Standards on luminaires - Insulation classes and IP rating

Are you familiar with the concepts of insulation classes and IP degree of protection? These data have a direct impact on the safety and performance of luminaires. Let's take a look at what they mean so that you can make an informed choice about your luminaires.

Insulation classes

Luminaires have insulation classes that indicate their protection against electric shock on physical contact with the electrical part of the equipment. There are 3 classes:

• Class I — The equipment must be connected to earth via a protective conductor (PE), usually coloured green or green and yellow, which will prevent electric shock.

• Class II — The equipment is double insulated and generally does not need a protective conductor (PE).

• Class III — The equipment uses a very low voltage level, reducing the possibility of electric shock under normal conditions.

Insulation Class Symbols

IP Degree of Protection

The IP degree of protection indicates the degree of protection against the intrusion of solid particles and liquids, according to the IEC 60529 standard. It is expressed in two digits, the first relating to protection against solids and the second against liquids, specifically water. The standard provides for the use of a third digit for protection against mechanical impact, although this is not commonly used.

Digit 1 — Protection against ingress of solids

• IP0X — No protection

• IP1X — Solids with a diameter greater than 50 mm

• IP2X — Solids with a diameter greater than 12,5 mm

• IP3X — Solids with a diameter greater than 2,5 mm

• IP4X — Solids with a diameter greater than 1 mm

• IP5X — Dust-protected

• IP6X — Dust-tight

Digit 2 — Protection against water ingress

• IPX0 — No protection

• IPX1 — Vertically falling drops

• IPX2 — Vertically falling drops, at any angle up to 15º

• IPX3 — Water spray, at any angle up to 60º

• IPX4 — Water splashes, from any direction

• IPX5 — Water projected in jets, from any direction

• IPX6 — Water projected in powerful jets, from any direction

• IPX7 — Ingress of water, up to 1 m for 30 min

• IPX8 — Continuous ingress

• IPX9 — Jets of high pressure and temperature, from any direction

Insulation classes and degrees of protection of Nexled products

Our Downlights have been designed for use exclusively indoors, and their degree of protection is IP40 - protected against the intrusion of solids ≥ 1 mm and without protection against water. In terms of insulation, they are Class III, as they have a very low voltage level.

The Dynamic projectors and high-bays both have Class I insulation. The projector has IP67 protection and the high-bay IP66, being both suitable for industrial and outdoor use.

Shelf 24V illuminated price holder has an IP64 degree of protection and class III insulation.

Given the importance of these concepts, it is crucial to consider insulation classes and the IP degree of protection when choosing a new luminaire, as well as other fundamental concepts about lighting.