The Ingress Protection (IP) rating provides a standardized way to communicate the level of solid particles and liquid protection a device offers. By understanding the different IP ratings and their meaning, you can make a more informed decision when purchasing cycling accessories like bike lights.
In this article, I’ll discuss the waterproof ratings for bike lights, explaining what they mean and how to choose the right one for your needs.
History of Ingress Protection (IP) rating
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), an international organization that sets standards for various electrical and electronic technologies, developed the IP rating system.
The IP rating system provides a standardized way to measure the degree of protection provided by electronic devices, such as bike lights, against dust, water, and other types of intrusion.
Purpose of IP rating
The IP rating system provides a standardized way to measure and communicate the level of protection provided by electronic devices, including bike lights, against various environmental factors.
With a standardized system, it would be easier for consumers to compare different products and assess their suitability for specific uses or environments.
The IP rating system is essential for bike lights, as cyclists often ride in various conditions, from dusty off-road trails to wet and rainy city streets. Choosing a bike light with an appropriate IP rating ensures it will continue functioning properly regardless of the weather or environment.
In addition to providing a way for consumers to compare products, the IP rating system can also help manufacturers to design and test their products more effectively, ensuring that they meet the necessary standards for performance and safety.
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What is an IP rating?
Interpreting the IP rating system involves understanding what the two numbers in the rating represent.
First digit (solid particle protection)
The first number indicates protection against solid particles like dust, dirt, or sand. It ranges from 0 to 6, with 0 (or X) indicating no protection and 6 indicating complete protection against solid objects.
For example, an IP6X rating means that a device is completely protected against dust, while an IP1X rating indicates that a device has no protection against dust.
| First digit | Effective against | Description |
|---|---|---|
| X | – | No rating supplied |
| 0 | – | No protection against contact and ingress of objects |
| 1 | >50mm (2″) | Any large surface of the body, such as the back of a hand, but no protection against deliberate contact with a body part |
| 2 | >12.5mm (0.49″) | Fingers or similar objects |
| 3 | >2.5mm (0.098″) | Tools, thick wires, etc. |
| 4 | >1mm (0.039″) | Most wires, slender screws, large ants etc. |
| 5 | Dust protected | Ingress of dust is not entirely prevented, but it must not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the safe operation of the equipment. |
| 6 | Dust-tight | No ingress of dust; complete protection against contact (dust-tight). A vacuum must be applied. Test duration of up to 8 hours based on airflow. |
Second number
The second number indicates the level of protection against liquids, such as water, rain, or other types of moisture. It ranges from 0 to 9, with 0 indicating no protection and 9 indicating complete protection against liquids.
For example, an IPX4 rating means a device is protected against water splashing from any direction. In contrast, an IPX7 rating indicates that a device can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes without damage.
| Second digit | Protection against | Effective against | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| X | – | – | Not rated |
| 0 | None | – | No protection against ingress of water |
| 1 | Dripping water | Water dripping vertically shall have no unsafe effect on the specimen when mounted upright onto a turntable and rotated at 1 RPM. | Test duration : 10 minutes Water equivalent to 1mm (0.039″) rainfall per minute |
| 2 | Dripping water when tilted at 15° | Water dripping vertically shall have no harmful effect when the enclosure is tilted at an angle of 15° from its normal position. A total of four positions are tested within two axis. | Test duration : 2.5 minutes for every direction of tilt (10 minutes total) Water equivalent to 3mm (0.12″) rainfall per minute |
| 3 | Spraying water | Water falling as a spray at any angle up to 60° from the vertical shall have no harmful effect, utilizing either : a) an oscillating fixture, or b) a spray nozzle with a counterbalanced shield. Test a) is conducted for 5 minutes, then repeated with the specimen rotated horizontally by 90° for the second 5-minute test. Test b) is conducted (with the shield in place) for 5 minutes minimum. | For a spray nozzle : – Test duration : 1 minute per square meter for at least 5 minutes – Water volume : 10L per minute (0.037impgal/s) – Pressure: 50–150 kPa (7.3 – 21.8 psi) For an oscillating tube : – Test duration : 10 minutes – Water volume : 0.07L per minute (0.00026 impgal/s) per hole |
| 4 | Splashing of water | Water splashing against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect, utilizing either : a) an oscillating fixture, or b) A spray nozzle with no shield. Test a) is conducted for 10 minutes. Test b) is conducted (without shield) for 5 minutes minimum. | Oscillating tube : – Test duration : 10 minutes, or spray nozzle (same as IPX3 spray nozzle with the shield removed) |
| 5 | Water jets | Water projected by a nozzle (6.3 mm (0.25″)) against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects. | Test duration : 1 minute per square meter for at least 3 minutes Water volume : 12.5L per minute Pressure : 30 kPa (4.4 psi) at distance of 3m (9.8 ft) |
| 6 | Powerful water jets | Water projected in powerful jets (12.5mm (0.49″)) against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects. | Test duration : 1 minute per square meter for at least 3 minutes Water volume : 100L per minute (0.37 impgal/s) Pressure : 100 kPa (15 psi) at distance of 3m (9.8 ft) |
| 6K | Powerful water jets with increased pressure | Water projected in powerful jets (6.3mm (0.25″) nozzle) against the enclosure from any direction, under elevated pressure, shall have no harmful effects. | Test duration : at least 3 minutes Water volume: 75L per minute (0.27 impgal/s) Pressure: 1,000 kPa (150 psi) at distance of 3m (9.8 ft) |
| 7 | Immersion, up to 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) depth | Ingress of water in harmful quantity shall not be possible when the enclosure is immersed under defined pressure and time conditions (up to 1m (3 ft 3 in) of submersion). | Test duration : 30 minutes. Tested with the lowest point of the enclosure 1,000 mm (39″) below the water, or the highest point 150mm (5.9″) below the surface, whichever is deeper. |
| 8 | Immersion, 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) or more depth | The equipment is suitable for continuous immersion in water under conditions that the manufacturer shall specify. | Test duration : defined by the manufacturer Depth specified by the manufacturer, generally up to 3m (9.8 ft) |
| 9K | Powerful high-temperature water jets | Protected against close-range high-pressure, high-temperature spray downs. Smaller specimens rotate slowly on a turntable, from 4 specific angles. Larger specimens are mounted in the intended position when being used, no turntable required, and are tested freehand for at least 3 minutes at a distance of 0.15 to 0.2m (5.9 in to 7.9″). | Test duration : – Fixture : 30s in each of 4 angles (2 min. total) – Freehand: 1 min/m2, 3 min. minimum – Water volume : 14 to 16L per minute (0.051 to 0.059 impgal/s) – Pressure : 8 to 10 MPa (80 to 100 bar) at a distance of 0.10 to 0.15m meters (3.9″ – 5.9″) – Water temperature: 80 °C (176 °F) |
What is IPX rating?
Sometimes, you might see an IP rating as IPX7, IP5X, or similar. However, the difference between IP and IPX ratings is less significant than it might seem at first glance.
The term IPX is not a separate IP code in and of itself. Instead, it indicates that the solid object protection rating is not specified, but the liquid protection rating is.
For example, an IPX9 rating indicates the device has complete protection against water ingress, but the level of protection against solid objects is not specified.
In contrast, an IP6X indicates the device has complete protection against solid objects, but the level of water protection is not specified.
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Which IP rating to choose for bike lights?
When choosing bike lights based on IP rating, consider both the solid object protection and liquid protection ratings and your specific riding conditions and environments.
Here are some general guidelines for the recommended IP ratings.
- Wet conditions. A minimum of IPX4 protects against water splashing from any direction. IPX6 or higher rating for more extreme conditions, such as riding in heavy rain.
- Dusty trails. A minimum of IP5X protects against dust ingress. IP6X or higher rating for riding in areas with heavy dust or sandstorms.
Depending on the light brand and model, some only offer protection against water, while others offer protection against particles and water.
Examples of bike lights IP Ratings
Here are some examples of the IP rating for bike lights.
| Brand | Model | Brightness (lumens) | IP Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exposure Lights | Joystick Mk16 | 1,150 | IP65 |
| Exposure Lights | Sirius Mk10 | 900 | IP65 |
| Exposure Lights | BOOST-R | 80 | IP65 |
| Cateye | AMPP 1100 | 1,100 | IPX4 |
| Knog | Blinder Road 600 | 600 | IP67 |
| Knog | PWR Trail 1100L | 1,100 | IP66 |
| Light & Motion | Rando 500 | 500 | IP67 |
| NiteRider | Lumina Micro 650 | 650 | IP64 |
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Alex Lee is the founder and editor-at-large of Mr. Mamil. Coming from a professional engineering background, he breaks down technical cycling nuances into an easy-to-understand and digestible format here.
He has been riding road bikes actively for the past 12 years and started racing competitively in the senior category during the summer recently.