When using solar lights in complex outdoor environments, factors such as waterproof protection, lifespan, safety, and performance stability need to be considered. Therefore, the minimum protection level should reach IP65 to meet the basic requirements mentioned above.
So what does IP65 mean? Please see the following two tables for descriptions of IP levels.
The protection level is represented by the FIRST characteristic number.
| First characteristic digit | Description | Description of inaccessible objects |
| 0 | No protection | No special protection. |
| 1 | Protect against solid foreign objects larger than 50 mm | A large area of the human body, such as the hand (but not intentionally approaching). Solid foreign objects with a diameter exceeding 50mm. |
| 2 | Protect against solid foreign objects larger than 12 mm | Objects similar to fingers or with a length not exceeding 80 mm. Solid foreign objects with a diameter exceeding 12 mm. |
| 3 | Protect against solid foreign objects larger than 2.5 mm | Tools, metal wires, etc., with a diameter or thickness exceeding 2.5 mm. Solid foreign objects with a diameter exceeding 2.5 mm. |
| 4 | Protect against solid foreign objects larger than 1 mm | Metal wires or thin strips with a thickness exceeding 1.0 mm. Solid foreign objects with a diameter exceeding 1.0 mm. |
| 5 | Dustproof | Dust ingress cannot be completely prevented, but the amount entering must not hinder satisfactory equipment operation. |
| 6 | Absolute dustproof | No dust enters. |
The protection level is represented by the SECOND characteristic number.
| Second characteristic digit | Description | Description of the enclosure protection type |
| 0 | No protection | No special protection. |
| 1 | Anti-drip | Dripping water (vertical dripping) should have no harmful effects. |
| 2 | Protection against dripping water when tilted at an angle not exceeding 15° | When the enclosure is tilted upwards by 15° from its normal position, dripping water should have no harmful effects. |
| 3 | Waterproof | Waterproof against water sprayed from any direction within a range of 60° vertically. |
| 4 | Splash-proof | Splashing from any direction onto the enclosure should have no harmful effects. |
| 5 | Water jet proof | Spraying water from a nozzle in any direction onto the enclosure should have no harmful effects. |
| 6 | Protect against violent waves | During violent waves or strong water jets, the water entering the enclosure should not reach harmful amounts. |
| 7 | Watertight | When the enclosure is immersed in water at the specified pressure and time, no harmful amounts of water shall enter. |
| 8 | Anti-diving | The equipment should be suitable for long-term diving under the conditions specified by the manufacturer. Note: Typically, this means that the equipment is airtight, but some types of equipment may allow water to enter, but not to a harmful extent. |
Based on the two lists above, we can tell that:
- IP65 = “no ingress of dust into the luminaire” + “water projected from a nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects on the luminaire.”
- IP66 = “no ingress of dust into the luminaire” + “during violent waves or strong water jets, the water entering the enclosure should not reach harmful amounts.”
- IP67 = “no ingress of dust into the luminaire” + “when the enclosure is immersed in water at the specified pressure and time, no harmful amounts of water shall enter.”
Due to prolonged exposure to sunlight, rainwater, and dust, both solar street lights and solar floodlights are subjected to these elements. To ensure a lifespan of over 10 years, we recommend a minimum protection rating of IP65. For areas near the coast or with severe acid rain, we even suggest a rating of IP66.
However, it is unfortunate that the best-selling solar street lights on the market are currently made of ABS plastic. Although their protection rating can reach IP65 or IP66, ABS material tends to become brittle when used outdoors for extended periods, resulting in a lifespan typically shorter than 5 years. Moreover, there is a safety hazard if the fixture’s shell breaks and falls, potentially harming pedestrians. Therefore, we highly recommend using solar street lights with iron or aluminum shells instead.
Many customers have tried purchasing iron solar street lights because of their longer lifespan compared to ABS plastic shells and the similar price advantage. However, they encountered rusting issues during actual use, leading to eventual failure, and prompting them to abandon this option. We find this regrettable because it is largely related to the spraying process used on the product shell, rather than just the fact that it is made of iron.
We have our own set of standards for exterior treatment, ensuring that regardless of the shell material, solar lights can have a lifespan of up to 10 years outdoors. For more information on this aspect, you can refer to my other article, “The Superiority of Iron Solar Lights”.
If you have any further questions about the quality standards for outdoor solar lights, please feel free to contact our sales representatives. We will get back to you within 24 hours.
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