IP67 vs IP68 Ratings Explained for Best Marine LED Lights

When buying marine lighting, waterproof protection is not just a feature; it is a necessity. Boats operate in harsh conditions, including water, salt, shocks, and weather variations. This is why it is important to know the waterproof rating when selecting the best marine lights, as it affects safety, durability, and performance. Specifically, the IP67 and IP68 ratings can be confusing even to the more experienced boat owners.

What Does an IP Rating Mean?

To begin with, IP stands for Ingress Protection. This international standard demonstrates the extent to which a product is guarded against solids (such as dust) and liquids (such as water).

The IP rating has two numbers:

• The former displays resistance against solids.
• The second figure depicts waterproofing.

In marine lighting, the water rating is the most crucial. The selection of the best marine lights implies that you need to know the extent to which your lights can be put to the test in terms of water exposure.

Understanding IP67: What It Really Protects

The marine LED lights with an IP67 rating are:

• Shielded out of the dust.
• Shielded against 30 minutes of temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter.

This is the best rating to use in deck lights, cockpit lights, interior cabin lights and navigation lights that can be splashed or temporarily submerged. The best marine lights on the market offer IP67 protection and are not unnecessarily expensive.

In most recreational boats, IP67-Rated products can perform well and be used for extended periods as long as they are properly installed.

Understanding IP68: Higher Protection for Extreme Conditions

IP68 goes the extra mile in relation to waterproofing. These lights are:

• Fully dustproof
• Recommended to be used in water more than 1 meter.

The underwater lights, transom lights, and those mounted to the hull are a special concern for this rating. An IP68 is normally the minimum requirement for the best marine LED lights to be used underwater.

Nonetheless, it is worth noting that IP68 does not necessarily imply greater universality. It is just higher secure submersion protection.

IP67 vs IP68: Which one do you really need?

Now we will compare the two distinctly.

IP67 is perfect for:

• Splash zones
• Rain exposure
• Wash-down areas

IP68 is best for:

• Underwater installations
• Permanent submersion
• There are high-pressure water environments.

The selection of the best marine lights will depend on the location of use and purpose. For example, installing IP68 lights in a cabin will not provide any tangible benefit but will instead make the product more expensive.

Why Waterproof Ratings Matter for Marine LED Lights

The heat generated by marine LED lights can, over time, cause damage to seals, wiring, and electronics due to water exposure. The best marine LED lights are constructed with appropriate sealing, non-corrosive materials, and pressure-resistant cases.

Moreover, salt water is much more destructive than fresh water. This is why marine-rated waterproof standards are more rigorous than general outdoor lighting standards. Choosing the best marine lights will prevent failures and keep replacements from being expensive.

Tips for Choosing the Right Waterproof Rating

Before buying, ask yourself:

• Is the light to be drowned or merely sprayed?
• Above or below the water line is it installed?
• Is the housing marine-grade and anti-corrosive?

And one more, it is also worth remembering that the installation is as important as the rating itself. The best marine LED lights may fail when the seals are broken during mounting.

Final Thoughts

Finally, both IP67 and IP68 are excellent, however, waterproof ratings, but they are not used in the same way. IP67 is ideal for most applications on deck and in interior spaces, whilst IP68 is required for underwater lighting.

With these ratings in mind, you will be able to select the best marine lights that can fit your boat to enhance your safety and also achieve long performance in the waters.