What are IP Ratings?

An important specification that is almost always included in the details of a lamp is the IP rating. But what does this value actually mean? In this blog, we will explain everything you need to know about IP ratings and when this value is useful to you.

What Are IP Ratings?

IP stands for InternationalProtection rating and indicates how well the lamp is protected against solid or liquid substances. The IP rating consists of two digits. The first digit represents the degree of protection against solid particles such as dust. The second digit represents the degree of protection against moisture and water. For many indoor spaces, an IP20 rating is sufficient; this means the lamp is dustproof. For damp areas like bathrooms or outdoor lighting, higher IP ratings are often recommended.

Examples of IP Ratings

In the field of lighting, you will often encounter the following IP ratings:

• IP20: Dustproof
• IP21: Drip-proof
• IP23: Rainproof
• IP44: Splashproof (suitable for around bathtubs and sheltered places)
• IP54: Splashproof and dustproof
• IP65: Protected against water jets
• IP67: Dustproof and protected against immersion for up to 30 minutes (suitable for pond lighting or in the shower)
• IP68: Dustproof and protected against prolonged immersion in water (can withstand all weather conditions)

Which IP Rating Should I Choose for the Bathroom?

For applications in a bathroom or other damp areas, we can divide the lighting into 3 categories. Category 1 includes all lamps placed near the shower or bath. These areas are often exposed to a lot of moisture and water. To avoid dangerous situations, it is advisable to use lamps with a minimum IP65 rating in this category. This ensures the lamp is well protected against water.

Category 2 consists of lamps placed near the sink or bath. These areas may still receive direct water droplets. For this category, an IP44 rating is recommended.

Category 3 includes all other lamps in the bathroom (or damp room). These lamps will not receive direct water jets, but they still need protection against condensation. For this final category, a minimum IP21 rating ensures the safest situation and the longest lifespan for the lamp in question.

Which IP Rating Should I Choose for Outdoors?

Outdoor lighting must naturally be well protected against various weather conditions. It is important to carefully check the IP rating of a lamp when selecting outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting can also be divided into 3 categories. First, Category 1 consists of lamps that need to withstand all weather conditions. These lamps require a high rating, namely at least IP65. If you want to place lighting in a pond, choose at least IP67, as this lighting can be submerged in water.

Category 2 includes lamps that are placed close to a wall or roof. These lamps have some shelter, but a minimum IP44 rating is still recommended. The final category, Category 3, includes lamps that are fully sheltered. Think of lamps on a covered balcony. These lights won’t be directly exposed to extreme weather conditions, but they will still be exposed to moisture. Therefore, it’s recommended to choose a minimum value of IP23 for these lamps.