As you read specifications for the new LED fixtures, there is a new term that we rarely saw with the conventional theatre lighting fixtures of yesteryear. An IP-65 (IP stands for ingress protection) rating indicates the fixture is suitable for using outdoors and is water and dust resistant. Obviously, if you take your standard Fresnel out in the yard and run it during a rainstorm, it is not going to last very long. So, do you need an IP-65 rated fixture if the unit probably won’t be used outside? I say yes! In most cases, you won’t have a choice. The manufacturers are making these units to suit two industries, the architectural lighting field and the entertainment lighting field. The architectural lighting field use the fixtures to light features or walls on the exterior of buildings or as indoor accent lighting . The sealed feature will eliminate dust and dirt getting into the fixture and will lessen the maintenance time required. The IP-65 units are more solidly built in many instances as well. The other industry that the fixtures are targeted for is the entertainment lighting industry for use in theatres, arenas, dance clubs, and other venues. So, why would I need a water resistant and sealed fixture in my dry and clean theatre? In most cases, the IP-65 rated fixture will NOT have any cooling fans (they push moisture into the case—baaaaad) so the lack of a fan means a much quieter fixture that can be used in a smaller theatre house. It also eliminates the dreaded statement from the director, “Ummm, what’s that humming noise that I keep hearing?” These IP-65 cases usually have larger metal cases on them as they are the heat dissipation component. As fixtures get brighter, look for cases to get larger to “wick away” the dreaded heat from the electronics and LED sources. Heat is quite fatal with LED components. Another specification to look at is the usable lamp life expectancy. Sometimes manufacturers will drop the usable hours (where the LEDs maintain close to the same color temperature as when they were new) to make up for the extra heat factor. They may also list the ambient temperature with the hours as a reference. It is a delicate balance between lumen output, heat buildup, and heat dissipation styles to create today’s LED fixtures. In the old days, we would just hang a light inside or outside regardless of the temperature and run with it, soon we will have to take the environment where the lights will be hung into consideration.
