Lighting basics
IP and IK ratings explained for outdoor LED lights
IP65, IP66, IP67 and IK08, IK10: what the digits mean, which rating each application needs, and why a rating certificate matters more than a label.
By Hi-Looms Technologies engineering team · Updated 12 October 2026 · 2 min read
IP: ingress protection
The IP code has two digits. The first (0–6) rates protection against solids and dust, the second (0–9) against water.
| Rating | Dust | Water | Where it fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP20 | Fingers | None | Indoor panels and downlights |
| IP54 | Dust protected | Splashing | Covered corridors, sheds |
| IP65 | Dust tight | Low-pressure jets | Sheltered outdoor, canopies, highbays in dusty plants |
| IP66 | Dust tight | Powerful jets | Street, flood and stadium lights in monsoon climates |
| IP67 | Dust tight | Temporary immersion | Fixtures at ground level or in flood-prone yards |
| IP68 | Dust tight | Continuous immersion | Underwater and fountain lights |
IP66 is the practical minimum for pole-mounted lighting in Kerala: driven rain, pressure washing and salt-laden air near the coast all find weak gaskets. Look for silicone gaskets, breather valves that equalise pressure without letting water in, and stainless fasteners.
IK: impact protection
IK ratings run from IK00 to IK10 and measure resistance to impact energy.
| Rating | Impact energy | Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| IK06 | 1 J | A 250 g weight dropped from 40 cm |
| IK08 | 5 J | A 1.7 kg weight dropped from 30 cm |
| IK10 | 20 J | A 5 kg weight dropped from 40 cm |
Specify IK08 for standard street and flood lights and IK10 for stadium lights, sports halls, playgrounds and industrial bays with forklift traffic. Toughened glass or thick polycarbonate lenses deliver IK10; thin acrylic covers usually stop at IK06.
Reading a datasheet honestly
- A rating is only meaningful with a test report from an accredited lab; ask for it on tenders.
- IP ratings apply to the fixture as supplied. Opening the driver compartment on site and refitting the gasket poorly voids it.
- Temperature matters: a gasket rated at 25 °C may harden after years at 60 °C on a west-facing pole, so look for silicone rather than EPDM in hot climates.
All HiLums outdoor fixtures are specified at IP66 and IK08 or better; the rating for each model is on its product page, and the configurator lets you request IK10 lenses for exposed sites.
Frequently asked questions
Is IP65 enough for a street light in Kerala?
IP66 is the safer choice. Monsoon rain is driven horizontally, and IP66 is tested with powerful water jets rather than the lighter spray of IP65.
What IK rating do I need near a playground or road?
IK08 or IK10 for fixtures within reach or exposed to thrown objects and vehicle vibration.