IP68 Waterproof Strip Lights: Unleashing Underwater Brilliance

What sets IP68 waterproof strip lights apart from others? Have you ever imagined swimming under your pool with color-changing lights, creating a mesmerizing wonderland-like atmosphere? Unfortunately, it's often challenging to achieve this dream because most lights are not fully waterproof. While they may tolerate being submerged for a short time, prolonged use underwater can be problematic. PaneraLux aims to change this situation by investing two years in designing and testing lights that are true game-changers. These lights are now IP68 waterproof rated. But what exactly does IP68 mean? Let's delve into its significance.

What is an IP rating? IP stands for "Ingress Protection," which gauges the level of protection a device offers against solid objects and liquids. An IP rating typically consists of two digits, the first indicating protection against solid matter and the second indicating water resistance. A higher rating indicates better overall protection. Importantly, an IP rating can only be officially assigned after a product undergoes rigorous testing by a certified, independent company. A company cannot simply assign an IP rating at its discretion.

Now let's examine what each digit in the IP rating signifies, starting with protection from solid objects and dust:

The first digit ranges from 0 to 6 and reflects protection against solid particles.

IP0X: The product is not shielded against any physical contact or objects.

IP1X: It offers protection against objects larger than 50 mm (1.97in), preventing accidental contact but still allowing smaller objects like fingers to access the product. Although possible, it is not advisable to do so.

IP2X: The product is safeguarded against objects larger than 12.5 mm (0.49in), now including fingers.

IP3X: It provides protection from objects above 2.5 mm (0.1in), such as most tools and thick wires.

IP4X: The product is shielded from anything larger than 1 mm (0.04in).

IP5X: It is dust resistant, allowing minimal dust penetration that does not pose a risk of damaging the product.

IP6X: This rating signifies full dust tightness, ensuring no dust can permeate the product.

The second digit ranges from 0 to 9 and indicates the level of water protection:

IPX0: The product offers no specific protection against water.

IPX1: It can resist vertically dripping water.

IPX2: The product can withstand water hitting it at a 15° angle or less.

IPX3: It is capable of enduring water sprays up to 60°.

IPX4: The product is resistant to water splashes from any direction.

IPX5: It can withstand sustained, low-pressure water jet sprays.

IPX6: The product can resist high-pressure and heavy sprays of water.

IPX6K: This rating indicates resistance to water jets of extremely high pressure, although it is rarely used.

IPX7: It can be submerged up to 1 meter (3.3ft) in water for 30 minutes.

IPX8: The product can be submerged beyond 1 meter (3.3ft), with the exact depth specified by the manufacturer.

IPX9K: This rating denotes resistance to high-pressure, high-temperature sprays at close range, but it is a very specific case dictated by a separate standard and rarely used.