IP ratings tell you how well a light is protected against dust and water.
Choosing the correct rating is essential for safety, durability, and long-term performance, especially outdoors or in wet environments.

Here is a fast, clear breakdown of what each rating means and when to use it.

What Does “IP” Mean?

IP = Ingress Protection

• First number: protection against dust

• Second number: protection against water

Example:

• IP54 → limited dust protection + splash resistance

• IP65 → dust-tight + protected from water jets

• IP68 → dust-tight + protected from long-term submersion

Common IP Ratings in Lighting (Simple Breakdown)

IP20  (Indoor Only)

• No water protection

Safe only for dry areas
Use for: aluminum profiles, indoor LED strips, living rooms, shelves

IP54 (Light Splash & Moisture Resistant)

• Protected from limited dust

• Protected from splashes, steam, condensation

• Not suitable for rain or direct water exposure
  Use for:

• Indoor step lights

• Bathrooms (zone 3)

• Staircases

• Damp environments but not wet locations

IP65 (Outdoor Rated)

• Fully dust-tight

• Protected from water jets and heavy rain

• Great for Canadian winter conditions
  Use for:

• Garden spike lights

• Hardscape lights

• Outdoor COB strips

• Fascia/soffit lighting

IP67 (Temporary Water Submersion)

• Fully dust-tight

• Safe for accidental or temporary submersion (up to 1m)
  Use for:

• Areas with snow buildup

• Ground-level lighting

• Landscape zones where water may pool

IP68 (Long-Term Submersion)

• Fully dust-tight

• Rated for continuous underwater use
  Use for:

• Ponds, pools, fountains

• High-moisture in-ground installations

IP Ratings: What People Often Get Wrong

❌ “IP54 is waterproof.”

Incorrect.
It is splash-resistant, not for outdoor rain.

❌ “IP65 is the same as IP67.”

Not true — IP65 handles rain; IP67 handles submersion.

❌ “An indoor strip becomes waterproof if you cover it.”

Also false — covering does not replace IP protection.

Picovolt IP Levels by Product Category

✔ Step Lights (Indoor)

IP54 → splash-resistant, safe for hallways, stairs, bathrooms.

✔ Garden Spike Lights

IP65 → designed for rain and harsh outdoor weather.

✔ Hardscape Lights

IP65 → ideal for patios, retaining walls, and exterior steps.

✔ In-Ground Lights

IP67 or IP68 depending on model → built for snow, soil moisture, and heavy-duty environments.

✔ COB LED Strips (Outdoor)

IP65 → silicone-coated water-resistant protection.

✔ Indoor LED Strips & Profiles

IP20 → dry areas only.

Quick Reference: Choose the Right IP Rating

Why Choose Picovolt for Outdoor Lighting?

• Rated and tested for Canadian climate durability

• ETL/UL certified

• High-quality seals, materials, and optical components

• Designed for moisture, snow, and temperature extremes

You get professional-grade performance you can trust.

What We Learned

IP ratings are simple once you know what each number stands for.
Choosing the right rating ensures your lighting performs reliably in any environment—indoor, outdoor, or underwater.

Picovolt provides IP20, IP54, IP65, IP67, and IP68 products designed for both design-conscious projects and demanding Canadian outdoor conditions.