Choosing your favorite lighting fixtures for your home should be fun and easy. Crafting the perfect ambience allows you to set the tone of each room and exterior space, showcasing your style and taste down to the finer details. However, the nature of lighting means that some aspects may not be as straightforward as simply picking your favorite colors and light shades. We are here to explain IP-rated lights in detail so you are fully prepared when it’s time to revamp your lighting.
At Ambientco, our customers are always our top priority. We strive to help you find the perfect light fixtures to create your dream home. This guide is designed to ensure IP ratings are clearly explained, so you can shop for your lighting with complete confidence.
What is the IP Rating for Lights?
IP ratings (Ingress Protection) classify the protection level of lights against water, dust, and dirt. Upon testing, lights are assigned an IP number that identifies their immunity to the entry of these elements and evaluates the effectiveness of their sealing. Higher numbers signify stronger protection.
IP ratings consist of two digits. The first digit indicates the level of protection against solid materials and ranges from 0 to 6.
The second digit evaluates protection against water and other liquids. It ranges from 0 to 8, with 0 indicating no protection and 8 allowing the light to be fully submerged in water without sustaining damage.
Do All Lights Have an IP Rating?
IP ratings are generally assigned to outdoor lights or those in regular contact with moisture, such as bathroom and kitchen lights. Testing lights for IP ratings is an expensive process, so some manufacturers may choose not to test lights specifically designed for areas with minimal exposure to hazardous elements.
How Do I Know the IP Rating of a Light?
A typical IP rating appears as a code like “IP43.” Sometimes, a letter may follow the digits, symbolizing certified resistance to specific hazards, voltages, or materials. Alternatively, it may indicate whether the light has been tested in certain conditions, such as immersion in water.
IP Ratings Explained
| First Number | Protection from Solid Ingress | Second Number | Protection from Liquid Ingress |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection | 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Protected against solid objects over 50mm | 1 | Protected from vertical water droplets and condensation |
| 2 | Protected against solid objects over 12mm | 2 | Protected against light contact with water up to 15° from vertical |
| 3 | Protected against solid objects over 2.5mm | 3 | Protected against light contact with water up to 60° from vertical |
| 4 | Protected against solid objects over 1mm | 4 | Protected against splashed water from all directions, with limited ingress |
| 5 | Partially protected against dust | 5 | Protected against low-pressure water jets from all directions |
| 6 | Fully protected against dust | 6 | Protected against strong-pressure water jets from all directions |
| 7 | Protected against temporary immersion in water up to 100cm depth for 30 minutes | ||
| 8 | Protected against long immersion under pressure |
Best IP-Rated Lights for Your Home
As mentioned, IP ratings are essential for lights in contact with moisture or liquid. To simplify your selection process, here are our recommended IP ratings for various areas of your home:
What is the Best IP Rating for Outdoor Lights?
| Light Type | IP Rating |
| General Garden Lighting | IP44 |
| Pond Lighting | IP68 |
| Security Lighting | IP44 |
| String Lighting | IP44 |
| Porch Lanterns | IP20/IP44 (if particularly exposed) |
What is the Best IP Rating for Bathroom Lights?
| Light Location | IP Rating |
| Water-based light | IP67 |
| Above bath or shower | IP65 |
| Not in line with bath or shower | IP44 |
See our bathroom lighting Range HERE.
What is the Best IP Rating for Kitchen Lights?
| Light Location | IP Rating |
| Light steam/water-prone area | IP20 |
| Heavier steam/water-prone area | IP44 |
By understanding IP ratings and selecting lights accordingly, you can ensure your home is stylish, safe, and perfectly illuminated. At Ambientco, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
