IP Rating: What Does It Mean and Which One Do You Need for Your Spaces?
Are you in the process of selecting lighting for various areas in your home or garden? Then understanding the IP rating is essential. IP stands for Ingress Protection, and it is a classification system that indicates how well an electrical device or fixture is protected against dust, water, and other external influences. In this article, we delve deeper into the meaning of the IP rating and provide you with a handy overview per space to help you choose the correct IP rating.
What Does an IP Rating Mean?
The IP rating consists of two digits, where the first digit indicates protection against dust and the second digit indicates protection against water. The higher the numbers, the better the protection.Here is an overview of what each digit means:
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First Digit (Protection against dust):
- 0: No protection
- 1: Protected against large objects
- 2: Protected against medium-sized objects
- 3: Protected against small objects
- 4: Protected against most dust particles
- 5: Dust-resistant (virtually no dust penetration)
- 6: Completely dust-tight
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Second Digit (Protection against water):
- 0: No protection
- 1: Dripping water
- 2: Dripping water at an angle
- 3: Rainproof
- 4: Splashproof
- 5: Water jet resistant
- 6: Powerful water jets
- 7: Temporary immersion
- 8: Continuous immersion
What IP Rating Do You Need?
To help you choose the right IP rating for different areas, we have put together a handy table:
| IP Rating | Meaning | Suitable Areas |
|---|---|---|
| IP20 | Protected against contact by fingers and large objects | Dry areas without specific water or dust resistance requirements, such as living rooms and bedrooms. |
| IP21 | Protected against dripping water and finger touch | Indoor spaces with minimal moisture exposure, such as hallways and corridors. |
| IP23 | Protected against splashing water and finger touch | Covered outdoor spaces with limited exposure to weather conditions, such as covered patios. |
| IP44 | Protected against splashing water and touch by small objects | Bathrooms, porches, balconies, gardens, or indoor spaces with an increased risk of humidity. |
| IP54 | Protected against splashing water, dust, and finger touch | Covered outdoor spaces with moderate exposure to weather conditions, such as patios. |
| IP65 | Protected against splashing water and dust | Outdoor areas with direct exposure to water jets or severe weather conditions, such as gardens, driveways, or wash areas. |
| IP66 | Protected against powerful water jets and dust | Demanding outdoor environments where lighting requires heavy-duty weather and water resistance, such as in industry or shipping. |
| IP68 | Continuous immersion in water and dust | Underwater lighting, ponds, fountains, and other applications where continuous immersion occurs. |
Which IP Rating in a Bathroom?
In the bathroom, IP44 is the most common IP rating.This value indicates that the fixture is protected against splashing water and small objects. This is essential in a humid environment such as the bathroom to guarantee safety and extend the lifespan of your lighting.
Which IP Rating in a Garden?
Different IP ratings are required for various garden lighting applications:
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Outdoor wall lights: IP44 is suitable, as they are exposed to splashes and moisture, but not directly to water jets.
View all outdoor wall lights -
Ground spots: IP65 is necessary, as they are in direct contact with the ground and require more protection against water.
View all Ground spots -
LED standing outdoor lights: IP44 is sufficient for bollards and posts that are not directly exposed to water jets. Rain is not a problem, as shown in the image below.
View standing outdoor lights - Underwater lights: If your lights will be fully submerged, IP68 is required to ensure they are protected against prolonged immersion in water.
By choosing the right IP rating for your lighting, you ensure safety, durability, and efficiency in your home and garden. Make sure to check the IP rating when purchasing fixtures and match it to the specific requirements of the space where they will be installed.
More information about IP ratings or looking for an LED bulb?
Would you like more information about which IP rating is suitable for your space? Feel free to contact our lighting experts, and they will gladly help you choose the right LED lights.
