IP stands for Ingress Protection. Two digits. First number is solids, second is liquids.
The first digit runs 0 to 6. A 5 means dust-protected. A 6 means dust-tight. For anything with an LED driver, you want 6 because dust builds up, holds moisture, and corrodes terminals.
The second digit runs 0 to 9. 5 means low-pressure water jets from any direction. 6 means powerful jets. 7 means temporary immersion up to 1 meter. 8 means continuous immersion beyond 1 meter.
So IP65 means dust-tight and protected against water jets. That's your baseline for any outdoor illuminated sign.
IP54 isn't enough for a powered sign. It blocks splashing water but not a driving rain at an angle. You'll get moisture inside and a dead power supply in 18 months.
IP65 is the minimum for outdoor illuminated channel letters and light boxes. It handles rain, hose-downs, and normal weather. We ship this as standard on our front-lit channel letters.
IP66 is for coastal areas, car washes, or anywhere a pressure washer gets used. The jets are stronger. We recommend this for buildings within a mile of breaking surf.
IP67 and IP68 are for submerged or in-ground applications. You almost never need this for a wall-mounted sign. Paying for IP68 is like buying a submarine for a swimming pool.
Look, I've sold signs to a hotel in Miami Beach and a dispensary in Denver. Same letters, different IP spec. One needed IP66 with 316 stainless hardware. The other was fine with IP65 and 304. Your location drives the rating, not the sales rep's pitch.
Here's what nobody tells you: an LED module rated IP67 does not make your finished sign IP67.
The module is sealed at the component level. But once you mount it inside a channel letter, drill a wire hole
Factory-direct since 2010. Free quote within 24 hours — no obligation.
Get a Free Quote →MOQ: 1 piece · 7-15 days · 2-year warranty · Worldwide shipping
See pricing, specs, and get a free quote for the sign type you need. Built in our factory, shipped worldwide.