IP67 vs IP65 LED Power Supplies: Which Is Best for Outdoor Highway Lighting?

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Einführung

Outdoor highway lighting works in one of the harshest environments. The power supply must survive rain, dust, car splash, long working hours, and strong temperature changes. If the protection level is too low, the LED driver fails early, leading to dark sections, safety risks, and high maintenance costs. Two common waterproof ratings are IP65 and IP67. Many installers are unsure which one is more suitable for highway lighting. This article explains what each rating means, the real differences, and how to choose the right one for your project.

What IP65 and IP67 Actually Mean

IP ratings tell you how protected a device is against dust and water. Both IP65 and IP67 start with “6,” meaning they are completely dust-tight, which is essential for highways where sand and road particles are always present. The second number is the key difference:

IP65: Protected against water jets.
IP67: Protected against temporary submersion.

This one digit changes the performance a lot, especially in outdoor and humid environments.

IP65 vs IP67 for Highway Lighting — Key Differences

Category	IP65 LED Power Supply	IP67 LED Power Supply
3.1 Level of Waterproofing
Rain Protection	Protected against heavy rain	Protected against heavy rain
Water Jets	Protected against low-pressure water jets	Protected against stronger water jets
Flooding / Submersion	Not designed for submersion	Designed to handle temporary submersion (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes)
Underground Moisture	Moderate resistance	High resistance due to tighter sealing
Long-Term Humidity Resistance	Suitable for normal outdoor humidity	Better long-term durability in humid or coastal environments
3.2 Resistance to Environmental Stress	Suitable for general outdoor environments	Suitable for harsh environments, including tunnels and flood-prone areas
3.3 Maintenance & Failure Risk	Higher risk in areas with standing water or high humidity	Lower risk due to stronger waterproofing and sealing
3.4 Installation Location Suitability	Best for pole-mounted fixtures and elevated locations	Best for ground-level, bridge undersides, tunnels, or damp locations
3.5 Cost vs Performance Trade-Off	Lower cost with adequate performance for standard outdoor use	Higher cost but improved reliability and lifespan in harsh conditions

Level of Waterproofing

Water exposure is the biggest concern for power supplies installed on highways. While both ratings handle daily weather, IP67 has deeper waterproof ability.

Rain Protection

IP65 already handles heavy rain without problems. It is completely safe for standard outdoor weather, making it suitable for many highway poles. IP67 also manages rain but with a stronger seal, giving extra protection during storms.

Water Jets

IP65 can resist strong water jets from any direction, such as cleaning or pressure washing. IP67 can also resist jets, but its advantage goes beyond that.

Flooding / Submersion

This is the main difference. IP65 cannot survive temporary flooding or standing water. IP67 can be submerged up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. For tunnels, low-lying roads, and areas with poor drainage, IP67 is the safer choice.

Underground Moisture

Some highway poles collect condensation inside the pole body. IP67 performs better in these cases because its seal prevents moisture from slowly entering the housing.

Long-term Humidity Resistance

Over years of outdoor use, humidity can slowly damage internal components. IP67 drivers typically show a lower failure rate in long-term humid environments than IP65.

Resistance to Environmental Stress

Highway lighting faces heavy dust, high-speed vehicle splash, vibration, and temperature swings. IP67 usually handles these conditions better due to deeper sealing and stronger casing. IP65 works well but may age faster in environments with constant moisture.

Maintenance & Failure Risk

IP65 units need more frequent checking in wet areas. Moisture can build up over time, leading to corrosion or short circuits. IP67 has a naturally lower failure risk, which reduces maintenance cost, important for expressways and long lighting lines where service is expensive.

Installation Location Suitability

IP65: Best for open-air poles, dry environments, and locations with good drainage.
IP67: Best for tunnels, coastal highways, bridges, flood-prone areas, and anywhere water exposure is unpredictable.

Cost vs Performance Trade-Off

IP67 drivers cost slightly more than IP65 because of the stronger waterproof structure. However, in harsh environments, the longer lifespan and fewer replacements make IP67 more cost-effective. For mild environments, IP65 may be enough.

Which Should You Choose for Highway Lighting? (Decision Guide)

Choose IP65 if:

The area has good drainage.
The power supply installs in a protected box.
Water exposure is normal rain only.
You want a more economical option.

Choose IP67 if:

There is risk of flooding or standing water.
The installation is in tunnels, bridges, or coastal roads.
High humidity or condensation is expected.
You want the safest and most reliable long-term solution.

In short: IP65 is for standard outdoor areas. IP67 is for harsh outdoor areas.

Conclusion and Why WEHO

Highway lighting needs a stable and long-lasting power supply. Understanding the difference between IP65 and IP67 helps you choose the right protection level for your project. WEHO offers a full range of IP67 waterproof LED drivers built with aluminum housings, strong sealing, surge protection, and full load burn-in testing. Our drivers are designed for outdoor highways, tunnels, and long-distance lighting lines. If you need help selecting the correct model for your installation, our technical team is ready to support your project with reliable and safe solutions.