When shopping for outdoor or bathroom lighting, you will most probably have been confronted by a mysterious IP code that is followed by two numbers. This code was designed to provide an easy to understand description of how well-protected a light fitting is.
Here is a helpful guide to what they mean and examples of how a product and a situation match up with an IP code.
Each part of the code is designed to give you information and help you decide if the fitting you are looking at is suitable for where you want to put it.
Firstly – IP
The IP in the code is short for Ingress Protection – as in how well protected a fitting is.
Digit 1 – Solids
The first digit tells you how well protected a fitting is against solids – such as dust, and other objects. The higher the number the more protected it is. On occasion you may find the digit represented by an X. This means the value has not been determined, usually because the product hasn’t been tested for protection against solid objects.
Digit 2 – Liquid
The second digit is used to tell you about the level of liquid protection: 0 being not protected and, the highest value of 8 being safe to submerge in more than 1 meter of water.
IP Rating First Digit
|
Digit 1
|
| Number |
Size of object |
Protects against |
|
0
|
— |
No protection against contact or entrance by any object |
|
1
|
>50 mm |
Protection against any large surface area of the body but not deliberate tampering or force |
|
2
|
>12.5 mm |
Fingers or similar sized tools and objects |
|
3
|
>2.5 mm |
Thick wires, tools and similar-sized foreign bodies |
|
4
|
>1 mm |
Most wires, screws, etc. |
|
5
|
Dust protected |
Protected against dust – it has to enter in large amounts to interfere with operation. Complete protection against contact |
|
6
|
Dust tight |
Impossible for dust to enter; complete protection against any foreign body |
|
X
|
Undetermined |
Indicates that protection against solid objects in not defined |
IP Rating Second Digit
|
Digit 2
|
| Number |
Protects against |
Tested for |
Extra detail
|
|
0
|
Not protected |
— |
|
—
|
|
|
1
|
Dripping water |
Dripping water – no damaging effect when tested against vertical falling water drops |
Test duration: 10 minutes |
Water equivalent to 1mm rainfall per minute |
|
|
2
|
Dripping water when tilted up to 15° |
Vertically dripping water has no damaging effect when the light enclosure is tilted at an angle up to 15° from its usual position. |
Test duration: 10 minutes |
Water equivalent to 3mm rainfall per minute |
|
|
3
|
Spraying water |
Water falling as a spray at any angle up to 60° has no damaging effect |
Test duration: 5 minutes |
Water volume: 0.7 litres per minute |
Pressure: 80–100 kN/m² |
|
4
|
Splashing water |
Water splashing against light enclosure from any direction has no damaging effect |
Test duration: 5 minutes |
Water volume: 10 litres per minute |
Pressure: 80–100 kN/m² |
|
5
|
Water jets |
Water projected by a nozzle (6.3mm) against light enclosure from any direction shall have no damaging effect |
Test duration: at least 3 minutes |
Water volume: 12.5 litres per minute |
Pressure: 30 kN/m² at distance of 3m |
|
6
|
Powerful water jets |
Water projected in powerful jets (12.5mm nozzle) against the light enclosure from any direction has no damaging effect |
Test duration: at least 3 minutes |
Water volume: 100 litres per minute |
Pressure: 100 kN/m² at distance of 3m |
|
7
|
Immersion up to 1 m |
Water won’t infiltrate even when light enclosure is immersed in water up to 1m in depth |
Test duration: 30 minutes |
Immersion at depth of 1m |
|
|
8
|
Immersion beyond 1 m |
The equipment is suitable for continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer. Normally, this will mean that the equipment is hermetically sealed but in some cases, certain types of light enclosures can let some water in, but in a way that won’t be detrimental to the function of the light. |
Test duration: continuous immersion in water |
Depth specified by manufacturer |
|
Security, Whatever The Weather…
Anybody looking for a security light wants them to be durable and protected against the extremities, whether they are to be situated indoors or outdoors. Mostly designed for outdoor use, some have a higher IP rating than others, which can range from an IP of 44 to 68. The Solar PIR Porch Light, for instance, is suitable for use in outdoor buildings such as your garage, shed or porch, with an IP Rating of 44. This means it’s safeguarded against foreign bodies 1mm+s thick and against splashing water. If you want your security light placed in a completely unsheltered area, then the Shatter Resistant LED Floodlight, which is IP65, is just one of the models you could choose. The 6 rating means it is completely dust tight, while the 5 means it’s protected against pressurized water jets from any direction.
Decking Den…
If you are re-designing your garden and building a sheltered decking or patio area for you and your family to relax in, then you need lights that are protected but not at the highest end of the scale. The Belinda Low Energy Flush Fitting Standard has an IP Rating of 44, so is protected against small foreign bodies such as stray screws and wires from entering, as well as splashing water. It is hardy and durable and will light up your decking den like a dream.
Follow The Yellow Lit Path…
Our range of outdoor lighting at Lighting Direct varies in IP Rating, so it all depends on what you want it for as to what model you should pick. If you simply want something that makes a statement in terms of style and is rainproof, the Aldwick Pillar IP44 Black Opal Glass Light will definitely do that.
Ultimate Pressure
If you want lights that can withstand ultimate pressure then it’s best to go for models such as the Arigo Low Voltage Halogen Garden Spotlight or the Lapis LV Halogen Garden Light. Both have an IP Rating of 68, the highest on the scale, meaning they are completely dust tight and can withstand continuous immersion in water in excess of 1 meter. This makes them ideal for lighting up your garden path or pond or water feature. It is always best however, to check manufacturer’s instructions to ensure your chosen lights are suitable, i.e. placing in a swimming pool.
If you’re still unsure of what IP Rating to go for, check out the tables below for more explanations on IP Ratings. Otherwise…
