What is an IP rating?
How IP ratings work?
IP ratings for lights
The best IP rating for outdoor lights
IP ratings for bathrooms
IP ratings for kitchens

What is an IP rating?

When shopping around for items such as speakers, light fittings or even smart phones, you might have come across IP ratings denoted as IP44, IP65 or similar. They are usually associated with a range of electrical and electronic goods. Maybe you have stopped to wonder how ‘weatherproof’ is the product you are about to purchase? Your answer lies with its IP rating and if it has one at all. Our guide will help you understand an IP rating meaning and provide you useful tips to better understand IP ratings and there application around your home.

So, what is IP rating and what do those numbers signify? IP Ratings is an international standard of measure used to classify a range of electrical enclosures used in engineering applications. This rating system developed by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) reflects an enclosure’s sealing effectiveness from foreign objects and moisture. While the letters IP stands for ingress protection, the numbering system is used to indicate the level of protection it has. Labels such as ‘waterproof’ and ‘water-resistant’ don’t clearly reveal the distinction between them or the extent of protection. The IP rating system overcomes this ambiguity and helps engineers and electricians make sound decisions.

How IP ratings work

The two numbers that follow IP each represent a specific meaning. In simple terms, the first digit (0-6) stands for intrusion protection from solids ranging from large objects to dust particles. The second digit (0-9) is for the level of protection from moisture in its various forms such as drips, jet spray or submersion. The below IP Ratings chart is used as a standard guide to ‘read’ the IP rating assigned to a particular fixture or enclosure.

So, is it a simple case of higher the number the better? Not quite, as location or placement dictates need. A light placed in an undercover setting such as a front porch or deck for instance can be exposed to dust particles and rain splatter. An IP65-68 that cover jet sprays and submersion would be irrelevant to these outdoor settings.

If you do require ratings of IP65 and above, once again, higher numbers don’t necessarily mean greater ‘waterproof’ quality. It’s a little more specific in that IP67 and IP68 according to the IP rating table are suited for submersion, but not for jet sprays as addressed in IP65 and IP66. In other words, variations in ratings reflect the type or degree of exposure, and it’s always best to be on the safe side and consult an electrician to make a suitable choice.

A significant aspect to consider is material durability especially in the case of coastal or seaside locations. Read further for more on material durability. While IP ratings matter when it comes to exposed locations or wet areas, they have no bearing on indoor living spaces. So, if it’s simply the aesthetics of an outdoor light that you are after, you can place it indoors, if you so wish.

IP ratings for lights

So, what does IP rating mean in lighting? As lights enclose electrical elements and are required in multiple settings and environments, it matters how well sealed they are. This is especially relevant for outdoor settings, wet areas such as bathrooms and coastal environments where IP rated lights are required for correct and safe application.

The best IP rating for outdoor lights

There isn’t a one size fits all for outdoor areas as light fittings are subjected to varying levels of exposure based on their location. Undercover spaces such as decks and porches may only require protection from indirect moisture spray. For these partially exposed areas ‘drizzle proof’ lighting, or in ingress protection terms, an IP23 rating would be good enough. In more exposed environments where dust and splashing water pose a problem, IP54 is a better option.

Materials and durability

Since outdoor lighting is exposed to elements like wind, rain and even salinity, material durability factors into their design. Light fittings in fully exposed areas or coastal environments come into direct contact with a range of elements. While they ideally require IP65 and above to withstand this level of exposure, fittings are often designed with corrosion resistant housing.

So, how do materials influence durability? Any material will corrode or rust given enough time, and this is especially true for fittings and fixtures of seaside homes and businesses. They require robust builds that can withstand the salinity levels in the air and are often designed using marine-grade alloys or metals specifically suited for coastal environments.

Metals such as brass, copper and bronze, also known as red metals are preferred choices with some better suited than others. These metals undergo natural changes or oxidation referred to as patina that forms a protective film. This weathering process also gives the metal a unique finish that is sought after.

A cheaper alternative to red metals is steel which comes in varying degrees of durability. Steel fixtures for outdoor lighting require a higher quality steel alloy such as stainless steel or the more expensive 316 marine grade stainless steel. Galvanised steel is a cheaper option which is protected by a coating and can vary in appearance depending on the galvanisation process. Aluminium is another popular choice for outdoor lights, as its natural process of self-passivation –  a thin layer of oxidation – protects it from rusting. Often aluminium is anodised to generate this protective coating, which gives the aluminium a polished finish.

Aluminium outdoor lights also come with powder coated finishes and their durability rely on both the quality of the metal and the powder coating. For more in-depth information on outdoor lighting have a read of our outdoor light buying guide.

IP ratings for bathrooms

A bathroom may be a small space in your home, but given its function there are a mixture of wet and dry areas within it.

As a result, the bathroom is categorised into zones based on levels of exposure and it is necessary to understand these different zones to make safe and practical choices.

These zones can be classified as below, and enlisting an electrician is vital for selecting appropriate fittings and their safe installation.

Zone 0: Inside of a bath or shower requires an IPX7 rating for protection against immersion.

Zone 1: Above a bath or shower requires IP rating above IPX4.

Zone 2: Areas immediately surrounding the bath or shower requires IPX4 rating.

For more details on choosing lighting for bathrooms, have a read of our bathroom lighting guide.

IP ratings for kitchens

Light fittings for most indoor spaces like living rooms, bedrooms or hallways usually don’t require IP ratings, but a little more thought ought to be given for a kitchen.

As a multi-functional space, it has wet and dry zones as well and the IP rating requirement depends on how lighting is allocated.

While an IP20 rated fitting may suffice above a bench or table where food prepping takes place, lighting above the stove or sink, where steam and droplets are common occurrences an IPX4 or above is more suitable.

Lighting is a way to make the most of any living space regardless of the environment. And IP ratings offer a universally accepted method to select appropriate lighting to wide and varied settings. While an IP rating table presents convenient guidelines, we highly recommend that you consult an electrician for the best placement of lighting to ensure the safety and the longevity of your fittings.

Looking for lights with an IP Rating check out our outdoor lighting or bathroom lighting collections for more ideas and inspiration.