LED Tri-Proof Luminaires Selection Guide
What separates an LED tri-proof luminaire from a batten luminaire is the IP rating; IP65 is dust-tight, IP44 is not. The IP rating and luminaire type are considered when choosing.
This guide covers what to look at when choosing products in the LED Tri-Proof Luminaires category.
What IP65 and IP44 mean
What separates a tri-proof luminaire from a batten luminaire is the IP rating of the housing. The first digit of the code is the degree of protection against solid objects and dust, and the second digit against the ingress of water. At IP65, the housing is dust-tight and protected against water jets from any direction. IP44 means protection against solid objects larger than 1 mm and against splashing water; it is not dust-tight.
The IP rating does not define resistance to chemical vapors or suitability for explosive atmospheres; impact resistance is also given separately by an IK code. In places with chemical vapors, verify the suitability of the housing and diffuser material with the manufacturer. The protection holds when the cable gland at the cable entry and the seals are in place and tight; the diameter of the supply cable must match the gland.
Types of LED tri-proof luminaires
Besides the standard models that serve only the lighting function, the following types are listed:
- Models with an emergency kit: The duration of lighting during an outage and the luminous flux at that time vary by model. Kits to be added to an existing luminaire are in the Emergency Kits category.
- Models with a radar sensor: A radar (high-frequency) sensor detects the change in the echo of the electromagnetic wave it emits and also works from behind non-metallic materials. For this reason the sensor can be placed inside the luminaire; it is used in places that do not need constant light, such as parking garages and storage aisles.
- Models with a parking-garage function: Listed under this name in the product type; since the way it operates is not explained in the product data, verify it from the manufacturer's data before ordering.
- Models with an ENEC driver: The wording describes the luminaire's driver. ENEC is a mark showing conformity to European safety standards; if the specification calls for it, ask the manufacturer for the scope of the certificate.
- Batten tri-proof luminaires: This is the ACK brand's slim-housing series, listed in lengths such as 310 mm, 610 mm, 1210 mm and 1510 mm.
What to look at when choosing an LED tri-proof luminaire
- Environment. If dust and water jets are expected, IP65 is considered; if only splashing water is involved, IP44; the decision is made according to the project and the manufacturer's data.
- Length and power. In the ACK series, the 18 W housing is about 600 mm, the 36 W and 60 W housings 1200 mm, and the 80 W housing 1500 mm. In the İnoled manufacturer data, the length is given as 60 cm for 20 W, 120 cm for 40 W and 60 W, and 150 cm for 80 W. Because different power ratings exist at the same length, length alone does not show the amount of light.
- Luminous flux. Different lumen values are seen at the same power; for example, among 40 W models there are both 2880 lm and 4000 lm. Make the comparison in lumens.
- Light color. 3000 K, 4000 K and 6500 K are listed as separate products in the İnoled and ACK series.
- Operating temperature. In places such as cold storage or hot production areas, check the operating temperature range from the product and manufacturer data.
- Mounting height. As the ceiling gets higher, the light of a linear tri-proof luminaire can fall short at floor level; for warehouses and production areas with high ceilings, LED High Bay Luminaires is a separate category.
Products confused with tri-proof luminaires
- Batten luminaire: Similar in form but its housing is not sealed; it is listed in the LED Batten Luminaires category for dry spaces.
- Ex-proof luminaire: A separate, certified product for places classified as explosive atmospheres; it is listed in the Ex-Proof Luminaires category.
- Emergency lighting luminaire: Luminaires made for escape routes and guidance are in the Emergency Lighting Luminaires category. A tri-proof luminaire with an emergency kit is the version of a general lighting luminaire that also stays lit during an outage; the emergency lighting project determines which one is required.
Brands in this category
- İnoled: The Aspera series and its versions. In the manufacturer's technical data file for the 20 W and 40 W models, the housing is given as polycarbonate, the diffuser as opal polycarbonate, the protection rating as IP65, the impact resistance as IK08 and the mounting type as surface-mounted.
- ACK: LED batten tri-proof luminaires in the IP65 class.
- MAS: 40 W, 60 W and 80 W models, 1.2 m long, in the IP65 class.
Order notes
Products are sold by the piece. Some models are listed as made to order; for a made-to-order product, the lead time is confirmed before the order is placed. For ACK tri-proof luminaires, check the carton contents and the minimum order quantity on the product page. For MAS models, the light color is given as a production option; ask which color will be shipped before ordering. You can search for a specific model by its stock code (for example AT02-01210 or MAS-5360).
Comparison and selection table
| Selection Criterion | Integrated LED Tri-Proof (IP65) | Empty Housing (T8 LED Tube Ready) Tri-Proof | Emergency / Sensor / Through-Wired Tri-Proof |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Source | Built-in SMD LED board & internal constant-current driver | Accepts 1× or 2× G13 T8 LED tubes (ordered separately) | High-efficacy integrated LED + 1–3 h emergency battery pack |
| Length & Wattage | 60 cm (18–20 W), 120 cm (36–45 W), 150 cm (50–60 W) | 60 cm (for 60 cm tubes) or 120 cm (for 120 cm T8 tubes) | 120 cm / 150 cm with microwave sensor or emergency kit |
| Housing & Clips | IP65 gasketed polycarbonate/ABS body, stainless/PC clips | Hinged diffuser for tool-free tube replacement, IP65 | IK08 impact resistant, through-wiring terminal blocks |
| Typical Application | Parking garages, boiler rooms, dusty workshops | Facilities preferring field-replaceable T8 LED tubes | Underground car parks, cold storage & escape corridors |
Frequently asked questions
Can a tri-proof luminaire be used outdoors, in the rain?
The IP65 rating means a dust-tight housing and protection against water jets from any direction; tri-proof luminaires are therefore common under canopies and in covered open areas. In places that get direct sun and rain, UV resistance and operating temperature are also decisive. These are not covered by the IP rating and must be verified from the manufacturer's data.
How does a tri-proof luminaire with a radar sensor work?
The high-frequency sensor emits an electromagnetic wave and receives its echo; when there is motion in the detection area, the echo changes and the luminaire turns on. Because this sensor also detects from behind non-metallic materials, it can be placed inside the luminaire. The sensing distance and the hold-on time vary by model; verify them from the product and manufacturer data.
How long does a tri-proof luminaire with an emergency kit stay lit during an outage?
The duration varies by model; in this category there are models whose duration is written in the product data and models where it is not, and if it is not stated, verify it from the manufacturer's data. During an outage the kit often runs the luminaire below its rated power, so also ask about the luminous flux in emergency mode. In escape route lighting, the duration and luminaire layout are determined by the emergency lighting project.
How many watts is a 120 cm tri-proof luminaire?
In this category, housings of around 120 cm come in 36 W, 40 W, 60 W and 80 W models; that is, length does not determine power. Make the choice by the luminous flux (lm) in the product data rather than by watts, because the lumen values of models with the same power also differ from one another. Luminaire spacing and quantity are determined by a lighting calculation.