IP Ratings Explained: What IP44, IP65, IP66 Mean

What Is an IP Rating?

IP stands for Ingress Protection, a standardized rating system defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Every IP rating consists of two digits. The first digit rates protection against solid objects (including dust). The second digit rates protection against water. Together, they tell you exactly how rugged a fixture is and where it can safely be installed.

Understanding IP ratings is essential when choosing lighting for bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor areas, warehouses, and any environment where moisture or dust is a concern.

The First Digit: Solid Object Protection

The first digit ranges from 0 (no protection) to 6 (complete dust protection):

• 0: No protection
• 1: Protected against objects larger than 50mm (e.g., a hand)
• 2: Protected against objects larger than 12.5mm (e.g., a finger)
• 3: Protected against objects larger than 2.5mm (e.g., a screwdriver)
• 4: Protected against objects larger than 1mm (e.g., a wire)
• 5: Dust-protected (limited ingress permitted, no harmful deposits)
• 6: Dust-tight (no dust ingress whatsoever)

For most indoor lighting, a rating of 2 or higher is sufficient. For industrial, outdoor, or dusty environments, look for 5 or 6.

The Second Digit: Water Protection

The second digit ranges from 0 (no protection) to 9 (high-pressure hot water jets):

• 0: No protection
• 1: Protected against vertical dripping water
• 2: Protected against water drops at 15-degree tilt
• 3: Protected against spraying water up to 60 degrees from vertical
• 4: Protected against splashing water from all directions
• 5: Protected against low-pressure water jets from all directions
• 6: Protected against powerful water jets and heavy seas
• 7: Protected against temporary immersion in water (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes)
• 8: Protected against continuous submersion beyond 1 meter

Common IP Ratings for Lighting

IP20 — Indoor Use

The most common rating for standard indoor fixtures. Protected against finger contact but offers no water protection. Suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and dry areas.

IP44 — Splash-Proof

Protected against objects over 1mm and splashing water from all directions. This is the minimum rating for bathroom fixtures outside the shower zone (Zone 2) and covered outdoor areas like porches. Many of our bathroom-rated fixtures carry this rating.

IP65 — Jet-Proof

Fully dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets. Required for bathroom fixtures inside the shower zone (Zone 1), outdoor wall lights, and garden path lighting. Also suitable for commercial kitchens and food processing areas.

IP66 — Powerful Jet-Proof

Dust-tight and protected against powerful water jets. Common in industrial settings, parking garages, car washes, and outdoor fixtures exposed to driving rain. Our commercial-grade fixtures often feature IP66 protection.

IP67 — Immersible

Can withstand temporary submersion. Used for in-ground lighting, pool surrounds, and fountain lights.

IP68 — Submersible

Can remain submerged indefinitely. Required for underwater pool lights and fountain fixtures.

Bathroom Zones and IP Requirements

Bathrooms are divided into zones based on proximity to water sources:

• Zone 0 (inside the bath or shower): Minimum IP67
• Zone 1 (directly above bath or shower to 2.25m height): Minimum IP65
• Zone 2 (0.6m around Zone 1): Minimum IP44
• Outside zones: No IP requirement, but IP20+ recommended

Always check local building codes, as requirements can vary by region.

Choosing the Right IP Rating

Key Takeaways

IP ratings remove the guesswork from choosing fixtures for challenging environments. Know your installation zone, match it to the right IP rating, and you will have safe, reliable lighting that lasts. Explore our full product range — every listing includes a clear IP rating so you can buy with confidence.