The IP65 vs IP67 comparison is about different water-exposure conditions, not just a higher number. IP65 concerns water jets, IP67 concerns temporary immersion, and IP68 concerns immersion under defined conditions. For LED strips or Neon Flex, check the rating of the complete supplied assembly, including its ends and connections, against the actual installation environment.
For an outdoor AlisterTech enquiry, the end of the light deserves the same attention as its illuminated face. Our connection and assembly work shows the physical details involved; the required protection evidence must still apply to the exact supplied assembly. Include the water exposure and cleaning method with the route so the profile, cable exits and terminations can be discussed as one order.
Quick answer: Identify how water can reach the light: rain, cleaning jets, temporary pooling or sustained immersion. Request the exact assembly's test scope and installation conditions. Do not treat IP67 or IP68 as automatic approval for pressure washing, pools, seawater or unrestricted underwater operation.
IP65 vs IP67 vs IP68 Comparison
| Rating | Solid-particle digit | Water-exposure distinction | What a buyer should confirm |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP65 | 6 | Water jets under defined test conditions | Jet exposure, installation orientation and complete enclosure scope |
| IP67 | 6 | Temporary immersion under defined test conditions | Tested conditions, end connections and whether jet exposure is also covered |
| IP68 | 6 | Immersion under stated conditions | Declared depth, duration, assembly and permitted operating conditions |
The same first digit appears in all three ratings; the second digit makes the water distinction. The IEC 60529 publication defines the enclosure IP classification framework. Intertek's lighting IP testing guidance explains why the enclosure and test scope matter for lighting products.
The table is a selection summary, not a substitute for the standard or a test report. Gizmo Engineering's testing explanation distinguishes jet testing, temporary immersion and manufacturer-defined immersion conditions. Do not apply another manufacturer's depths, test setup or acceptance limits to an AlisterTech product.
Why Immersion and Jet Exposure Must Be Reviewed Separately
A light mounted beneath a canopy, a low-level detail that can temporarily collect water and a fixture cleaned with a water jet present different requirements. Tell the supplier which exposure is possible instead of requesting the highest number without describing the site.
Do not infer jet suitability solely from an immersion classification. If the site has both exposure types, ask whether both are covered by the declared product testing. An IP label also does not define UV resistance, chemical compatibility, corrosion performance or electrical approval for a particular location. Request separate evidence where those conditions matter.
The Ends and Connections Are Part of the Decision
A silicone housing or isolated end cap does not establish the rating of a completed light. Check the supplied configuration, cable outlet, sealing details and any joints that will be made after delivery. If a product is cut or reassembled, ask how its documented installation procedure preserves the intended protection.
The end-cap options on our accessories page list cap-opening and cable-outlet references. They are fitting-selection information, not an independent IP67 certification. The outdoor Neon Flex guide helps describe routes, supports and connection access.
Apply the Rating to the Exact Product
The 12 x 12 mm Neon Flex configuration table lists IP67 for its documented configurations. That listing is not an IP68 claim, a pressure-washing claim or permission to use the product in any submerged installation. Request the matching assembly and installation information for the intended exposure.
Keep bare LED strips, empty silicone housings and finished lighting assemblies separate in the request. Their environmental suitability cannot be inferred from an outer material or a similar product photograph.
What to Send for an Outdoor Lighting Review
Provide the route drawing, mounting height, rain exposure, cleaning method, possible pooling, temperature range, water or chemical contact, cable exits, joints and maintenance access. For immersion requirements, include the proposed depth, duration and operating conditions; do not use an IP68 label without those details.
Ask which supplied assembly the evidence covers, which installation instructions apply and what site conditions are excluded. A qualified installer should review electrical and location-specific requirements. Technical files are available through Technical Resources; the current quotation should identify the selected configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IP67 automatically better than IP65 for every outdoor installation?
No. Compare the actual exposure and tested conditions. Temporary immersion and water jets are different requirements; a larger second digit is not a complete site-suitability decision.
Does IP68 mean unlimited underwater use?
No. The defined immersion conditions and permitted operation must be stated for the exact product. Ask for the depth, duration, medium and installation limitations.
Can I pressure-wash IP67 Neon Flex?
Do not assume so from the immersion rating. Confirm that the supplied assembly and cleaning conditions are specifically covered before adopting that cleaning method.
Does adding a silicone end cap make a strip IP67?
No. Fit, sealing, cable outlets, joints and the complete enclosure must be evaluated together. A cap selected by nominal size alone is not proof of a protection rating.
What changes after cutting a finished lighting product?
The new end and any subsequent joint need the exact product's approved finishing procedure. Confirm the supplied parts and instructions rather than assuming the original assembly rating applies unchanged.
What should I provide when requesting lighting for a wet or outdoor location?
Describe the actual exposure, installation position and connection arrangement, and state any required rating or documentation. Ask for evidence applicable to the complete quoted product, including ends and connections. The outdoor Neon Flex guide explains the installation details to include; a rating on another model is not evidence for your order.
Specify the Exposure With Your Outdoor Lighting Request
Show where water can reach the light and connections. Include the route, cleaning method, required rating and any defined immersion conditions, together with the configuration and quantity.