IP ratings determine where a light fitting is safe to install. Choose wrong and you risk electrical failure, voided warranties, and potential safety hazards. Understanding the two-digit code takes five minutes. It saves thousands in replacements and liability.
What IP Stands For
IP means Ingress Protection. The rating follows IEC standard 60529. Two digits follow the letters IP. The first digit (0 to 6) rates solid particle protection. The second digit (0 to 9) rates liquid ingress protection. Higher numbers mean greater protection. A fitting rated IP65 blocks all dust and resists water jets from any direction.
First Digit: Solid Protection
0 means no protection. 1 protects against objects larger than 50mm (a hand). 2 protects against objects larger than 12.5mm (a finger). 3 stops tools and thick wires above 2.5mm. 4 blocks wires and screws above 1mm. 5 offers dust protection (limited ingress permitted, not enough to affect operation). 6 is dust-tight, completely sealed against all particles.
Second Digit: Water Protection
0 means no protection. 1 resists vertical dripping water. 2 handles drips at 15 degrees from vertical. 3 withstands spraying water up to 60 degrees. 4 resists splashing water from all directions. 5 tolerates water jets (6.3mm nozzle). 6 handles powerful water jets (12.5mm nozzle). 7 survives temporary immersion up to 1 metre for 30 minutes. 8 withstands continuous submersion beyond 1 metre.
Common IP Ratings in Architectural Lighting
IP20 suits dry interior locations only. Offices, bedrooms, corridors with no moisture exposure. Most recessed and surface-mounted interior fittings carry IP20. They work fine in standard occupied spaces where no water contact occurs.
IP44 is the minimum for bathrooms (Zone 2 and beyond). It protects against splashing water. Use IP44 for bathroom ceiling fittings, mirror lights outside the shower zone, and covered exterior locations like soffits and porches.
IP54 handles dusty environments and rain splashes. Warehouse areas, covered loading bays, and semi-exposed locations. Many industrial and commercial fittings carry IP54 as a practical balance between protection and heat dissipation.
IP65 blocks all dust and resists hose-down. Required for food processing areas, commercial kitchens, car washes, and exposed exterior wall lights. Most quality exterior bollards and wall lights carry IP65.
IP67 adds temporary submersion protection. Ground-recessed uplights, pool surrounds, and areas subject to temporary flooding. Drive-over fittings in car parks typically need IP67 combined with IK10 impact resistance.
Bathroom Zones (BS 7671)
UK wiring regulations define bathroom zones. Zone 0 is inside the bath or shower tray, requiring IP67 minimum at low voltage only. Zone 1 is directly above the bath or shower to 2.25m height, requiring IP45 minimum (typically IP65 specified). Zone 2 extends 0.6m beyond Zone 1, requiring IP44 minimum. Beyond Zone 2, standard IP20 fittings are acceptable.
Exterior Applications
External wall lights need IP65 minimum for the UK climate. Ground-recessed fittings require IP67. Bollards and post tops need IP65. Floodlights mounted on exposed walls should carry IP66. Swimming pool and fountain fittings require IP68 with specific voltage limitations. Always check whether the fitting will be exposed to direct rainfall versus sheltered conditions.
IK Ratings: Impact Protection
IP ratings do not cover mechanical impact. IK ratings (IEC 62262) measure impact resistance separately. IK08 withstands 5 joules (equivalent to a 1.7kg mass dropped from 300mm). IK10 handles 20 joules (5kg from 400mm). Public areas, car parks, sports halls, and vandal-prone locations need IK08 minimum, with IK10 preferred for ground-level fittings.
Specifying Correctly
Over-specifying IP ratings increases cost and reduces thermal performance. A sealed IP65 fitting runs hotter than an IP20 equivalent because ventilation is eliminated. Specify the minimum rating required for the environment, not the maximum available. Your fitting will last longer and deliver better efficacy when it runs cooler.
Every product in the EMPRICS catalogue lists its IP and IK rating in the specification data. Filter our collections by IP rating to find fittings suited to your project environment.