An IP rating describes specified enclosure protection against ingress of solid objects and water under defined tests. It does not by itself establish resistance to condensation, corrosion or every cleaning method, nor does it predict service life. Review the complete environmental specification and maintenance instructions for the selected signal.
IP rating comparison
| Rating | Dust protection | Water protection | Typical traffic use |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP54 | Limited dust entry | Splashing water from any direction | Sheltered or moderate climates |
| IP65 | Dust-tight | Water jets from any direction | Standard for outdoor traffic signals |
| IP66 | Dust-tight | Powerful water jets | Coastal, dusty or high-pressure wash areas |
1. How to read an IP rating
An IP rating has two digits. The first digit (0 to 6) rates protection against solid objects and dust; the second digit (0 to 9) rates protection against water. A 6 in the first position means the enclosure is dust-tight, while a 5 in the second position means it withstands water projected from a nozzle.
So IP54 means “protected against limited dust ingress and against splashing water”, and IP65 means “dust-tight and protected against water jets”. The difference matters a lot when a signal head faces years of rain, road spray and pressure washing.
2. Selecting the required enclosure protection for the project
Outdoor signals face rain, moisture, dust and contamination. Water inside an enclosure can damage electronics or affect the optical surface, so select the required ingress-protection rating from the site and project requirements. Verify the report for the exact housing, seals and cable entries, and follow the documented installation and cleaning limits. An IP rating does not by itself establish service life or prevent condensation.
IP54 is still used on some indoor or semi-sheltered equipment, but for a pole-mounted signal head it leaves less margin for heavy rain and cleaning.
3. IP54 vs IP65 vs IP66: which to choose
Select ingress protection for the site’s dust and water exposure and the approved maintenance methods. Compare documented IP65 and IP66 performance for the complete enclosure configuration. Coastal corrosion, condensation and cleaning chemicals require separate assessment; an IP rating alone does not establish suitability for every environment or pressure-washing method.
Also confirm that the gasket, cable glands and any screw or hinge seals are rated consistently. A housing marked IP65 can still leak if the cable entry is not sealed with a waterproof gland.
4. IP rating and EN12368 certification
Ingress protection is only one part of the product assessment. Review the specified optical and environmental requirements alongside the IP rating. Where EN 12368 is specified, confirm the applicable edition, product configuration and supporting test documents; a high IP rating alone does not demonstrate compliance with the project’s other requirements.
When comparing quotations, check the IP rating and the standard on the same line so the comparison is fair.
5. Confirming the rating before ordering
Ask for the rated IP level of the complete signal head including the housing, lens, visor and cable entry, not just the LED module. Request the test report or certification sheet, and confirm the rating applies to the exact voltage and housing material you are buying.
Relevant GAOQIAO products
These public GAOQIAO catalogue pages are related to the guide. Open them for the representative description, then confirm the latest drawing and rating before ordering.
- 300 mm (12 inch) LED traffic lightsBall, arrow, pedestrian and countdown configurations for standard intersections.
- 200 mm (8 inch) LED traffic lightsCompact heads: confirm suitability for the urban or pedestrian project
- Solar warning lightsWeatherproof solar flashers and beacons for road work and school zones.