Technical Information

The letters IP in IP value stand for Ingress Protections (Also called International Protection). The IP value of an LED lamp says something about the degree of protection of the product against external influences. The higher the IP rating, the better the product is protected.

There are two numbers behind the letters IP. This indicates the degree of protection. The first digit indicates the degree of protection against solids. The second digit indicates the degree of protection against liquids (moisture).

The first digit of the IP value;

• IP 0x = not protected
• IP 1x = protected against objects with a diameter> 50 mm
• IP 2x = protected against objects with a diameter> 12 mm
• IP 3x = protected against objects with a diameter> 2.5 mm
• IP 4x = protected against objects with a diameter> 1 mm
• IP 5x = protected against dust
• IP 6x = dust proof

The second digit of IP value;

• IP x0 = not protected
• IP x1 = protected against dripping water
• IP x2 = protected against dripping water at an inclined position of up to 15 degrees
• IP x3 = protected against spraying water
• IP x4 = protected against splashing water
• IP x5 = protected against water jets
• IP x6 = protected against downpours
• IP x7 = protected against submersion (30 mins to 1m deep)
• IP x8 = protected against submersion (30 mins to 1.5m deep)
• IP x9 = protected against high pressure washing and steam

In addition to an IP value, luminaires sometimes also have an IK value. The IK value represents the degree of impact resistance of a luminaire. In practice, the IK codes mean that whatever the mechanical impact, the luminaires must remain intact, but also the electrical safety and IP value must not be affected. However, deformation of the mirror and housing may occur.

I like ratings

The various IK classifications are laid down in the EN 62262 standard and have 10 different values:

• IK 00 = No resistance
• IK 01 = Resistance to shocks of 0.15 J
• IK 02 = Resistance to shock of 0.2 J (standard open luminaire)
• IK 03 = Shock resistance of 0.35 J (standard luminaire with polymethacrylate shield)
• IK 04 = Resistance to shocks of 0.5 J
• IK 05 = Resistance to impact of 0.7 J (open luminaire with reinforced optics)
• IK 06 = Resistance to shocks of 1 J
• IK 07 = Resistance to shocks of 2 J (reinforced)
• IK 08 = Shock resistance of 5 J (closed luminaire with polycarbonate or glass cover, protected against vandalism)
• IK 09 = Resistance to shocks of 10 J
• IK 10 = Shock resistance of 20 J (vandal-proof closed luminaire)

Vandal resistance

The IK designation is also often used to clarify the degree of vandal resistance of a luminaire.

CRI is short for Color Rendering Index and is also known as color rendering index. The CRI is an index and indicates how colors are represented by the light source compared to a reference light source such as daylight.

CRI values

The color rendering index is indicated with values between 0 and 100 Ra. The value 100 Ra means that the light from the light source is identical to that from the reference light source. Light sources with a CRI of 100 Ra provide the truest color renditions. The lower the CRI is, the less accurately the lighting renders the colors.

Different display colors

A lamp with a warm white light color can have the same CRI as a lamp with a cold white light color. The color temperature (Kelvin) of the lamp therefore has no influence on the CRI. However, the color temperature can cause a different perception of the colors. The color of lighting is indicated by the number of Kelvin (K). The lower the number and therefore the color temperature, the warmer the light. The standard Kelvin values start at 2700K (extra warm white) to 6500K (very cold white).

Color temperature examples

• Sunrise: 2000K
• Halogen lamp: 3000K
• Daylight: 5000K
• Clear blue sky: 6500K

The table below offers a helpful guide to the CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers) recommended lighting levels for the most common premises types. This is only a guide and any specific building requirements need to be carefully considered case by case.

In short, a low UGR value ensures less light nuisance in work areas. Applying the right lighting in rooms deserves a lot of attention. This is because lighting can have a major impact on the productivity and overall well-being of people. The light must be bright enough to carry out the work, but must not cause glare or glare.

Glare can be caused in two ways; direct or indirect. With direct glare you can think of a light source that shines in your face, while with indirect glare there is a reflection of the light source on a reflective surface.

The guidelines for the visual comfort of light are measured with a UGR (Unified Glare Rating) value. The UGR value is a model that indicates limit values for uncomfortable glare. The higher the value, the higher the risk of dazzling. The average value is between 15-30. A low value means little glare. A luminaire with a UGR below 15 therefore gives the least glare.

UGR value on individual LED luminaires

UGR is actually intended for the lighting as a whole and not per individual luminaire. Nevertheless, manufacturers offer a UGR value per luminaire based on a reference room with an average reflectance value of 0.70, 0.50, 0.20 (ceiling, walls and floor). In this way one quickly gains a good insight into whether certain combinations of luminaires provide the correct values for the room to be illuminated.