IP rating stands for Ingress Protection rating. It is an international standard (IEC 60529) that classifies the degree to which an electrical enclosure — including an LED light fixture — is protected against the intrusion of solid particles (like dust) and liquids (like water). The rating appears as two digits after the letters "IP": for example, IP44, IP65, or IP67.
For trade show lighting, IP rating is a spec that most exhibitors overlook — but it matters more than you might expect.
How to Read an IP Rating
The IP rating consists of two digits:
- First digit (0–6): Protection against solid particles, including dust
- Second digit (0–8): Protection against liquids, including water
| First Digit | Solid Protection | Second Digit | Liquid Protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection | 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Objects >50mm | 1 | Dripping water (vertical) |
| 2 | Objects >12.5mm | 2 | Dripping water (15° tilt) |
| 3 | Objects >2.5mm | 3 | Spraying water |
| 4 | Objects >1mm | 4 | Splashing water (any direction) |
| 5 | Dust protected | 5 | Water jets |
| 6 | Dust tight | 6 | Powerful water jets |
| — | — | 7 | Immersion up to 1m |
| — | — | 8 | Immersion beyond 1m |
What IP Rating Do You Need for Trade Shows?
Most indoor trade show environments are clean and dry. For standard indoor exhibition use, IP20 to IP44 is sufficient. Here's what each level means in practice:
- IP20 — Basic indoor protection. Suitable for controlled indoor environments with no risk of water contact. Adequate for most trade show applications.
- IP44 — Protected against solid objects larger than 1mm and splashing water from any direction. A good all-purpose rating for trade show lights that may be handled frequently, packed and unpacked, or used in environments where accidental liquid contact is possible (food shows, outdoor-adjacent venues).
- IP65 — Dust-tight and protected against water jets. Required for outdoor exhibitions, open-air markets, and any venue where the booth is exposed to weather.
- IP67/IP68 — Full dust-tight and submersion protection. Not necessary for trade show use; typically used in industrial or marine applications.
When Does IP Rating Matter Most at Trade Shows?
Outdoor exhibitions and open-air markets
If your booth is outdoors or in a tent structure, IP65 minimum is required. Rain, humidity, and condensation can damage IP20 or IP44 fixtures quickly.
Food and beverage shows
Sampling stations, wet bars, and food preparation areas create splash risk. IP44 minimum for any lights near food preparation or liquid service areas.
Frequent packing and shipping
Lights that are packed, shipped, and unpacked repeatedly are exposed to dust, vibration, and handling stress. Higher IP ratings generally correlate with more robust construction, even in dry environments.
High-humidity venues
Some convention centers — particularly in tropical climates or near waterfronts — have higher ambient humidity. IP44 provides a margin of safety in these environments.
IP Rating vs. Build Quality
IP rating is a useful proxy for build quality, but it's not the only indicator. A fixture can have a high IP rating and still use low-quality LED chips or drivers. Always evaluate IP rating alongside CRI, lumen output, driver quality (flicker-free certification), and certification marks (ETL, UL, CE).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need IP65 for an indoor trade show?
No. IP44 is sufficient for standard indoor trade show environments. IP65 adds cost and weight without meaningful benefit in a dry indoor setting. Reserve IP65 for outdoor or high-humidity applications.
What IP rating do BOOTH LIGHTS fixtures have?
Our standard LED display arm lights are rated IP44 — suitable for all standard indoor trade show environments and robust enough for frequent packing and shipping. For outdoor exhibition applications, contact us about IP65-rated options.
Does a higher IP rating mean a brighter or better light?
No. IP rating only measures ingress protection. It has no relationship to brightness, color quality, or energy efficiency. A high-IP fixture can have poor CRI and low lumen output. Always evaluate all specs independently.
My venue is asking for IP certification documentation. What do I provide?
IP rating is typically listed on the fixture label and in the product spec sheet. If your venue requires formal documentation, request the IEC 60529 test report from your supplier. We can provide this documentation for all BOOTH LIGHTS fixtures on request.
Read our full buying guide: how to choose a trade show display arm light. Or browse our LED display arm lights.