Grade school science class taught us water and electricity don’t mix, so how do headlights, marker lights, light bars, turn signals and tow bars all stay protected during inclement weather on a truck? The secret is their IP rating, and today we are going to look at IP67 and IP69K classifications. Both ratings are considered dustproof, so the real test is their resistant to water: IP67 lights are rated for temporary immersion, like road spray during a storm, while IP69K is rated for high-pressure, high-temperature power washing, like truck washes and steam cleaning. Let’s scroll down to take a deeper dive into these light ratings.
What are IP ratings?
- 1. IP = Ingress Protection. Defines how well the light is sealed against dust and moisture, vital for ensuring reliability in harsh, exterior conditions.
- 2. First digit, solids. Measures protection against dust and solid objects within a range of 0-6 and 0 indicating no protection.
- 3. Second digit, liquids. Rates protection against moisture from road spray to full submersion on a scale of 0-9 with IP69K being the highest.
- 4. Third digit, optional. Additional letters are sometimes added to an IP rating to provide additional information related to the device's protection, like oil resistance.
Third-party testing
Ingress Protection ratings are obtained through testing conducted by an independent, certified organization. A company first selects the IP rating it wants a product to achieve, after which the testing lab performs a series of evaluations to determine whether the product meets the required standards. Testing applies to both LED and halogen lights.
The type of rating your truck lighting needs depends on the light's exposure to environmental conditions, like rain, slush and mud. How well you clean up your truck afterwards also plays a role. Both types of lights resist dust and moisture, but the IP69K rating means the light can handle high-pressure washing and higher water temps. Simply put, the economical IP67 rating protects against temporary exposure, while the more expensive IP69K classification handles intense cleaning and harsher conditions.
- “6” indicates fully sealed against dust, dirt and sand
- “7” means the light can withstand temporary, shallow immersion in water for up to 30 minutes
- Not designed for permanent underwater use
- Typically less expensive than IP69K-rated lights
- “6” represents same features as IP67
- “9K” signifies resistance to high-pressure washing to 1450 PSI
- Withstands steam cleaning temperatures to 176°F
- Rugged durability and construction with corrosion-resistant materials
Scenarios and selection guide
| Scenario | Recommended rating |
|---|---|
| Standard roadside towing | IP67 |
| Agriculture/service in dusty fields | IP67 |
| Heavy-duty off-road recovery | IP69K |
| Frequent steam cleaning/power washing | IP69K |
Frequently asked questions
Why is there moisture in my waterproof truck lights? Likely from weakened seal or damaged or cracked lens. Natural condensation builds up over time, as well as pressure equalization can cause moisture to accumulate.
Which IP rating is best for off-roading? Depends on the time you put into maintaining and cleaning your truck lights. If you are running into muddy and dust heavy environments, IP69K would be preferred. If you are using them in more tame environments, IP67 should work fine.
Does IP69K mean fully waterproof? Yes, it is dust-tight and handles high-pressure water, but it is not intended for long-term submersion.
Why is IP69K required in the food industry? It is a "de facto" requirement for food safety audits to survive daily, aggressive sanitization.
What is the standard for IP69K? The light must withstand 1450 PSI of 176°F water sprayed from four angles at close range of 4-6 inches.
