High Humidity Environment Warning! How to Choose the Waterproof Rating for Quantum Board LEDs? 

The Ultimate Guide to IP65 vs IP67 for Greenhouse and Hydroponic Scenarios

In the wave of greenhouse growing and hydroponics, LED grow lights have long been the “secret weapon” of growers. In particular, quantum plate LEDs, with their efficient light energy conversion and precise spectral regulation, have become the “sunlight replacement” for cannabis cultivation (in legal areas), vegetables, flowers and other crops. However, in the face of lingering water spray in greenhouses, splashing nutrient solution in hydroponic systems, and even the occasional rainstorm, how to choose a waterproof rating has become a headache for growers. Today, Lightmyleaf, with 12 years of experience in plant lighting research and development, brings you the truth about IP65 and IP67, and recommends two “waterproof warriors”-IP65 120W Quantum Board Light and IP65 240W Quantum Board Light.

IP Waterproof Rating: The Survival Game Behind the Numbers

IP rating (Ingress Protection) is a protection standard set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and consists of two digits:

The first digit: dustproof capability (0-6 levels, 6 being the highest)

The second digit: water resistance (0-9, with 7 being the “short-term water immersion” level)

Simply put:

IP65: Fully dustproof, can withstand high-pressure water jets in any direction (e.g., sprinkler systems, rainfall), but cannot be immersed for long periods of time.

IP67: Fully dustproof, can be immersed in 1 meter of deep water for 30 minutes, suitable for short-term immersion or extreme humid environments.

Greenhouse scenarios: IP65 “enough philosophy”.

The “enemy” of greenhouse cultivation is high humidity and water spraying:

Spray irrigation: atomized water droplets may be splashed on the surface of the lamps and lanterns, and the long-term accumulation may lead to short circuit.

Water curtain cooling: Water mist is formed when the curtain system is in operation, increasing the humidity of the air.

Temperature difference condensation: At low temperatures at night, the surface of the lamp body may produce condensation due to the temperature difference.

Why IP65 Quantum Board LEDs for greenhouses?

Balance of cost and practicality: IP65 is already able to cope with daily sprays and rain splashes at a more affordable price.

Thermal Advantage: IP67 fixtures sacrifice some heat dissipation for waterproofing, whereas greenhouses usually don't need to run at high power for long periods of time, and IP65's heat dissipation design is more efficient.

Recommended Quantum Board LED products:

IP65 120W Quantum Board Light: Suitable for small greenhouse and home planting, red and blue spectrum with 660nm deep red light to promote flower bud differentiation.

IP65 240W Quantum Board Light: suitable for large greenhouses, commercial planting, full spectrum design, supports full cycle plant growth.

Hydroponics scenario: IP67 “waterproof compulsion”.

The waterproof requirement of hydroponics system for lamps and lanterns is “perverted”:

Root immersion: In Deep Flow Hydroponics (DFT), roots are immersed in nutrient solution for a long period of time, and water spray may splash into the luminaire.

Risk of equipment submersion: Luminaires can be briefly immersed in water in the event of pipe breakage or high water levels.

Cleaning challenges: Hydroponics systems need to be cleaned regularly, and high-pressure water jets may impact the luminaire.

Why IP67 for hydroponics?

Safety redundancy: IP67 ensures that the luminaire will “come back alive” even if it is accidentally submerged in water.

Long-term reliability: Hydroponics systems typically run 24 hours a day, and IP67's sealed design prevents condensation and nutrient splashes from causing failures.

Unfortunately, this article focuses on IP65, but if you're planning to venture into hydroponics, Lightmyleaf recommends upgrading directly to IP67 or choosing a sealed fixture specifically designed for hydroponics.

A guide to avoiding the pitfalls of choosing Quantum Board LEDs

Be wary of “false labeling of waterproof”: some manufacturers only apply waterproof adhesive at the interface to reduce cost, and the actual waterproof performance is worrying.

Pay attention to the heat dissipation design: waterproof and heat dissipation is a pair of “contradiction”, excellent design needs to find a balance between the two.

Check the details: Are the waterproof joints solid? Is the cooling hole made of waterproof net? Is the power cord thickened?

Waterproof rating is not a “mystery”, but a “law of survival”.

Greenhouse cultivation: IP65 is enough to save your heart and money.

Hydroponic system: IP67 is the bottom line, safety first.

Product selection: choose the most suitable power and spectrum according to the planting area, crop type and budget.

Lightmyleaf's commitment

Each of our fixtures has undergone 48 hours of water immersion test and high-pressure water gun impact test to ensure that waterproof performance is real and reliable. When you choose Lightmyleaf, you are choosing to “make plants smile in the rain”!