All about IP ratings
By Esther / September 10, 2024
Choosing lighting for your home or garden is not just a matter of style. An important aspect to look out for is the IP rating, which determines how well your lamp can withstand dust and water. But what exactly does this IP rating mean, and which one do you need for different rooms?
What are IP values?
If you've ever purchased lighting or electronics for the bathroom, garden, or other damp environment, you've probably seen the term "IP rating" before. But what exactly does that mean? An IP (Ingress Protection) rating is an internationally recognized code that indicates how well a device is protected against dust and water. It helps you determine if a product is suitable for certain environments, such as outdoors or in wet areas.
What are the IP ratings?
An IP rating consists of two digits. The first digit indicates protection against solid objects, such as dust or fingers. The second digit tells how well the product is protected against moisture. The higher the numbers, the better the protection. In the field of lighting, the following IP ratings are the most common:
- IP20: Protected against solid objects above 12 mm
- IP21: Drip-proof (indoor area with slight humidity)
- IP23: Protection against slipping rain (outdoor situation under eaves)
- IP44: Splash-proof (suitable for bath and garden lighting)
- IP54: Splash and dust proof (garden lighting)
- IP64: Splash-proof and dust-proof
- IP65: Protected against powerful water jets + completely dustproof
- IP67: Dustproof and protected against immersion for 30 minutes (suitable for pond lighting or in the shower)
- IP68: Dust-proof and protected against being under water (can be hit by all weather conditions)
The bathroom and garden can be divided into different zones where the lighting needs a different IP value.
IP values in the bathroom
The bathroom is a room where a lot of moisture is present, so choosing the right IP value for your lighting is especially important here. Depending on where you place the lighting, you will need different IP ratings. The bathroom is divided into three zones, each with specific requirements:
Zone 1
This is the zone near the bathtub or shower up to 225 cm above the floor. Because this zone can come into direct contact with a lot of water and moisture, lamps in this zone must have at least an IP65 rating. In addition, lamps must operate at 12V for added safety.
Zone 2
Zone 2 is located directly above the shower stall, around the sink and around the bathtub. This zone extends up to 60 cm from Zone 1. Lighting in this zone must have at least an IP44 rating, meaning they are protected from splashing water.
Zone 3
Zone 3 includes the remaining parts of the bathroom where there is no direct contact with water, but where condensation can form. Here, an IP rating of at least IP21 is required. This provides sufficient protection against moisture, such as condensation droplets.
IP values in the garden
In the garden, it is important to choose lighting that can withstand various weather conditions. Outdoor lighting should have at least an IP44 rating to withstand splashing water and dust. For lighting directly exposed to rain or placed in the ground, a higher IP rating such as IP65 or more is recommended.
Would you like to learn more about the right IP ratings for garden lighting? Then read on on this page for more advice.
