When you purchase electronics, whether it is a new set of outdoor speakers or lighting for your workshop, the details will be included as technical specifications like “30W” or “IP67.” Neither of these specifications are random letters and numbers. Rather, each specification is a key indicator about the performance, longevity, and safety of the product. By understanding watts and IP ratings, you will be able to select the correct device for the work you are doing and reduce the potential for making costly errors.
This article will present the breakdown of what watt and IP ratings are in layman’s terms, consider the relevance they have for everything from your energy bill to the longevity of the product, and include examples to highlight how these specifications run a spectrum on their importance. By the end of this article, you will be able to understand these specifications like an expert and become a more informed buyer.
What is a Watt? Power Explained
The watt (W) is the accepted unit of measure for power. It is the measure of the equal ability of energy to be used by a product, and you might think of it as how fast energy is flowing. This terminology was in honor of James Watt, who was an 18th-century inventor that made improvements on the steam engine that became the basis for the Industrial Revolution.
When you see a wattage rating for a product, it is generally telling you one of two things:
– Power Consumption (PC): how much electrical energy does the product draw to operate?
– Power output (PO) is the amount of power generated and is a specification commonly found on audio amplifiers and power supplies. A 60-watt rated light bulb requires 60 watts to provide light, while a 100-watt rated audio amplifier requires the full 100 watts to operate, which accounts for operations plus additional energy being used from peripheral devices interfering with socket energy at the speakers. With electrical energy, a higher rated wattage on a device or load requires higher electrical energy but does not necessarily equate to needing higher electrical energy to operate/run/load the device.
Why Wattage is Important
Wattage matters for two reasons: performance, energy costs, and compatibility with the other components in a system.
- Performance Indicator: For many products, wattage is an indicator of output. Visually speaking, if you have two floodlights, a 100W floodlight will likely give you a greater output of lumens relative to a 50W floodlight. This also holds true for speakers. Generally, a 50W speaker can deliver greater volume without distortion compared to a 10W speaker.
- Electricity consumption: A rating of watts or wattage (W) is attached to the rating on electrical devices. Wattage indicates how much electricity a device uses while it operates. Normally, a device with a higher wattage consumes more energy and is often reflected by energy consumption on your bill to the electricity provider. Where energy-efficient products, like LED lights, are commonplace because you can utilize a greater output (like lumens) while consuming less wattage (electricity is always good for the environment).
- System Compatibility: Wattage must also be factored in when connecting devices to a power source. You cannot plug a 100W device into a power adapter that supplies 50W as you may cause the device to perform less efficiently and/or overheat. If the power source happens to fail as a result, you could potentially damage the power supply.
What is an IP Rating? Durability Decoded
IP rating (Ingress Protection): This global classification shows the level of defense a device has against dust and moisture. It’s set by the EN 60529 standard and is a dependable way to gauge a product’s durability.An IP rating consists of two digits.
- First Digit (0-6): Protection From Solids
- This digit expresses the level of protection from solid objects; the range moves from the protection of your body down to microscopic dust.
- IP0X: No protection.
- IP1X: Protected from objects >50mm (which is basically touching it with your hand).
- IP2X: Protected from objects >12.5mm (for example, fingers).
- IP3X: Protected from objects >2.5mm (for example, tools, etc. and thick wire).
- IP4X: Protected from objects >1mm (Most wire and screws, etc.)
- IP5X: Dust Protected; dust may enter, but in an amount that does not interfere with operation.
- IP6X: Dust Tight; completely sealed against dust.
The second digit (0-9K) corresponds to Protection Against Liquids.
This indicates how protected an item is from moisture from small drips to high-pressure jets to completely underwater.
- IPX0: No protection.
- IPX1: Protected against vertically dripping water.
- IPX2: Protected against dripping water when tilted up to 15°.
- IPX3: Protected against spraying water (up to 60° angle).
- IPX4: Resistant to splashing water from any angle.
- IPX5: Resistant to low pressure water jets from any angle.
- IPX6: Safeguards against high-pressure water jets, regardless of orientation.
- IPX7: Ensures protection from limited periods of water immersion (up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes).
- IPX8: Resistant to water immersion for extended time (conditions established by the manufacturer).
- IPX9K: Resistant to high pressure and high temperature water jets.
Example: A device with an IP68 rating, like most smartphones, will keep the dust out (6) as well as be able to withstand prolonged underwater conditions (8) at depths (greater than 1m or 30 minutes) of use. An IP65 rated product, like an outside light, is also dust resistant, but will only protect against rain or spraying water (5) from a hose.
Why IP Ratings are Crucial
An IP rating is an indicator of whether a product is suitable for the environment for which it was designed. A high IP rating would represent durability and reliability especially around outdoor, industrial, and in some cases, water-based, use conditions.
If an example was an outdoor product like garden lights, security cameras, or outdoor speakers, a high IP rating (usually IP65 or higher) would give you protection from rain, snow, or dust.
- Industrial products : In the case of industrial products (for example equipment in factories or workshops) then those pieces of equipment should have protection against dust, debris, as well as cleaning fluids . In the examples provided, the minimum acceptable rating is IP65 or above.
- Bathroom and Kitchen Products: When thinking about electric items such as outlets or light fittings in bathroom and kitchen areas, make sure that the items used have the correct level of IP (for example for a bathroom, IP44) to protect against splashes or condensation.
- Lifetime of Product: A product with the correct level of IP will last longer as it’s better protected against the environment it is used in, resulting in less money spent on repairs or replacing items. Regardless of the product, which wattage and IP rating is considered, will give it a better expectation of performance and length of service. Higher wattage can only take you so far, as products with lower IP ratings will fail prematurely against the environmental aspects of use. Likewise, products with a higher IP rating but insufficient wattage will not provide enough power in the intended application to get the job done.
Combining Wattage and IP Ratings for the Best Choice
Here are some prudent examples:
Scenario 1: Choosing Floodlights for Outside
- You want to light your backyard and you have two choices. One is a halogen flood-light utilizing 100W and rated IP44 and the second is a 30W, LED flood-light rated IP66.
- The 100W halogen lamp will illuminate with plenty of light but is rated to handle splashes of water (IP44), so it will be affected when it rains heavily or gets hit with a sprinkler from the environment.
- While the 30W LED lamp has lower wattage, it is quite powerful and probably gives off as much bright light as the 50W lamp. It is also rated IP66 for dust-tight and high-pressure water jet rated for outdoor use, so it is actually more reliable and durable to use outside than the 50W lamp. The LED lamp definitely gives brighter light for a longer time, while attention to safety is important.
Scenario 2: Installing Workshop Speakers
- You want music in your dusty woodworking shop. You’re considering a pair of standard 50W indoor bookshelf speakers or a pair of 30W marine speakers with an IP65 rating.
- The 50W indoor speakers offer more power but have no protection against dust. Fine sawdust will surely make its way inside, causing sound to be muffled and the inevitable failure.
- The 30W marine speakers were designed to repel dust and water jets. These speakers may not be as powerful but will still continue to work well for many years in a dusty environment. The sealed design of the speakers creates a consistent performance, and extends their lifespan dramatically.
Key Benefits for Selecting an Appropriate Combination
With the proper combination of power and protection, there are many key benefits.
- Improved Safety: Each of the devices you choose will prevent electrical shorts and failure caused by water or dust getting in; thus, it will decrease the potential for fire or electric shock.
- Improved Value: Durable commercial, weather-resistant products last longer, require less maintenance and will give you a better return on your investment.
- Improved Energy Efficiency: Many new devices and/or lighting are rated at lower wattage and perform just as good or better than devices rated at a higher wattage and last longer.
- Reliable Performance: Reliable Performance: With the right specs, your devices will work the way you expect—whether it’s crisp sound from an outdoor speaker at a pool party or steady light from a security camera during a storm.
Conclusion
Comprehending Watts and IP ratings isn’t just terminology—it’s your map for purchasing electrical products. Watts give you a sense of power and how well a device will perform. An IP rating shows you what the device has been built to withstand in terms of environmental factors. If you can learn to read and use this in tandem with the Watt specifications you now are equipped with a safe, operating, efficient device that is built to last. So next time you’re out there looking for electrical devices, even the smallest, look further than the price tag and think of the specifications! It might just seem like a small detail, but the effect of performance and longevity is exponentially larger!
