In off-roading, the question isn’t if your lights will get wet, it’s when. From sudden downpours, river crossings or the simple mud hole – water is unavoidable. That’s why choosing off-road lights with a proper waterproof rating isn’t just smart, it’s essential. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination because water is a conductor, which can cause electrical failures. These failures can result in power shorts which can cause your vehicle to completely turn off and for the lights themselves to stop working.
What is an IP Rating?
“IP” stands for Ingress Protection and is a globally recognized standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The IP rating scale measures how well a product resists intrusion from solid particles (like dust) and liquids (like water). When searching for off-road lights, it’s important to pay attention to IP ratings because some lights may only be rated for water splashes whereas others can allow for temporary water immersion.
IP Ratings Explained
Here’s a breakdown of common IP ratings, what they mean and whether they’re trail-worthy:
The first digit measures protection against solids (0–6)
The second digit measures protection against liquids (0–9)
Rating |
Solids Protection |
Water Protection |
Use Case |
| IP40 | Objects >1mm (no dust seal) | None | Indoor use only |
| IP54 | Dust-limited protection | Splashing water | Light-duty indoor/outdoor |
| IP64 | Fully dustproof | Splashing water | Basic outdoor areas |
| IP65 | Fully dustproof | Low-pressure water jets | Rain, snow, mild spray |
| IP67 | Fully dustproof | Temporary water immersion (up to 1m) | Trail-ready lighting |
| IP68 | Fully dustproof | Long-term submersion (1m+ depth) | Extreme off-roading, long river crossings |
Table source: https://www.iec.ch/ip-ratings
Why IP67 is the Off-Road Light Rating Standard
Most off-roading is done above water with the occasional low water crossings. While you aren’t driving through a lake, you will be hitting mud holes, getting caught in rainstorms and washing your rig. For most drivers, IP67 rated lights are the sweet spot – not overbuilt but performs when you need them to. This is why mpower lights are rated at IP67, giving you the highest level of dust protection and full protection from short-term submersion, which is ideal for off-roaders.
The mpower® Off-Road Standard
While all our mpower off-road lights are rated at IP67 and backed by our limited lifetime warranty, we don’t stop there. Our patented silicone lens technology outperforms traditional polycarbonate lenses in every condition. They flex under pressure, resist cracks from rocks and debris and seal tighter against moisture and dust.
Because what doesn’t bend — breaks.
From snow rides to desert dust to trail days that turn into mud-fests, mpower lights are engineered to hold up when it matters most.
Want to see them in action? Visit our YouTube channel.
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There are no street lights where you’re headed. That’s the way you like it. But whether you’re headed up the side of a mountain, getting down and dirty in a mud bog, or racing across snow-covered fields, you’d better have a clear view of whatever lies ahead.