IP67 vs IP68 LED Modules: A Complete Guide to Waterproof Signage Lighting

Outdoor signage faces rain, dust, humidity, and temperature swings every day. The wrong lighting choice can lead to dim displays, early failure, and expensive maintenance. That is why understanding waterproof ratings matters when you select LED modules for signs. Two of the most common ratings are IP67 and IP68. Both protect against dust and water, but they serve different outdoor conditions. This guide explains what each rating means and how to match it with your signage project.

What the IP Code Tells You

IP stands for Ingress Protection. The two digits after "IP" describe how well an electrical enclosure resists solids and liquids. The first digit refers to protection against solid particles such as dust. The second digit refers to protection against water. A higher number means stronger protection. For example, IP67 and IP68 both offer complete dust protection because the first digit is 6. The difference appears in the second digit, which measures water resistance.

The second digit of 7 means the product can survive temporary immersion in water up to one meter deep for about 30 minutes. A second digit of 8 means the product can handle continuous immersion under pressure at depths greater than one meter, with the exact limit defined by the manufacturer. For signage installers, this distinction is important when deciding whether a sign will face occasional rain or constant exposure to standing water and high-pressure cleaning.

IP67 LED Modules: Reliable Protection for Most Outdoor Signs

An IP67 LED module is fully sealed against dust and can withstand short-term water immersion. This level of protection is enough for most outdoor channel letters, storefront signs, and building-mounted displays. Rain, splashes, and accidental hose contact will not damage the module under normal conditions.

HansonLed offers IP67-rated modules in several series, including the TM and TE series. These products suit signs that are exposed to rain but are not submerged or sprayed directly with high-pressure jets for long periods. Common applications include:

• Outdoor channel letters and logos
• Storefront sign cabinets
• Building identification signs
• Shopping mall exterior signage
• Light boxes under covered walkways

IP67 modules strike a practical balance between protection and cost. If your sign will be mounted vertically or under an overhang, and you expect rain but not flooding, IP67 is usually the right choice.

IP68 LED Modules: Maximum Protection for Harsh Environments

An IP68 LED module provides the same dust protection as IP67 but is tested for longer and deeper water immersion. This makes it the better option for signs in extreme conditions, such as coastal areas, regions with heavy seasonal flooding, or installations where pressure washers are used regularly.

HansonLed's IP68 TS series is designed for these demanding environments. The stronger sealing keeps moisture out even when the module sits in pooled water or faces repeated high-pressure spray. Typical use cases include:

• Monument signs at ground level
• Signs in flood-prone or coastal locations
• Displays cleaned with pressure washers
• Underwater accent lighting near signage
• Industrial and public facility signs

When failure is not an option, IP68 gives you the extra margin of safety. The higher upfront cost is usually offset by lower maintenance and longer service life.

IP67 vs IP68: Side-by-Side Comparison

How to Choose the Right Rating for Your Project

Start by looking at where the sign will live. Ask these questions before you order:

• Will the sign be fully exposed to rain, or partially protected?
• Is the area prone to flooding or standing water?
• Will maintenance crews use pressure washers?
• How costly would a mid-life replacement be?

For most standard outdoor signs, IP67 delivers enough protection. If the sign sits low to the ground, faces harsh weather, or must keep working after direct water exposure, IP68 is the safer investment. Choosing the correct rating upfront reduces callbacks, preserves your reputation, and keeps the sign bright for years.

Why HansonLed Is a Trusted Partner for Waterproof LED Modules

HansonLed Ltd, founded in 2013, has spent more than a decade producing LED modules, LED strips, LED rigid bars, and LED neon flex for the signage industry. The company operates from a 2,500-square-meter factory in Shenzhen and ships to over 80 countries and regions, including North America, South America, Europe, and the Middle East.

HansonLed's waterproof module range covers both IP67 and IP68 options. The product catalog includes channel letter LED module series, light box modules, mini modules, high-efficiency modules, and high-voltage modules. Each line is built with mature SMD LED technology and tested to meet ISO9001, CE, RoHS, PSE, UL, and Reach standards.

Beyond the standard catalog, HansonLed accepts OEM and ODM orders. Customers can request custom sizes, logos, colors, and specifications. The in-house R&D team supports custom product development, and the 24-hour online service keeps projects moving across time zones.

Pairing Modules with the Right LED Strip

Many signage projects use both modules and strips. For perimeter lighting, accent lines, or decorative outlines, HansonLed offers waterproof LED strip lights in IP65, IP67, and IP68 ratings. Matching the strip rating to the module rating ensures consistent protection across the entire sign. COB strips, high-efficiency strips, RGB strips, and pixel strips are all available for projects that need uniform light or dynamic color effects.