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", that is, the degree of resistance and protection of enclosures for electrical equipment against the possible intrusion of solids or liquids. It was classified by standard CEI EN 60529/1997 (formerly CEI 70-1) of the International Electrotechnical Commission. This is a global body, ensuring that this classification is consistent 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 against contact with hazardous parts and the ingress of solid objects (commonly referred to in less technical terms as "dust-resistant"), while the second number refers to protection against moisture and water (for items simply called "waterproof"). In both cases, level 0 means "no protection".
1st digit - Degree of protection against the penetration of solids
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 drops of water or rain falling up to 15° from the vertical
3 - protected against drops of water or rain falling 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 in the living room, a wall lamp in the bedroom or a spotlight in the entrance, no specific protection is required. However, fittings in bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor spaces need an IP rating to prevent debris or water from entering, damaging them and causing harm to people or property. There is, therefore, 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, and it can be placed in 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 use in outdoor environments, such as 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 installed in outdoor spaces that are covered, but exposed to humidity or occasional splashes and sprays from all directions.
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IP65 rating
It provides complete protection against the penetration of solid objects and liquids from drops, vapour, splashes and jets of water from any direction. Electrical devices installed outdoors and left there even in the rain, or in bathrooms in the areas closest to the shower, sink and sanitary ware in general, where there is usually a lot of humidity and possible water splashes, must have an IP65 protection rating.
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