IP ratings are the most quoted and least understood number on outdoor lighting. Two digits, and each one answers a different question.
Reading the two digits
- First digit — solids, 0-6. 6 means completely dust-tight.
- Second digit — liquids, 0-9. 5 means protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction.
| Rating | Protection | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| IP44 | Splash resistant | Covered patios, sheltered walls |
| IP65 | Dust-tight, water jets | Standard outdoor lighting, most solar lights |
| IP66 | Dust-tight, powerful jets | Exposed coastal sites, wash-down areas |
| IP67 | Dust-tight, temporary immersion | Ground lights, flood-prone areas |
Why IP65 is the right standard for solar lights
A solar light faces rain, dust, wind-blown sand and the occasional hose. IP65 covers all of it without the cost and sealing compromises of higher ratings. For exposed coastal or pressure-washed sites, IP66 is worth asking for.
Two failure points the rating does not cover
- Cable glands and connectors. The housing can be IP65 while a hand-tightened connector is not. Always twist the waterproof connectors fully home and leave a drip loop.
- UV degradation. Cheap plastics go brittle in a few summers and crack the seal. Aluminium bodies with proper gaskets hold up.
Every Vaelo Light uses an aluminium heat-sink body with sealed gaskets and IP65-rated connectors on the panel cable.
Frequently asked questions
What does IP65 mean?
Dust-tight (6) and protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction (5). It is the practical standard for permanently installed outdoor lighting.
Is IP65 enough for heavy rain?
Yes, including wind-driven rain and pressure washing at low pressure. For exposed coastal sites, look for IP66.
Can a light be IP65 and still fail?
Yes — usually through a badly sealed cable connector or UV-cracked plastic, not the housing. Check connectors and choose aluminium bodies.
Still not sure? Tell us the area you want to light and we will recommend a model and mounting height — free, usually answered the same day. WhatsApp +86 186 7539 5280 or email fangyuan12530@Hotmail.com.
Get a Quote for Your Project
Tell us the area you want to light and we will recommend a model and mounting height — free, usually answered the same day.