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Data subject to change. Copyright © 2005-2010 Avago Technologies. All rights reserved.

AV02-2678EN - November 4, 2010

3.2 Description of IP code against ingress of water (second characteristic numeral)

IP code

Description for degree of protection

IPX 0

Non-protected

IPX 1

Protected against vertically falling water drops

IPX 2

Protected against vertically falling water drops when enclosure tilted up to 15°

IPX 3

Protected against spraying water

IPX 4

Protected against splashing water

IPX 5

Protected against water jets

IPX 6

Protected against powerful water jets

IPX 7

Protected against the effects of temporary immersion in water

IPX 8

Protected against the effects of continuous immersion in water

4. Benefits of IPX6-rated LED packages

Common surface mount LED packages, especially those

with silicone encapsulation, require additional protection

commonly in the form of a transparent cover on top of

the LED or LED panel to shield off direct water exposure.

The cover also acts as a protection against dust accumula-

tion on the silicone surface. Prolonged exposure to water

without protection on such LED packages might lead to

premature LED failures.

In contrast, Avago’s IPX6-rated surface mount LED

packages are capable of withstanding direct exposed to

the outdoor environment where rainfall, condensation,

mist or water splashes can come in direct contact with

the LED surface. Moreover, sign and display makers can

now design their products without a transparent plastic

cover when using Avago’s LED with IPX6 rating. This

directly reduces the material and assembly costs of the

end product as well as eliminating the unwanted reflec-

tion from the plastic cover.

5. Cleaning

Surface mount LED packages with silicone encapsula-

tion generally attract dust and dirt due to their surface

tackiness. To clean the LED surface when this happens,

water can be sprayed directly on the LED panel, as these

LED packages are IPX6 rated. It is recommended that the

water pressure be kept below 30kPa to avoid exerting too

much pressure on the LED surface.

6. Precautions

Avago surface mount LED packages have metal leads pro-

truding from the polymer body. These leads act as electrical

terminalstothepackageandaremeanttobesolderedontoa

printed circuit board. Although packages that are IPX6 rated

are protected against powerful water jets, it is necessary to

protect the leads and the solder joints from being exposed

to the environment. If left unprotected, such exposure may

lead to corrosion, shorts, leakage or breakdowns.

After having been in contact with water, small globules of

watermightremainontheLEDsurface.Thesesmallglobules,

acting just like lenses, might slightly affect the optical per-

formance of the LED package. However, the effect is not

permanent and will disappear as the water dries off.

Although these IPX6-rated LED packages are protected

against exposure to water, the soft silicone encapsulation is

stillsusceptibletoexternalmechanicalstresswhichmaylead

to unwanted catastrophic failure. It is therefore necessary to

observe appropriate precautions as listed in Avago applica-

tion note AN 5288 when handling these devices.

Electronic grade potting

material

Printed circuit board

Avago’s IPX6 rated LED

Outdoor environment