What does "IP Rating" on lights mean?Updated an hour ago

IP (Ingress Protection) ratings describe how well a device is sealed against solid particles (like dust) and liquids (like water). The rating has two digits: the first (0-6) covers solid/dust protection, and the second (0-9) covers liquid protection - they're independent scales, so a higher second digit doesn't automatically mean better overall protection if the first digit is low. For example, IP68 means full dust protection (6) and protection against continuous submersion (8), while IPX4 means no dust rating was tested but the item resists splashing water from any direction. When choosing a light for a specific environment, check both digits rather than assuming a single "higher is better" number - a light rated for deep submersion isn't necessarily better sealed against dust than one rated differently.