If you’re planning an outdoor neon-style sign for a café terrace, restaurant façade, salon window, gym entrance or a wedding venue in Europe, the term “IP rating” will come up. In simple terms, an IP rating tells you how well a product is protected against dust and water — essential for any lighting you put outside. Here we explain what IP ratings mean, which levels are common for outdoor LED neon signs, how to choose the right rating for your location, and how The Art Neon protects and ships outdoor signs across Europe and worldwide.
What does an IP rating mean?
IP stands for Ingress Protection. It’s followed by two digits:
- First digit — protection against solids (from 0 = no protection up to 6 = dust tight).
- Second digit — protection against liquids (from 0 = no protection up to 9K = high-pressure, high-temperature water jets).
For example, an IP65 device is fully dust tight (6) and protected against water jets (5). The higher the digits, the more robust the protection. For LED neon signs, both digits matter because dust, rain, condensation and splashes are common outdoors.
Common IP ratings for outdoor neon-style LED signs
Sign makers typically use several practical IP levels for outdoor applications. These are the ones you’re most likely to encounter:
- IP54 — Protected against limited dust ingress and water splashes. Suitable for sheltered outdoor areas like under canopies or recessed installations.
- IP65 — Dust tight and protected against water jets. A common and reliable choice for signs exposed to rain on building façades, cafés and restaurant exteriors.
- IP67 — Dust tight and protected against temporary immersion. Useful for very exposed locations where a sign might be subject to heavy rain or temporary flooding, or for events where weather is unpredictable.
- IP68 — Typically used where prolonged immersion is possible. This level is less common for signs and not usually necessary unless the sign will be submerged on purpose.
Which IP rating do you need? Practical examples
Choose the rating based on how exposed the sign will be and the kind of weather it will face:
- Cafés and restaurants with covered terraces — IP54 is often sufficient for signs hung under awnings or deep eaves where direct rain is unlikely.
- Street-facing shopfronts and salon windows — IP65 is a solid standard for most façades across European climates; it handles wind-driven rain and regular exposure well.
- Outdoor gyms, studios, or signs near open courtyards — IP65 or IP67 depending on exposure. If the sign is close to sprinklers or a water source, consider IP67.
- Wedding venues, outdoor events or coastal locations — In areas with heavy storms or salty sea spray, higher protection (IP67 or specialist coastal coatings) is advisable.
- Temporary installations for content creators or events — Consider portable weatherproof housings and choose a rating that matches expected conditions for the event duration.
How The Art Neon builds and protects outdoor signs
At The Art Neon, we design outdoor LED neon signs with practical weatherproofing in mind and can match the IP specification to your project. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, we select components and construction methods appropriate to the intended location.
- Weatherproof housings and sealed LED tubing help keep dust and moisture out of the light elements.
- Carefully sealed cable glands, silicone seals and gaskets prevent water ingress at joins and mounting points.
- Where required, we specify higher-rated connectors and enclosures for transformers and controllers so the complete installation meets the stated IP level.
- Signs use safe low-voltage LED technology rather than high-voltage glass tubing, which makes them safer for outdoor use and easier to maintain.
Installation and maintenance tips to preserve weatherproofing
Even with the correct IP rating, proper installation and regular checks extend the life of an outdoor sign:
- Mount transformers and controllers indoors or in a dedicated weatherproof enclosure whenever possible.
- Ensure cable entries are sealed and that mounting screws do not compromise gaskets.
- Choose protected mounting locations where practical — a small overhang can dramatically reduce wear from driving rain.
- Schedule a visual check every 6–12 months: look for cracked seals, moisture inside housings or corroded fixings. Promptly replace any damaged gaskets or cable glands.
Benefits you get from The Art Neon
When you order an outdoor sign from The Art Neon, you also get the advantages of:
- Custom designs tailored to your brand and venue — from cafés and offices to studios and wedding venues.
- Safe low-voltage LED neon that offers long lifetime and energy efficiency compared with older glass neon alternatives.
- Included dimmer or controller options so you can set the brightness to suit evenings, events or daytime visibility.
- Careful packaging and handling so your sign arrives safely, plus shipping across Europe and worldwide.
Choosing the right specification for your project
When you consult with The Art Neon about an outdoor sign, we’ll discuss the site, exposure and mounting to recommend the correct IP rating and installation details. We provide technical guidance so you get a fit-for-purpose solution rather than paying for unnecessary over-specification.
Final practical note
IP ratings are a clear way to understand protection levels, but the whole installation matters — housing, seals, cable entries and where the transformer sits all affect real-world performance. If you’re in doubt, describe your location and mounting details when you enquire so The Art Neon can suggest the best option for long-lasting outdoor performance.
Ready to design your outdoor neon sign? Start here to create a custom piece or upload your own logo to get a quote: