Choosing LED lights for tough environments
LED lights for tractors, combines, industrial machinery and off-road vehicles are becoming more popular because they shine brighter, cast light farther distances and last longer than halogen lights. It should be noted, however, that not all LED lights are created equally. Especially in harsh environments, the lifespan of LED lights is significantly impacted by how well they are crafted. LED lights made from inferior materials and with shoddy workmanship will experience a shorter service life.
Farm fields, construction sites and off-road trails are tough environments because of dust and water. Agricultural machinery and industrial equipment kick up a lot of dust, and off-road vehicles may find themselves crossing shallow puddles and streams. For all these vehicles, exposure to rain is always a consideration. Dust and moisture significantly degrade the operation of lights, so it’s important to keep both out. Unfortunately, cheaply made lights are at risk of dust and moisture intrusion. The easy way to know if you’re getting lights that stand up to moist and dusty environments is to look for an IP68 rating.
An explanation of what IP68 means
You might know that an IP68 rating for LED lights is good, but many people don’t know exactly what it means. Here’s what the letters and numbers in the rating indicate.
- IP stands for ingress protection. This code specifically addresses the ability to resist intrusion of water and dust.
- The first numeric digit “6” means that the unit has been rated to meet total dust ingress protection.
- The second numeric digit “8” means the unit is acceptable for permanent submersion in water.
Who sets IP68 ratings
The standards for IP68 ratings are set by the International Electrotechnical Commission, a global association with members from more than 150 nations. These standards are recognized throughout much of the world.
Choosing quality LED lights for vehicles
When you’re equipping vehicles that operate in harsh environments like farm fields, construction sites and off-road trails, it’s best to choose ruggedly made lights that handle rigorous conditions. Tiger Lights, a leading manufacturer and supplier of lights for agricultural, industrial and off-road vehicles, offers solidly built lights that meet IP68 ratings. Quality lights will last longer, reducing the frequency of replacements.
