When you purchase outdoor furniture, you most likely notice a string of letters and numbers on
the packaging or with the product description. Those strings of letters are what we call IP
ratings. In layperson’s terms, IP ratings provide helpful information about a product and its
ability to withstand water and dust exposure.
Do stick with us as we explore everything about IP ratings, including differences between
the types of IP ratings and among the IP65, IP66, and IP67 ratings. We shall help you decide
whether IP ratings are essential when purchasing outdoor furniture too.
In this article, we will also examine the difference between water-resistant and waterproof and
tell you what to do when a product does not have an IP rating. Plus, we will finally answer what
IP rating you need for your patio and furniture. Excited? Let’s dive right in.
What is an IP Rating?
IP rating, or ingress protection rating, is a system for classifying the degree of protection
provided by the enclosure of electronic devices or equipment from external elements such as
dust and water. The IP rating is indicated by the letters “IP” followed by two digits. The first digit
refers to the level of protection against dust and small particles, while the second digit refers to
the level of protection against water.
IP Rating Types
There are different types of IP ratings, ranging from IP54 to IP68. Here’s a brief overview of
what each rating means:
- IP54: means your product is protected from limited dust ingress and water sprays from
any direction. - IP55: means that your product is free from limited dust ingress and low-pressure water
jets from any direction. - IP64: means your product is protected from limited dust ingress and splashing water
from any direction. - IP65: means your product is protected from limited dust ingress and low-pressure water
jets from any direction. - IP66: means your product is protected from limited dust ingress and high-pressure water
jets from any direction. - IP67: means your product is protected from dust ingress and temporary submersion in
water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes. - IP68: means your product is protected from dust ingress and continuous submersion in
water under specified pressure and time conditions.
Differences between IP65, IP66, and IP67
The IP65, IP66, and IP67 ratings are some of the most commonly used IP ratings for outdoor
furniture. Some of us may not know these ratings are different from one another. So let’s take a
closer look at the differences between these ratings.
- IP65: This rating means your product is protected against water jets from any direction.
So it is suitable for use in outdoor environments exposed to rainy weather. - IP66: This rating means your product is protected against high-pressure water jets from
any direction. It is suitable for use in areas experiencing heavy rain or splashing water. - IP67: This rating means your product is protected against immersion in water from up to
a depth of 1 meter for about 30 minutes. This rating is best for areas that experience
heavy rains and floods.
Are IP Ratings Important?
IP ratings are essential if you plan to use outdoor furniture in environments where it may be
exposed to water or dust. What an IP rating gives you is the assurance that your product has
been tested and proven to withstand a particular level of exposure to water or dust.
So if a product doesn’t have an IP rating, you, as the buyer, are left unsure how well your
product will hold up in adverse weather conditions.
Water-Resistant vs. Waterproof: What’s the Difference?
Water-resistant and waterproof are terms we often use interchangeably, but their meanings are
different.
Water-resistant means your product can resist water penetration to a certain degree, but that
does not mean your product is entirely impervious to water. Waterproof, on the other hand, means that your product is totally impervious to water and can withstand complete submersion in water.
What If a Product Does Not Have an IP Rating?
If a product has no IP rating, we are left unsure whether the product can withstand water or dust
exposure. With this, buyers assume that the product is unsuitable for outdoor use and may be unable to handle adverse weather conditions.
What IP Rating Do I Need for My Patio and Furniture?
The IP rating you need for your patio and furniture will depend on the level of water and dust
exposure in your outdoor environment. If you live in an area with heavy rain or your patio is
likely submerged in water, an IP67 or IP68 rating may be necessary. On the other hand, if your
patio is only exposed to occasional water splashes, an IP65 or IP66 rating may be sufficient.
Conclusion
When selecting a product, it’s essential to consider the IP rating, the quality of the product, and
the materials used to ensure that it will hold up well in adverse weather conditions.
