IP ratings and their importance when purchasing vehicle lighting

What is an IP rating and why is it important?

Vehicle lighting is exposed to harsh conditions. When you buy lighting for car and machine is IP rating one of the most important factors to consider. IP class (also called protection class for lighting) indicates how well a lamp is protected against the ingress of dust and water . A high IP rating means waterproof lighting and dustproof lighting , which is crucial for lights that are to be used outdoors on vehicles. In short: the IP class determines whether your work light can withstand rain on the construction site, whether the auxiliary light can withstand the snowstorm on the E4, and whether the LED ramp survives muddy off-road adventures.

 

Choosing the right IP rating gives you peace of mind that your vehicle lighting will function reliably. in all weather conditions . At Bilupplysningen we have extensive experience in automotive lighting , and we know that good sealing and robust construction are crucial. That's why we offer lamps with high IP ratings that can withstand harsh environments , including moisture, dust and vibration. But what do the numbers in an IP rating actually mean, and what level of protection do you need for different types of lighting? Let's find out.

How do you interpret the IP rating?

An IP rating consists of two numbers, for example IP67 or IP68 . The first digit indicates protection against solid particles such as dust, and the second digit indicates protection against liquid (water). Generally speaking: the higher the number, the better the protection. Here is an overview:

• First digit (0–6) – Protection against dust and dirt. 0 means no protection at all, while 6 is the highest level of protection and means that the lamp is dustproof (no particles can penetrate). Vehicle lamps usually have 5 or 6 here, with 6 being most common for quality lamps.

• Second digit (0–8) – Protection against water. 0 means no water protection, and higher numbers mean resistance to everything from rain splashes to immersion in water. 5 means that the lamp can withstand water jets and rain (splash-proof), 6 withstands even more powerful flushing, 7 means that the lighting can withstand being temporarily submerged in water (up to about 1 meter for 30 minutes), and 8 means that it can handle prolonged immersion (depth over 1 m, according to manufacturer's specification). There is also IP9K (sometimes written IP69K), which is an extra class for very high water pressure and high temperature – for example, high-pressure washing, something that may be relevant for construction vehicles.

Example: A lamp marked IP65 is completely dustproof (6) and can withstand rain and light rinsing with water (5). IP67 means dust-tight housing and that the lamp is waterproof for temporary immersion – perfect for devices that risk being submerged for short periods of time. IP68 means that the lamp is dustproof and can withstand continuous immersion in water, i.e. even higher Water protection . The higher the IP rating, the better, but needs may vary depending on how and where the lamp will be used.

IP65, IP67 or IP68 – what's the difference?

Many vehicle lamps on the market are marked with IP65 , IP67 or IP68 . These numbers may seem abstract, but they directly indicate how resistant the lamp is to the environment. Here we compare the most common classes:

• IP65 – The lamp is dustproof and can withstand rain and water splashes/washing. This is sufficient for lamps that are reasonably protected on the vehicle or are used where they are mainly exposed to weather, dust and dirt but should not be immersed in water. Many simpler work lights and auxiliary lights meet IP65, which means they can withstand normal outdoor conditions such as rain, mud splashes and washing with a garden hose.

• IP67 – The lamp is completely dustproof and also waterproof in case of temporary immersion. This is a very high level of protection that is usually recommended for automotive use. An IP67-rated lamp can easily withstand heavy rain, high-pressure washing from a distance and can even survive being submerged for a short time. Many of Bilupplysningen's LED ramps and auxiliary light have at least IP67, as well as several warning lights and robust work lights. This means you can trust that they are dust and waterproof in demanding environments.

• IP68 – In addition to being dustproof, an IP68-rated lamp can withstand prolonged immersion in water. It is designed for really tough use: think vehicles driving through deep puddles, exposed to constant heavy rain, or equipment that needs to be rinsed off frequently. LED ramps with IP68 are in our range for off-road enthusiasts and professionals, and some warning light and work lights for heavier vehicles also reach this rating. IP68 provides maximum security that the lighting will continue to function even if it is literally submerged under water or covered in mud.

Some premium products also meet IP69K , which as mentioned is a level over IP68 regarding water protection. This is common on lighting for construction machinery and vehicles that are frequently pressure washed. IP69K rated lighting can withstand high pressure hot water directly on it. For most car and truck owners, however, IP67/IP68 is sufficient, but it can be nice to know that the most durable technology is available for the most demanding needs.

Warning lights – require the highest protection against weather

Warning light (e.g., strobe lights, juice mixers, and rotor lights) are often located at the top of vehicles and are directly exposed to the elements. They are used on emergency vehicles, tow trucks, tractors, and other work vehicles where they really must work in all weather conditions to maintain safety. Here it is important to have a high IP class – usually at least IP67. Warning lights with high water protection ensures that regardless of whether it is pouring rain, snowing or if the vehicle is hosed down, the light continues to flash brightly.

 

At Bilupplysningen you will find warning lights that meet both strict approvals (such as ECE R65 for brightness) and have robust housing. Many of our LED flashing light bars are IP67 rated , which means dust and waterproof construction . Several models are also tested against vibrations and shocks, so that they can withstand mounting on, for example, excavators or trucks without any looseness or interruption. If you need the very best protection, there are warning lights that reach up to IP68 and even IP69K, which makes them almost insensitive to the elements. The point is that a good warning light should withstand rain, snow, mud and high-pressure washing – and so do the products we offer.

Work lighting – withstands dusty and humid environments

Work lighting refers to, for example, LED work lights on tractors, excavators, ATVs or work vehicles used on construction sites and in the forest. These lamps are often exposed to dust, soil, mud and water splashes . Imagine an excavator digging soil on a rainy autumn day – the work lights quickly become muddy and wet. Here you should at least choose IP65 rated lighting, which ensures that the lamp is dustproof and can withstand rain and dirt. Many of Bilupplysningen's work lamps actually have an even higher rating, such as IP67, for extra margin in tough use.

 

A IP65 rated work light withstands dust clouds and rain without moisture penetrating. This means you can work in dusty gravel pits or in drizzle without any problems – the lamp will continue to shine. However, for really demanding environments, where high-pressure cleaning after the end of the working day is routine, IP67 or higher is recommended. We offer work lights with IP65 for simpler needs and more robust lamps with IP67/IP68 when you need maximum reliability. Common to all our work lights is that they are built to be used – aluminum housings, durable lenses and seals that keep dust and moisture out, and often specially designed electronics that can withstand vibrations from machines. So you can focus on the job, and the lamps will do their job on both sunny and slushy days.

Extra light – must withstand all weather conditions

Extra light (round or square headlights mounted on e.g. cars, trucks and off-road vehicles) are used to improve visibility in the dark. They are usually located at the front of the vehicle, exposed to high-speed wind, rain, snow, road dirt and stone chips. A good quality auxiliary light therefore needs to have a high IP rating, usually at least IP67 , to be waterproof and dustproof . This ensures that neither the torrential rain on the motorway nor the early morning sleet will cause moisture to get into the lamp. No one wants to discover that the auxiliary lights have fogged up or stopped working halfway through a winter trip due to poor sealing.

 

Many of the additional lights we sell at Bilupplysningen – for example well-known brands such as Hella or our own LED ramps – are IP67 or IP68 rated . This means they can withstand elements with bravura. The construction of these lamps is often in cast aluminum with sealed connections and sturdy gaskets that prevent water ingress. Also dust particles from gravel roads are kept out, which is important not only for the function but also for the reflector and lens to maintain their clarity over time. When you invest in additional lights from us, you can count on them being built for Nordic conditions – they withstands rain, snow, road salt and washing without compromising on performance. This gives you as the driver peace of mind and a long service life for the equipment.

Reversing lights – reliable rear visibility in all weather conditions

Reversing lights or reversing lights are used to illuminate the rear of the vehicle when reversing, especially on larger vehicles, pickups or work vehicles. They can be crucial for safety when maneuvering in the dark. Reversing lights are often mounted low on the rear of the vehicle or high on the rear cab roof, which means they are exposed to water splashes, mud and dust – for example from the rear wheels spraying water, or from precipitation and dirt on the road. For the reversing light to be reliable all year round It should have a high IP rating, on par with auxiliary lights and work lights.

 

The recommendation is to choose at least IP67 also for reversing lights. Then you know that the lamp is dust and waterproof , and can withstand being rinsed off with a water hose or being temporarily submerged in water if you reverse through a deep puddle. At Bilupplysningen there are special LED reversing lights that are designed to withstand tough grips on the rear of the vehicle – they have robust housings, often polycarbonate lenses that won’t crack from stone chips, and are IP67/IP68 rated to withstand both moisture and dirt. Thanks to the high protection class, you avoid problems with oxide or short circuits in the lamp, and you get a clear view to the rear regardless of whether it’s dark, foggy or muddy. As with all our vehicle lighting, durability and function are the focus, so you can trust your equipment every time you put it in gear.

LED ramps – built for rough terrain and wet conditions

LED ramps (elongated auxiliary light bars with many LEDs) have become very popular for both cars, trucks and off-road enthusiasts. They combine high brightness with a compact design. However, an LED bar is usually mounted in the front of a vehicle or on the roof – places where they are exposed to everything from intense rain and snowfall to dust, insects and branches. Many people who drive off-road with LED bars may also accidentally lower the nose of the vehicle into water when driving through ditches or waterways. Therefore, it is critical that the LED bar has a high IP rating, otherwise moisture can find its way into the diodes and electronics.

 

At Bilupplysningen we offer LED ramps with IP67 and IP68 to meet these requirements. An IP67-rated LED ramp can handle tough off-road driving in mud and splashes of water without any worries – you can even high-pressure wash it off (from a short distance) afterwards. Our IP68-rated LED ramps take it a step further: they are so well sealed that they withstand continuous wetness and mud , and some even have built-in pressure-equalizing membranes (e.g. Gore-Tex ventilation) to prevent condensation inside the ramp when the temperature changes. The result is waterproof and dustproof performance even under the most demanding conditions.

 

In addition to sealing, the LED ramps are built to withstand physical abuse. Heavy vibrations and shocks from uneven terrain should not affect their function. A robust aluminum chassis and impact-resistant lenses ensure that the ramp lasts. So whether you're driving through pouring rain on the highway or plowing through muddy forest paths with your off-road vehicle, you can be sure that an LED ramp from our range will continue to shine brightly. Lighting protection class in the form of IP67/IP68 is your insurance that the lamp is ready for adventures in all elements.

Lighting for construction machinery – maximum durability in tough environments

Construction and working machines (such as excavators, wheel loaders, forestry machines and tractors) place perhaps the highest demands on lighting. These machines are often used in muddy, dusty and wet environments , sometimes 24/7. The lights on an excavator can be exposed to heavy rain, mud splashes, dust clouds and then be washed with a high-pressure cleaner every evening. In addition, large diesel engines and rough terrain give rise to constant vibrations and shocks . Here we are talking about lighting that really has to be built to last in the long run .

 

For lighting for construction machinery recommended at least IP67 , but preferably IP68 or higher, combined with a robust construction. Our range includes specially adapted work lights for construction which are not only IP68 rated (dust and water resistant) but are also often tested to military standards for vibration resistance. This means they can withstand the shakes and shocks of the machine without loose contacts or broken LED chips. Several warning lights and strobe lights for work vehicles come with IP69K rating – perfect for machines that are washed clean with hot pressure washers.

 

That a work lamp for construction is dustproof means that even fine stone dust cannot penetrate and cover reflectors or electronics. That it is waterproof means you can work outside in pouring rain or rinse the equipment off directly, without having to dismantle the lights. Car lighting ensures that lighting that can withstand tough environments , because we know that professional users cannot afford equipment that fails. When you buy lamps for your tractor or excavator from us, you therefore get products that are built for the purpose – from seals and gaskets to durable brackets that hold the lamp steady. You can feel confident that the lighting lives up to its IP class and withstand the stresses of your daily activities.

Conclusion: The right IP class provides security and a long lifespan

The IP rating is a measure of the lamp's protection against dust and water , and thus an indicator of how well it will withstand the environments it is used in. By understanding the IP code, you can make an informed choice of lighting that matches your needs. Do you need a simple work light for the garage or tractor that is mostly under cover? Then IP65 may be enough. Are you going to install additional lights on your off-road vehicle or an LED ramp on the roof? Then IP67 or IP68 is almost a must to be sure of getting Waterproof and dustproof lighting . For the toughest jobs and machines, there are IP69K-rated lights that can withstand just about anything you put them through.

 

In Car information you will find a wide range of vehicle lighting with high IP classes. We have LED ramps with IP67/IP68 for those who drive in demanding environments, work lights with IP65 and up for both hobbyists and professionals as well as warning light with extra high water protection for work vehicles and emergency vehicles. What they all have in common is that they can handle moisture, dust and vibrations in tough operation. By investing in the right IP class from the start, you get a lamp that lasts longer, performs better and gives you as the user extra security .

 

In summary: The IP rating is not something you should ignore when purchasing vehicle lighting. It is the key to knowing whether the lamp is suitable for your use. At Bilupplysningen, we are passionate about ensuring that you as a customer receive the right lighting for your car and machine , so we are happy to help you choose lamps with the right level of protection. With the right IP-rated lighting, you can venture out into the dark, debris and dust with confidence – you know that your equipment will light the way regardless of the conditions. Welcome to explore our range and get in touch if you would like advice on protection class and performance. We offer lighting that lights your way and stands up to all the challenges your vehicle may face.