It’s common to find an IP rating on lighting fixtures, but what does it actually mean? And when should you buy a product with an IP rating?
IP stands for "Ingress Protection" or "International Protecting rating," which is the degree of resistance and protection of enclosures for electrical equipment against the likely intrusion of solids or liquids. It was classified by the CEI EN 60529/1997 standard (formerly CEI 70-1) of the International Electrotechnical Commission. This is a globally operating body, ensuring that this classification is standardized and regulated worldwide, with no differences between countries.
How do you read the IP protection rating for lighting?
The first number after IP indicates the degree of protection for people against contact with hazardous parts and the entry of solid objects (in less technical terms, this is called "dust resistant"), the second indicates protection from moisture and water (for objects simply referred to as "waterproof"). In both cases, a rating of 0 means "no protection."
1st digit - Degree of protection against the ingress of solid objects
0 - no protection
1 - protected against solid objects larger than 50 mm in diameter
2 - protected against solid objects larger than 12 mm in diameter
3 - protected against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm in diameter
4 - protected against solid objects larger than 1 mm in diameter
5 - protected against dust
6 - completely protected against dust
2nd digit – Degree of protection against liquid ingress
0 - no protection
1 – protected against vertically falling drops of water
2 - protected against dripping water or rain falling up to 15° from vertical
3 – protected against falling drops of water or rain up to 60° from the vertical
4 - protected against water splashes from all directions
5 - protected against water jets
6 - protected against powerful water jets
7 - protected against the effects of temporary immersion
8 - protected against the effects of continuous immersion
How do you read the IP protection rating for lighting?
For a pendant chandelier for the living room, a wall lamp in the bedroom, or a spotlight in the entryway, no specific protection is needed. Fixtures in the bathroom, kitchen, and outdoor spaces, however, require an IP rating to prevent debris or water from entering, which could damage them and cause harm to people or property. There’s a big difference between IP21, IP44, and IP65, for example: the higher the IP value, the more resistant the lamp will be to moisture, water, and debris, making it suitable for different types of environments.
IP protection rating, some of the most common examples
Is it better to choose IP23, or do you need a higher rating? And what’s the difference between IP44 and IP65? Here are some examples of protection ratings that are most commonly used.
IP23 rating
The level of protection considered theoretically sufficient for outdoor use, for example for lamps under the entrance canopy or on a covered balcony. IP23 lighting fixtures should not come into direct contact with various weather conditions, but may occasionally be exposed to humidity.
IP44 rating
The splash-proof protection rating, suitable for bathrooms in areas around the shower enclosure, sink, or bathtub. The IP44 rating is also for fixtures placed in outdoor environments that remain covered but are exposed to humidity or occasional splashes and sprays from all directions.
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IP65 rating
Provides complete protection against the penetration of solid objects and liquids from drops, vapor, splashes, and water jets coming from any direction. Electrical devices that are installed outdoors and left there even during rain, or in bathrooms, especially near showers, sinks, and other fixtures where there is usually a lot of humidity and possible water splashes, must have an IP65 protection rating.
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