What is an IP rating and why is it important?

Vehicle lighting is exposed to harsh conditions. When buying lighting for cars and machinery, the IP rating is one of the most important factors to consider. The IP rating (also known as the lighting protection class ) 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 lamps that are to be used outdoors on vehicles. In short: the IP rating determines whether your work lamp 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 class gives you peace of mind that your vehicle lighting will work reliably in all weather conditions . At Bilupplysningen, we have extensive experience with vehicle 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 tough environments , including moisture, dust and vibrations. But what do the numbers in an IP class 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 number indicates protection against solid particles such as dust, and the second number indicates protection against liquids (water). In general, the higher the number, the better the protection. Here is an overview:


– 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 the most common for quality lamps.


– 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 (washproof), 6 can withstand even stronger flushing, 7 means that the lighting can withstand temporary immersion in water (up to about 1 meter for 30 minutes), and 8 means that it can withstand long-term immersion (depth over 1 m, according to the 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, which 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 a dustproof housing and that the lamp is waterproof when temporarily submerged – perfect for a device that risks 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 class, 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 lights on the market are marked with IP65 , IP67 or IP68 . These numbers may seem abstract, but they directly indicate how resistant the light is to the environment. Here we compare the most common classes:


– 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.


– The lamp is completely dustproof and also waterproof when temporarily submerged. 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 lights have at least IP67, as do several warning lights and robust work lights. This means you can trust that they are dustproof and waterproof in demanding environments.


– In addition to being dustproof, an IP68-rated light can withstand prolonged immersion in water. It is designed for really tough use: think vehicles that drive through deep puddles, are exposed to constant heavy rain, or equipment that needs to be rinsed off frequently. LED ramps with IP68 are available in our range for off-road enthusiasts and professionals, and some warning lights 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 above IP68 in terms of water protection. This is common on lighting for construction machinery and vehicles that are often high-pressure washed. IP69K-rated lighting can withstand high-pressure hot water directly on it. For most car and truck owners, however, IP67/IP68 is more than enough, 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 lights (e.g. flashing light bars, juice mixers and rotating 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 have to work in all weather conditions to maintain safety. Here, a high IP rating is important – usually at least IP67. Warning lights with high water protection ensure that regardless of whether it is pouring rain, snowing or if the vehicle is hosed down, the light will continue 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 be mounted 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 the products we offer do.

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Extra light – must withstand all weather conditions

Auxiliary lights (round or square headlights mounted on cars, trucks and off-road vehicles, for example) 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 causes moisture to enter 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 extra 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 that they can handle the elements with flying colors. The construction of these lights is often made of cast aluminum with sealed connections and sturdy gaskets that prevent water from entering. Dust particles from gravel roads are also 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 extra lights from us, you can count on them being built for Nordic conditions – they can withstand rain, snow, road salt and washing without compromising on performance. This gives you as a driver peace of mind and a long service life for the equipment.

Auxiliary lights are an important upgrade for those who drive a lot in the dark, whether on country roads, gravel roads or in forests and mountains. With the right auxiliary lights, you get a significantly better light flow than what the original headlights offer, which increases both safety and driving comfort during the dark hours of the day.

LED auxiliary lights have quickly become the most popular option thanks to their high brightness, low power consumption and compact size. They provide immediate full-power light, have a long lifespan and can withstand harsh conditions. Many models combine long range (spot) with wide light distribution (flood) – perfect for both fast roads and technical driving.

Modern auxiliary lights are built in robust aluminum, often with an IP67 or IP69K rating to withstand rain, snow, mud and vibrations. Tempered polycarbonate front glass protects against stone chips and external impacts, while smart heat management extends the life of the LEDs even during cold starts.

Choose between round auxiliary lights, square models or ramps depending on the desired mounting and appearance. Regardless of your choice, there are models that are E-approved for legal use on public roads. Feel free to combine with a relay kit and auxiliary light bracket for a complete and safe installation.

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Reversing lights – reliable rear visibility in all weather conditions

Reversing lights or reversing lamps 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 manoeuvring 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 splashes of water, mud and dust – for example from the rear wheels spraying water, or from precipitation and dirt on the road. To ensure that the reversing light is 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 for reversing lights as well. This way you know that the light is dust and waterproof , and can withstand being rinsed off with a hose or temporarily submerged in water if you reverse through a deep puddle. Bilupplysningen has special LED reversing lights that are designed to withstand tough conditions at the rear of the vehicle – they have robust housings, often polycarbonate lenses that do not crack from stone chips, and are IP67/IP68 rated to withstand both moisture and dirt. Thanks to the high enclosure rating, you avoid problems with oxide or short circuits in the light, and you get a clear view to the rear regardless of whether it is dark, foggy or muddy. As with all of our vehicle lighting, durability and function are in focus, so you can trust your equipment every time you put it in reverse.

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LED ramps – built for rough terrain and wet conditions

LED ramps (elongated auxiliary light ramps with many LED diodes) have become very popular for both cars, trucks and off-road enthusiasts. They combine high brightness with a compact design. However, an LED ramp 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 ramps may also accidentally lower the nose of the vehicle into water when driving through ditches or waterways. Therefore, it is critical that the LED ramp 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 rinse it off with high pressure (from a short distance) afterwards. Our IP68-rated LED ramps take it a step further: they are so well sealed that they can handle continuous wetness and mud , and some even have built-in membranes that equalize pressure (e.g. Gore-Tex ventilation) to prevent condensation inside the ramp when the temperature changes. The result is waterproof and dustproof performance even in 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 a torrential 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. Protection class lighting in the form of IP67/IP68 is your insurance that the lamp is ready for adventure in all elements.

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Lighting for construction machinery – maximum durability in tough environments

Construction and work machinery (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 around the clock. The lights on an excavator can be exposed to heavy rain, mud splashes, dust clouds and then 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 .

For lighting for construction machinery, a minimum IP67 rating is recommended, but preferably IP68 or higher, combined with a robust design. Our range includes specially adapted work lights for construction that are not only IP68 rated (dust and watertight) but are also often tested according to military standards for vibration resistance. This means that they can withstand the shaking and shocks from the machine without loose contacts or broken vibrated LED chips. Several warning lights and flashing lights for work vehicles come with an IP69K rating – perfect for machines that are washed clean with hot high-pressure sprayers.

The fact that a work lamp for construction is dustproof means that even fine stone dust cannot penetrate and cover reflectors or electronics. The fact that it is waterproof means that you can work outside in pouring rain or rinse the equipment off immediately, without having to dismantle the lamps. Car lighting ensures that you have 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 keep the lamp stable. You can feel confident that the lighting lives up to its IP class and can withstand the stresses of your daily operations.

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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 lights are often exposed to dust, dirt, mud and splashes of water . Imagine an excavator digging on a rainy autumn day – the work lights quickly become muddy and wet. Here, you should choose at least IP65-rated lighting, which ensures that the light is dust-proof and can withstand rain and dirt. Many of Bilupplysningen's work lights actually have an even higher rating, such as IP67, for extra margin in tough use.

An IP65-rated work light can withstand dust clouds and rain without moisture penetrating. This means that you can work in dusty gravel pits or in drizzle without any problems – the light 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 lights with IP67/IP68 when you need maximum reliability. What all of our work lights have in common 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. This means you can focus on your work, and the lights will do their job on both sunny and sleety days.

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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 mount extra 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 lamps that can withstand just about anything you put them through.

At Bilupplysningen 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 above for both hobbyists and professionals, and warning lights with extra high water protection for work vehicles and emergency vehicles. What they all have in common is that they can withstand 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 a 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 get the right lighting for your car and machine , which is why we are happy to help you choose lamps with the right level of protection. With the right IP-rated lighting, you can set 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 up your path and stands up to all the challenges that your vehicle may face.

BARGAIN

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