The explosion of IP65 projectors: the new “normal” in lighting

02 July 2026

After tackling last year the topic of weatherproof loudspeakers for outdoor applications, it is now the turn of IP65 fixtures, which in just a few years have gone from being a niche solution for festivals, concerts, permanent outdoor installations and architectural projects where the weather is always an unknown, to becoming a widespread and cross-cutting choice throughout the professional lighting sector. In this article we will briefly revisit the concept of IP protection rating, focus on the construction aspects - what it means, in practice, to make a fixture all weather - and then conclude with an overview of the most significant IP65 projectors in the Audio Effetti catalog, regardless of type, intended use and price range.

The logic of the IP classification is now familiar to those working in our sector: in professional contexts it is often discussed, because it is a fundamental feature for any device intended for outdoor use.

In very short, the two numbers following the acronym "IP" (Ingress Protection) indicate:

The first → protection against solid objects (dust, particles)
Second → protection against water (drops, splashes, jets, immersion)

A complete table is available here.

In theory, it would be possible to obtain an absolute IP classification level; however, given the laws of physics and the construction technologies used in the entertainment industry, there are common IP levels precisely in relation to how the devices are built, such as IP20, IP44, IP65, IP68 etc.

One of the most common for a projector, but not only, is IP65, where:

6 means totally protected against dust
5 means protected against water jets from all directions

Translated into practice: the device can work outdoors in the rain, in dusty environments, near fountains or in contexts where water cleaning is expected (within certain limits), without compromising electronics and optics, provided it is installed correctly.

IP68 and IP69 models offer an even higher level of protection, they can be permanently immersed in water, etc.

It is important to stress that the IP degree is a classification and not a certification, as is often mistakenly reported. IEC 60529, in fact, defines the protection levels, but does not provide for a third-party body that certifies the IP rating: the manufacturer can self-declare it, possibly supported by laboratory tests. A certification, on the other hand, requires an independent body that verifies and issues an official document.

This means that, even if a projector has been tested with high-pressure water jets for a certain period, this does not automatically guarantee that it will withstand hours in extreme or abnormal conditions. It is the same principle as watches declared waterproof: the theoretical depth does not necessarily correspond to the real conditions of use, and an impact (such as a dive with the watch on) or a sudden movement can still encourage infiltration. Likewise, an IP65 fixture left under a hurricane may show signs of water ingress even though it is perfectly compliant with its classification.

Finally, it should be noted that this classification is not the only one existing for equipment intended to work in special conditions. In addition to IEC 60529, which defines IP ratings, there are also UL classifications, established by Underwriters Laboratories, a US body dealing with electrical and fire safety. Unlike IP, which describes in great detail protection against dust and water, UL classifications are more concise and divide products into three main categories: Dry Location, Damp Location and Wet Location, that is, dry, damp and wet areas.

These three definitions do not indicate a level of waterproofing in the strict sense, but specify in which type of environment the equipment can be safely installed. Unlike IP, UL classifications cannot be self-declared: they require specific tests and a formal certification process by the body. IP and UL do not exclude one another: they respond to different logics and, in some cases, can coexist on the same product. IP describes how much a projector resists dust and water, UL describes where it can be safely installed.

The construction techniques for making a projector weatherproof

Making a projector truly all weather does not simply mean sealing it in a watertight housing or applying a few gaskets here and there. The IP65 classification is the result of a set of design choices involving mechanics, electronics, materials and thermal management. It is a delicate balance because the fixture must indeed prevent water and dust from entering, but at the same time be able to dissipate heat, avoid internal condensation and ensure constant performance over time, even - and above all - in difficult environmental conditions.

The first barrier is always the body structure. IP65 projectors generally use die-cast aluminum chassis with joint surfaces designed to accommodate silicone or EPDM gaskets, elastic materials that maintain sealing even after years of exposure to sun, thermal shocks and vibrations. Screws, often underestimated, are a critical point: if they are not fitted with dedicated O-rings or recessed seats, they can become an infiltration channel. The same applies to the front glass, which is sealed with adhesives and specific gaskets to prevent water from entering between lens and body, one of the most delicate points of all.

Alongside the mechanical sealing, there is the protection of the internal electronic components. LED drivers, PCBs and connectors are treated with resins or protective coatings (special coverings applied to electronic components) that prevent humidity from reaching the most sensitive electronic parts. The goal is to create a "second line of defense" in case a small amount of moisture still manages to pass the outer barrier of the housing. The protective resin can be applied on both sides or only on one side. Obviously, how much is applied is also important: the greater the quantity, the higher the IP rating that can be achieved.

Another fundamental element concerns connectors and cable entries. Every inlet is a potential water path, which is why IP65/IP67 cable glands and sealed connectors such as powerCON TRUE1 or XLR/DMX with protective caps are used.

One of the most interesting aspects is internal air management. An IP projector cannot be completely airtight: air changes volume with temperature variations, and if it cannot escape it creates internal pressure that can deform some internal parts, gaskets and seals. For this reason, breathable membranes or compensation valves are used, similar to those employed in precision mechanical instruments: they allow air to escape, but prevent water from entering. It is also the most effective way to reduce condensation on the internal lenses, a very common problem in low-cost products.

In this regard, one of the most effective technologies developed in recent years in this area is DryTech by SGM, the latest represented in the lighting sector by Audio Effetti, which combines two elements: on the one hand a patented active dehumidification process, on the other the design and materials used to make IP and corrosion-resistant chassis. The heart of DryTech is a controlled electrolysis process: a small amount of current passes through an internal membrane and splits the water molecules present in the air into hydrogen and oxygen. In this way the humidity is removed directly from inside the projector, drastically reducing the risk of condensation, oxidation and damage to electronic components. It is a very different approach from that adopted by other manufacturers, who often simply use absorbent "disposable" sachets or generate heat to evaporate the water. DryTech, instead, is an active and permanent system, which works at molecular level and does not require periodic replacements.

To date, in the architectural and entertainment lighting sector, DryTech remains the only truly active dehumidification technology integrated into projectors. It is one of the reasons why SGM products are particularly appreciated in long-term outdoor installations, where the internal stability of the fixture is just as important as protection against rain and dust.

These, and other measures, work together to create a projector that is truly suitable for outdoor use. It is thanks to this construction evolution that today IP65 fixtures have become an increasingly common choice for festivals, permanent installations and architectural projects, where reliability and reduced maintenance really make the difference.

A selection of Audio Effetti’s offerings

Motorized moving head fixtures

Among this specific category of fixtures, we particularly highlight:

Briteq BTI-BLIZZARD: within the Audio Effetti catalog, this series made up of as many as eight models represents one of the most complete and reliable solutions for those looking for IP65 motorized moving heads. These are projectors designed to work in difficult weather conditions, with sealed chassis, protected optics and a power level that makes them suitable even for large stages. The philosophy is clear: to offer high-end touring performance with the robustness needed to stay outdoors all year round without requiring continuous maintenance. They are available in different versions, from Wash to Profile, with both LED and laser sources.

Tarm BLAZE and REVOLT, laser-source projectors characterized by exceptional brightness and zoom functions that allow control of the deflection angle to obtain an almost parallel beam with extremely low divergence and consequently great visibility over long distances. In particular, they are made with resistant materials such as magnalium and die-cast alloys and are classified IP66 to guarantee waterproofing, with reliable operation in extreme outdoor conditions from -20 to 45 °C.

LED bar

In this product category we find:

Briteq BTI-LIGHTSTRIKE IP66, an extremely powerful hybrid LED bar for CW strobe effects and RGB pixel-mapping, with 112 CW LEDs and 672 RGB LEDs in 32 zones. It supports DMX, RDM, Art-Net and sACN, with extended modes up to 123 channels for pixel-by-pixel control

Briteq BTI-BEAMBAR18, 1 meter long for this bar with 18 25 W LEDs and narrow 6° lenses, ideal for powerful and well-defined beam effects even in large spaces. Rated IP65, it offers full pixel control, integrated effects engine and compatibility with DMX, Art-Net, sACN and RDM.

PAR LED

This is without doubt the category that contains the most outdoor projectors and therefore we will necessarily have to make a selection.

Among compact projectors for outdoor use, the IP65 PAR LED fixtures of Briteq represent an extremely versatile solution: robust, powerful and designed to ensure a defined light output even in open environments, in the rain or in dusty settings. They are lighting units designed for permanent installations, outdoor events and architectural applications, with a wide choice of powers, optics and configurations that make them suitable for any professional scenario.

Evolite has three models in its catalog, PARCOB150 RGBW IP, IPAR740RGBW-Z and IPAR400VW-Z. The first is a 150 W architectural projector with 4-in-1 RGBW LEDs ideal for lighting exterior or interior facades of buildings. The second, equipped with an IP65 housing that guarantees temporary outdoor use, has 7 RGBW 4-in-1 LEDs of 40 W. The third, finally, offers great flexibility thanks to its motorized 10° to 50° zoom and the action of two separate LEDs: one 200 W warm white at 2700 K and one cool white of the same power at 6500 K.

Finally, from JB Systems we have two ready-to-use spots with parabolic diffuser, EZ-SPOT15 OUTDOOR and EZ-SPOT15 W W OUTDOOR, one colored and the other warm white, characterized by compact dimensions: they can be used for many applications, especially where precise lighting on trees, paths, objects etc. is required.

Outdoor wall washer

For lighting surfaces, facades and large stage areas, the outdoor wall washer category plays a central role. In this segment, within the Audio Effetti catalog, the PALCO by SGM stand out in particular, considered an absolute benchmark for light quality, color consistency and construction robustness, thanks to proprietary technologies we have already discussed in the related article.

Alongside PALCO, the category also includes models from other brands more oriented toward permanent installations, designed for facades, light paths, parks and architectural contexts. These products prioritize efficiency, uniformity and ease of integration, offering versatile solutions for those who need to light outdoor surfaces in a stable and continuous way… even in the rain!

Here are a couple of examples:

Stage, theatre, key lights

Although most traditional theatrical fixtures are not IP65, in recent years some models have appeared designed to bring "theatre-quality" light even to outdoor contexts, permanent installations or stages exposed to the weather. Here are some examples:

Briteq BTI-THEATRE 6C20, LED Fresnel projector designed to effectively replace traditional 2 kW halogen fixtures with IP65 housing and internal motorized zoom: no telescopic extension for greater robustness and reliability

Briteq BTI-CYCLO, powerful IP65 full-color LED cyclorama. It can be used for the background and apron on stages both indoors and outdoors to soften heavy shadows caused by top lighting.

Battery-powered fixtures

The last category we mention only briefly, for space reasons, is that of battery-powered fixtures, where the range of choices for models to be used outdoors is truly vast. On Audio Effetti’s website there is a dedicated page listing all these models, made with ultra-resistant materials that make them very robust and long-lasting for outdoor environments.

Conclusions

Today the world of IP65 projectors is no longer a niche reserved for a few special applications: it has become a cross-cutting standard embracing moving heads, LED bars, wall washers, cyclorama, key lights, battery-powered fixtures and even theatrical projectors. Availability is broad, varied and constantly growing, with solutions designed both for rental and touring, and for permanent installations and architectural projects.

This evolution allows technicians, rental companies and lighting designers to choose the most suitable fixture not only based on power or beam type, but also according to the environment, installation duration and required maintenance level. In such a rich market, the IP65 rating, or in any case an equivalent or higher classification, is a requirement that expands creative possibilities and guarantees reliability even in the harshest environmental conditions.