In brief
An IP rating consists of two digits: the first describes protection against solids and contact, the second protection against water. IP20 is indoor-only, IP65 is dust-tight and jet-water protected, IP66 is dust-tight and protected against powerful water jets – the outdoor front standard across all WALED outdoor series.
How to read an IP rating
An IP rating consists of two digits – the first describes protection against solid objects and contact, the second protection against water. The higher the digit, the better the protection.
The most important levels for LED walls
- IP20: indoor – no protection against water, protected against solid objects from 12.5 mm. Conference room, studio, lobby.
- IP40 / IP43: shop windows, semi-public areas – protection against dust and dripping water.
- IP54: dust-protected + splash water from all directions – transitional indoor/outdoor areas.
- IP65: completely dust-tight + water jets. Outdoor standard for the rear of many LED walls.
- IP66: completely dust-tight + powerful water jets. Outdoor front protection of all our outdoor series (SIGNATURE 960, VARIO, MARINA, PRO/ULTRA).
- IP67 / IP68: temporary or permanent submersion. Only for special installations (e.g. underwater).
Why a dual IP classification?
For outdoor LED walls, a distinction is often made between front and rear: the front must be protected more robustly (rain comes from the front), while the rear may be classified somewhat lower because it is usually mounted against a façade or under a roof. A typical specification is “IP66 front / IP54 rear”.
Special case: coast & pool
When salty air, sea spray, or chlorine vapours come into play, IP66 alone is not sufficient as material protection – additional corrosion-resistant coatings and salt-spray-tested materials are required. This is exactly what the SIGNATURE MARINA special edition is made for.
Frequently asked questions – IP Ratings Explained
What does IP66 mean on an LED wall?
IP66 means fully dust-tight and protected against powerful water jets. This is the outdoor front protection of all WALED outdoor series, including SIGNATURE 960, SIGNATURE VARIO, SIGNATURE MARINA and SIGNATURE PRO/ULTRA.
Which IP rating do I need for which location?
IP20 for conference rooms, studios and lobbies. IP40 or IP43 for shop windows and semi-public areas. IP54 for indoor/outdoor transition zones. IP65 as the outdoor standard for the rear. IP66 as outdoor front protection. IP67 and IP68 only for special installations involving temporary or permanent submersion.
Why do outdoor LED walls have two different IP ratings?
Outdoor LED walls are often rated separately for front and rear. The front must be more strongly protected because rain comes from the front. The rear may be rated slightly lower because it is usually mounted against a façade or under a roof. A typical specification is IP66 at the front and IP54 at the rear.
Which LED wall suits coastal, pool or salt-air environments?
Where salt air, spray or chlorine vapour are involved, IP66 alone is not sufficient as material protection. Corrosion-resistant coatings and salt-spray-tested materials are additionally required. WALED developed the SIGNATURE MARINA special edition for exactly this purpose.
Is IP65 or IP66 better for outdoor use?
Both ratings are fully dust-tight. The difference lies in water protection: IP65 protects against water jets, IP66 against powerful water jets. For the front of an outdoor installation directly exposed to wind and driving rain, IP66 is the correct choice.
Consulting and planning by WALED
WALED VIDEOWALLS GmbH, based in Duisburg, develops, supplies and installs LED video walls for fixed installation and rental – indoor and outdoor, throughout Germany. As a manufacturer for fixed installation and rental with 25 years of experience we plan your system from requirements analysis and 3D planning through to commissioning and maintenance. Reach us on +49 (0) 172 2844494 or via the contact form. Find the right configuration in minutes with the LED wall configurator.