What is an IP value and what does it mean for my LED light?

When purchasing a new LED light, as well as considering the functionality, portability, light colour and light image, choosing the right IP value is always important. IP value stands for 'Ingress Protection'. It is an universal standard that indicates the level of protection for the penetration of solid objects and liquids into electrical equipment.

When a work light is resistant to solid objects, it means that it is protected against, for example, dust or mud from a vehicle's tyres. When your work light is resistant to liquids, it means that the light is protected against rainwater from above and splashes from the road surface. We have tested the IP value of our Kramp lighting. Curious about the test and why the IP value of LED lights is important? Read more here! 

How do you identify the IP value?
The IP value of a lamp is always indicated by two digits immediately after ‘IP’ (ie, IPXX) and is usually shown on the front of the product packaging. The higher the number, the more resistant the electrical device is to objects and liquids.

• The first number indicates to what extent the lamp is protected against the ingress of solid objects. This number ranges from 0 to 6, where 0 is the lowest and 6 the highest.
• The second number indicates to what extent the lamp is capable of withstanding the ingress of liquids. This is important to know, for example, when cleaning a vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner. In the case of impermeability, this figure ranges from 0 to 9K.

The highest value possible is IP69K. The 9K indicates that the lamp is suitable for cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner at different temperatures. This means that a light rated IP69K offers the highest possible protection against solid objects and liquids.

This image explains the definitions of the different IP values.

When the lamp has a low IP value, it does not necessarily mean that the lamp is not of good quality. But do you plan to mount a LED worklight on the cab or any other place on your vehicle and does it need to be able to withstand being cleaned by a high-pressure cleaner? Even if you are not expecting it to withstand such extreme conditions, you obviously want your vehicle's lighting to be able to withstand splashing water on the road, road salt, dust and similar situations. You will want to take a good look at the height of the second digit of the IP value. It would be a pity to find out only after use that your lamps weren't waterproof after all.

Test: IP value of Kramp lighting
Curious about the different IP values in practice? Then watch this video in which we test a Kramp LED lamp in a container of water!

We consider it important that all Kramp lighting has a good IP value and is built to a high quality standard. Because after all, clear and visible light is important in order to work safely! Check out the range of Kramp lighting on our webshop.