IP65 vs IP67 vs IP68: What the Ratings Really Mean for Outdoor LED Lighting

"Waterproof" is one of the most used and least precise words in LED lighting. Buyers see IP65, IP67 and IP68 on datasheets, often assume a higher number is simply better, and specify IP68 for everything. That can lead to the wrong product or to paying for a test that does not match the real risk. This guide explains what each rating means under the international standard, and how to choose for eave lights, LED neon and strips.

What an IP rating is

IP stands for Ingress Protection. The codes are defined in IEC 60529 (published in Europe as EN 60529), "Degrees of protection provided by enclosures". An IP code has two digits:

• The first digit (0 to 6) is protection against solid objects and dust.
• The second digit (0 to 9) is protection against water.

An "X" in place of a digit (for example IPX7) means that part was not tested. An IP code says nothing about UV resistance, corrosion, temperature or impact; those need separate tests.

The first digit: 6 means dust-tight

All three ratings in this guide start with 6. Under IEC 60529, 6 = dust-tight: no ingress of dust after testing in a dust chamber. For outdoor lighting, dust-tight matters because fine dust plus moisture creates conductive paths and clouds diffusers.

The second digit: 5, 7 and 8 are different tests

Second digit	Protection (IEC 60529)	Typical test
4	Splashing water from any direction	Oscillating tube or spray nozzle
5	Water jets from any direction	6.3 mm nozzle, about 12.5 L/min, at about 2.5 to 3 m distance
6	Powerful water jets	12.5 mm nozzle, about 100 L/min
7	Temporary immersion	Immersed so the lowest point is 1 m deep and the top at least 0.15 m deep, for 30 minutes
8	Continuous immersion	Conditions agreed between manufacturer and user, but more severe than 7
9	High-pressure, high-temperature water jets	Close-range hot high-pressure spray (added to IEC 60529 later; IP69K is the related automotive code in ISO 20653)

Why IP68 is not automatically "better" than IP65

The water digits are not a simple ladder. IEC 60529 states that a product rated 7 or 8 for immersion is not automatically compliant with 5 or 6 for jets unless it is also tested for them. Immersion is static pressure; jets are dynamic impact on seams and gaskets. That is why you see dual ratings such as IP65/IP68 or IP66/IP67 on serious outdoor products.

IP68 also has no single fixed test. The depth and duration must be agreed and must be tougher than IP67. "IP68" alone, without stated conditions, tells you less than it seems. When you evaluate a supplier, ask:

• What depth and duration was the IP68 test?
• Was the product also tested for jets (IPX5/IPX6)?
• Was it tested as a complete assembly, including connectors and end caps, or only the light body?
• Is there a test report from a third-party lab, and for which model?

We follow the same approach: for each model, ask us for the spec sheet and the current test report rather than relying on a label.

Comparison: IP65 vs IP67 vs IP68

	IP65	IP67	IP68
Dust	Dust-tight	Dust-tight	Dust-tight
Water	Water jets	Temporary immersion (1 m, 30 min)	Continuous immersion, conditions stated by manufacturer
Typical construction	Gasketed housing, coated or sleeved strip	Potted or fully sealed	Fully potted or sealed, sealed connectors
Typical uses	Covered outdoor areas, under eaves, signage protected from standing water	Exposed outdoor installs where temporary flooding or pooling is possible	Landscape, ground-level, areas with standing water, pools/fountains only if specifically rated

Which rating to specify

Permanent eave lights

Eave lights sit on the roofline, exposed to driving rain, snow melt, sprinklers and pressure washers used on the house. Water does not normally pool around them, but water may run along the fascia and gutters can overflow. A rating that covers both jets and immersion (for example IP65 plus IP67 or IP68) on the complete light, with sealed connectors, is a sensible specification for long-term exposure. Our supplier can build eave lights to the highest waterproof grade on request; ask us for the spec sheet and report for the model you choose. See 24V permanent outdoor eave lights.

Flexible LED neon

Indoor décor neon does not need outdoor ratings. For outdoor signs and architectural outlines, specify a model rated for outdoor use, with sealed end caps and outdoor-rated connections. Silicone neon is often chosen outdoors for UV and temperature stability, but check the specific model. See flexible silicone neon strips.

LED strips and channels

Indoor cabinets, showcases and TV backlights are normally IP20 (uncoated). Kitchens near sinks may justify a coated strip; bathrooms and outdoor areas need higher ratings plus suitable power supplies.

The system is only as waterproof as its weakest point

A light can pass IP68 on its own and still fail in the field if connectors, cable entries or the power supply are not protected. Good practice:

• Check that connectors and end caps carry a rating suited to the location.
• Mount connectors facing down and use drip loops.
• Keep power supplies and controllers indoors or in rated enclosures.
• Do not cut and re-seal outdoor products in the field unless the manufacturer provides a tested method.

Beyond IP: other tests that matter outdoors

Risk	Relevant test	Why it matters
Sunlight	UV aging	Yellowing or cracking of covers and silicone
Coastal air	Salt spray	Corrosion of contacts and screws
Heat and humidity	Damp heat / temperature cycling	Seal failure in tropical and desert climates
Electrical safety	Market certifications (e.g. UL/ETL, CE, CB)	Required for import and insurance

If you are importing into the Middle East or Southeast Asia, temperature and humidity performance can be as important as the IP code. Ask us which tests are available for each model.

How to read a supplier datasheet

When comparing suppliers, look for these details next to the IP code:

• Exact code and scope: "IP67 (complete assembly incl. connectors)" is more useful than "waterproof".
• Test conditions for IP68: depth in meters and duration in hours.
• Report reference: lab name, report number and the model numbers covered.
• Operating temperature range: sealing materials behave differently in heat and cold.
• Power supply rating: an IP67 light with an indoor-only power supply is not an outdoor system.

If any of these are missing, ask before you order. A supplier with real test data can usually send it within a day.

Quick specification guide

Location	Suggested minimum
Indoor, dry (cabinets, TV, showcases)	IP20
Indoor, damp (kitchen splash zones)	Coated strip, e.g. IP54/IP65
Outdoor, covered (under canopies)	IP65
Outdoor, exposed roofline	IP65 plus IP67/IP68 on complete assembly
Ground level, possible standing water	IP67/IP68 with stated conditions

These are general starting points, not a substitute for local codes or the manufacturer's installation instructions.

FAQ

Is IP68 always better than IP65?

Not automatically. IP68 tests continuous immersion; IP65 tests water jets. They are different tests, which is why some products are dual-rated, for example IP65/IP68.

Which standard defines IP ratings?

IEC 60529 (published in Europe as EN 60529). It defines protection provided by enclosures against solids and water.

What does IP68 depth and time mean?

IEC 60529 leaves IP68 conditions to agreement between manufacturer and user, but they must be more severe than IP67. A credible IP68 claim states the depth and duration tested.

Does an IP rating cover UV and salt spray?

No. IP ratings only cover ingress of solids and water. UV resistance, salt spray and temperature performance are separate tests.

Related products

• 24V Permanent Outdoor Eave Lights
• Flexible Silicone Neon Strips (USB 5V)