Defination of IP rating

IP Rating (Ingress Protection Rating)

IP Rating is a key indicator of the protection performance of electrical equipment (including vehicle and marine lighting fixtures). The international standard is IEC 60529, corresponding to the Chinese national standard GB/T 4208-2017.

1. Structure of IP Code

Format: IP XX

First digit (0–6): Ingress protection against solid foreign objects (dust protection)
Second digit (0–8 / 9K): Ingress protection against water (waterproof rating) (emphasis)

2. Detailed Standards for Waterproof Rating (Second Digit)

Rating	Protection Level	Test Conditions & Description	Application Scenarios (Vehicle & Marine Lighting)
0	No protection	No waterproof capability	Indoor, completely dry environments
1	Protection against vertically falling water drops	Vertical dripping (1mm/min), 10 minutes	Dry areas inside cabins
2	Protection against dripping water when tilted up to 15°	Dripping for 10 minutes with equipment tilted at 15°	Slightly humid cabins
3	Protection against spraying water	Spraying at 60° angle, 10L/min, 10 minutes	Wheelhouse, sheltered areas
4	Protection against splashing water	Splashing water from any direction, 10L/min, 10 minutes	Marine decks, basic protection for vehicle exterior
5	Protection against water jets	6.3mm nozzle, 12.5L/min, 3m distance, 3 minutes	Vehicle exterior lights, marine outdoor equipment
6	Protection against powerful water jets	12.5mm nozzle, 100L/min, 3m distance, 3 minutes	Heavy-duty vehicles, high-protection marine decks
7	Protection against temporary immersion	Immersion at 1m depth for 30 minutes	Mainstream standard for vehicle & marine lights (IP67)
8	Protection against continuous immersion	Depth and duration specified by manufacturer (>1m)	Submersible equipment, deep-water lighting
9K	Protection against high-temperature & high-pressure water jets	80–100°C water, 80–100bar, close-range spraying	Engine compartments, food machinery (rarely used for lighting)

3. Recommended Common Ratings for Vehicle & Marine Lighting

1. Automotive Lighting (Cars / Engineering Machinery)

Interior lighting: IP20 ~ IP44
Exterior lighting (headlamps, taillights, turn signals): IP65 ~ IP67 (mainstream: IP67)
Off-road / modified spotlights: IP67 ~ IP68

2. Marine Lighting (in accordance with CCS / ABS rules)

Cabin interior lighting: IP44 ~ IP55
Deck / outdoor lighting: IP66 ~ IP67
Navigation / signal lights: IP67 (mandatory requirement)
Underwater lighting: IP68

4. Key Notes

IP67 = Totally dust-tight (6) + Watertight at 1m depth for 30 minutes (7)
IP65 = Dust-tight + Protection against low-pressure water jets (commonly used for car washing, heavy rain environments)

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