Are you looking for the right lighting for your home, garden, or workspace? Then understanding the IP rating is essential. The IP rating (Ingress Protection) indicates how well a fixture is protected against dust, moisture, and water. Depending on where you install the lighting—indoors, outdoors, or in damp areas—a different IP rating is required.
In this blog, we explain what the IP rating means and which IP class you need for each situation, such as for the bathroom, garden, kitchen, or garage. This way, you always choose the right and safe lighting for every environment.
What Does IP Rating Mean?
The IP rating always consists of two digits.
- The first digit indicates the protection against dust and solid objects.
- The second digit indicates how well the fixture is resistant to water or moisture.
The higher the numbers, the better the protection.Below you will find a handy overview of what each digit means:
First digit: protection against dust and solid particles
| Digit | Protection |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Protected against large objects (>50 mm) |
| 2 | Protected against medium-sized objects (>12 mm) |
| 3 | Protected against small objects (>2.5 mm) |
| 4 | Protected against most dust particles (>1 mm) |
| 5 | Dust-protected (virtually no dust penetration) |
| 6 | Dust-tight |
Second digit: protection against water and moisture
| Digit | Protection |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Protected against dripping water |
| 2 | Protected against direct drops up to 15° |
| 3 | Rainproof |
| 4 | Splashproof |
| 5 | Jet-proof |
| 6 | Protected against powerful water jets |
| 7 | Temporarily submersible |
| 8 | Suitable for continuous immersion |
What IP Rating Do You Need?
To choose the right IP rating for lighting, it is important to know the environment in which the lighting will be installed.The table below provides a convenient overview of the most common IP ratings, their meaning, and the areas where they are best applied.
| IP rating | Meaning/Protection | Suitable areas |
|---|---|---|
| IP20 | Protected against touch by fingers and large objects | Dry indoor spaces without specific requirements, such as living rooms, bedrooms, or offices. |
| IP21 | Protected against dripping water and touch by fingers | Indoor spaces with minimal exposure to moisture, such as hallways and corridors. |
| IP23 | Protected against splashing water and touch by fingers | Covered outdoor spaces with limited exposure to rain, such as porches or covered patios. |
| IP44 | Protected against splashing water and contact with small objects | Bathrooms, balconies, gardens, canopies, or other damp indoor and outdoor areas. |
| IP54 | Protected against dust and splashing water | Covered outdoor areas or damp indoor spaces with moderate water exposure, such as garages or patios. |
| IP65 | Dust-tight and protected against water jets | Outdoor areas with direct exposure to rain or water jets, such as gardens, driveways, or washing areas. |
| IP66 | Completely dust-tight and resistant to powerful water jets | Demanding environments such as industrial sites, stables, or marine applications. |
| IP68 | Completely dustproof and suitable for continuous immersion in water | Underwater lighting, fountains, ponds, and swimming pools. |
Which IP Rating in a Bathroom?
In the bathroom, IP44 is the most commonly used IP rating for lighting. This classification means that the fixture is protected against splashing water and small solid objects. This is essential in a humid environment like the bathroom, where lighting is often exposed to condensation and water vapor.
Lighting with IP44 or higher not only ensures extra safety, but also extends the lifespan of your fixtures. This prevents short circuits, corrosion, and premature wear, allowing you to enjoy durable, reliable lighting in every zone of your bathroom.
What IP Rating for a Garden?
For garden lighting , the correct IP rating depends on the location where the fixture is installed and the degree of exposure to moisture and water. Below you can read which IP classification best suits each type of outdoor light.
- Outdoor wall lights:
For wall lights installed outdoors, IP44 is usually sufficient. These fixtures are resistant to splashing water and moisture, but are not intended for direct jets of water. This makes them perfect for facades, canopies, or porches where they are somewhat sheltered.
- Ground spots:
Ground spots are in direct contact with the ground and therefore require a higher level of protection. Always choose at least IP65 for these, ensuring the fixture is highly resistant to rain, spray water, and dirt buildup. - Standing outdoor lights:
For standing LED outdoor lights that are not directly exposed to water jets, IP44 is also sufficient. They are well-resistant to rain and moisture, as long as they are not in direct contact with splashing water. - Underwater lights:
Are lights being fully submerged, for example in a pond or fountain? Then IP68 is required. These fixtures are completely dustproof and waterproof, and will continue to function safely during prolonged immersion.
View our outdoor LED wall lights!
In short
By choosing the right IP rating for your lighting, you ensure safety, durability, and energy efficiency in your home, garden, or workspace.Always check the IP rating when purchasing fixtures and match it to the conditions of the room where the lighting will be installed. This prevents damage from moisture or dust and ensures you enjoy reliable, safe lighting for longer, both indoors and outdoors.
