Understanding IP Ratings: What Every Boater Needs to Know
When you're out on the water, your gear faces constant punishment salt spray, washdowns, driving rain, and even full submersion. Words like “water-resistant” don’t mean much without specifics. To know whether your marine lighting or electrical gear can survive real conditions, you need to understand its IP rating.
Ingress Protection (IP) ratings are an international standard (IEC 60529) that define exactly how well a product’s enclosure keeps out solids like dust and salt, and liquids like water. For boaters, IP ratings are essential for choosing safe, reliable equipment that can handle life at sea.
At DRSA, we engineer lighting and electrical products for the harshest marine environments. Every specification we publish is clear, so you can buy with confidence knowing your gear is built for real conditions.
How to Decode an IP Rating
An IP rating consists of two numbers following the letters “IP.”
Each number tells you how much protection the enclosure offers:
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First Digit (Solids Protection): Ranges from 0–6, showing how well the product blocks dust and other solid particles.
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Second Digit (Liquids Protection): Ranges from 0–8, showing resistance to moisture, from light drips to deep submersion.
In general, the higher the number, the better the protection.
IP Rating Chart: What the Numbers Mean
First Digit – Protection Against Solids
| Rating | Protection Level | Marine Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| IP0X | No protection | Not suitable for marine use |
| IP1X–IP4X | Blocks large objects (tools, fingers, wires) | Only acceptable deep inside sealed enclosures |
| IP5X | Dust-protected, minor ingress won’t affect operation | Good for engine rooms or enclosed helms |
| IP6X | Dust-tight, fully sealed enclosure | Gold standard for marine environments |
Second Digit – Protection Against Liquids
| Rating | Protection Level | Marine Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| IPX0–IPX3 | Light drips or sprays | Not suitable for marine use |
| IPX4 | Splashing water | Minimum protection for covered cockpits |
| IPX5 | Low-pressure water jets | Great for on-deck equipment that’s hosed down regularly |
| IPX6 | Powerful water jets | Ideal for exposed gear like spreader lights |
| IPX7 | Temporary immersion (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes) | Excellent for bilges, deck lights, and lockers |
| IPX8 | Continuous immersion | Required for underwater lights and below-waterline gear |
Common Marine IP Ratings and DRSA Products
IP65: The Workhorse for Protected Areas
IP65 gear is dust-tight and can handle low-pressure water jets.
Best for: Helm stations, cockpits, and covered deck lighting.
Example: DRSA LED Strip Lighting is often IP65-rated, perfect for under-gunwale or hardtop accent lighting that sees occasional spray but not direct submersion.
IP67: The Standard for Exposed Deck Hardware
IP67 products are sealed against dust and safe for temporary submersion up to 1 meter.
Best for: Navigation lights, spreader lights, switches, and electronics exposed to rain or bilge moisture.
Examples:
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Both are IP67-rated and built to withstand pounding seas, storms, and washdowns.
IP68: The Mandate for Underwater Gear
IP68 equipment is designed for long-term submersion and complete dust protection.
Best for: Any fixture installed below the waterline.
Example: DRSA Triton Series Underwater LED Lights deliver brilliant illumination with full IP68 sealing, built for continuous saltwater use season after season.
Why IP Ratings Matter for Your Boat
Safety
Saltwater and electricity don’t mix. Properly sealed lights and fixtures prevent water intrusion that could cause shorts, corrosion, or even fire hazards.
Reliability
When conditions get rough, you need equipment that won’t quit. IP-rated fixtures resist fogging, corrosion, and failure during storms or heavy washdowns.
Longevity
Marine gear is an investment. High IP ratings protect your equipment from salt and moisture, reducing maintenance and extending service life.
Choose the Right Rating for Every Application
Before you install any new lighting or electronics on your vessel, check the IP rating. It’s your best indicator of real-world performance and durability.
Explore DRSA’s marine lighting collection for IP65, IP67, and IP68-rated solutions designed for decks, cabins, docks, and underwater use.
Related Products
FAQs About IP Ratings for Marine Lighting
What does IP67 mean?
IP67 means the product is completely dust-tight (6) and protected against temporary submersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes (7). It’s ideal for on-deck equipment, navigation lights, and areas exposed to spray or rain.
Is IP65 waterproof?
Not entirely. IP65 products resist low-pressure water jets, but they aren’t designed for submersion. They’re great for cockpit or interior applications but shouldn’t be placed where water pools or floods.
What’s the difference between IP67 and IP68?
Both are fully dust-sealed, but IP68 equipment can handle continuous, long-term submersion under pressure. That makes it essential for underwater lights and any fixture installed below the waterline.
Can I use IP68 underwater lights in saltwater?
Yes. DRSA’s IP68-rated underwater LED lights are fully sealed for continuous saltwater use, built to withstand corrosion, pressure, and constant immersion.
What IP rating should my boat lights have?
It depends on location:
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Interior & cabin lighting: IP44–IP65
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Deck & exterior lighting: IP67
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Underwater lights: IP68
When in doubt, go higher. It ensures better protection and longer life.