. IP4X indicates protection against dust of any size.
6. IP5X indicates protection against water jets from any direction.
7. IP6X indicates protection against strong water jets from any direction.

Second number

The second number indicates the degree to which a product is protected against moisture. This number ranges from 0 to 9. These numbers go together with the first value. Here is an overview of the second values:

1. IPX0 indicates that there is no protection against moisture.
2. IPX1 indicates that there is protection against vertical drops.
3. IPX2 indicates protection against vertical drops at an angle of 15°.
4. IPX3 indicates protection against spray at an angle of 60°.
5. IPX4 indicates protection against jets of water in all directions.
6. IPX5 indicates protection against driving rain in all directions.
7. IPX6 indicates protection against flowing water in all directions.
8. IPX7 indicates protection against immersion in water.
9. IPX8 indicates protection against immersion in standing water.
10. IPX9 indicates protection against immersion in high pressure water.

Sports field lighting is an example of lights that must be able to withstand water and have a minimum value of IP66. This means they cannot be damaged in any weather conditions.

Why take the IP value into account?

The IP value has a great influence on the space. If the wrong IP value is chosen, this can entail major risks. For example, an IP value that is too low for an outdoor space, such as a terrace, can cause a lot of damage. If a high IP value is not chosen, rainwater can penetrate the lights and damage them.

What IP values ​​are there?

In a previous paragraph, we have already mentioned the different numbers and meanings for the different IP values. These numbers can be combined to form different IP values. Firefly has different lighting with different IP values. These IP values ​​vary from IP20 to IP67. IP20 indicates that there is no protection against contact and dust. IP67 indicates that there is protection against flowing water in all directions.

Which IP value is suitable for which room?

Below is an overview of different rooms and the suitable IP values ​​for the rooms.

Office

For an office, an IP value of IP20 to IP40 is recommended. An IP20 value indicates that there is no protection against contact and dust, but an IP40 value indicates that there is protection against objects larger than 1 mm, such as a wire.

Workshop

For a workshop, an IP value of IP44 to IP65 is recommended. An IP44 value indicates that there is protection against splash water, but an IP65 value indicates that there is protection against water jets in all directions.

Catering

For catering, an IP value of IP54 to IP67 is recommended. IP54 indicates protection against dust and water jets in all directions, but IP67 indicates protection against flowing water.

Outdoor lighting

For outdoor lighting, an IP value of IP65 to IP67 is recommended. Both are resistant to all kinds of weather conditions, such as rain and snow.

Firefly lighting Firefly offers different IP values ​​for lighting.

As previously described, Firefly has a wide range of lighting with different IP values. This means there is a suitable choice for every space. At Firefly, quality is combined with style. Due to the high quality and strong IP value of the lighting, you can be sure that you will get the right lighting in your business premises. Also view the Firefly lighting for your business premises.