IP Rating Guide: What Do IP20, IP44, IP65 and IP67 Mean?
When shopping for lighting, you've probably seen terms like IP20, IP44 or IP65 listed in the product specifications. But what do these numbers actually mean?
An IP rating (Ingress Protection rating) tells you how well a light fitting is protected against solid objects (such as dust) and water. Choosing the correct IP rating is essential for safety, durability and long-term performance—especially in bathrooms, gardens and outdoor spaces.
This guide explains everything you need to know about IP ratings so you can confidently choose the right lighting for every area of your home.
What Does an IP Rating Mean?
IP stands for Ingress Protection.
An IP rating is made up of two numbers:
Example: IP65
- First digit: Protection against solid objects and dust.
- Second digit: Protection against water.
The higher the number, the greater the level of protection.
First Number – Protection Against Dust
| Rating | Protection |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Objects over 50 mm |
| 2 | Objects over 12.5 mm |
| 3 | Objects over 2.5 mm |
| 4 | Objects over 1 mm |
| 5 | Dust protected |
| 6 | Dust tight |
For most homeowners, you'll commonly see 5 or 6 on outdoor light fittings.
Second Number – Protection Against Water
| Rating | Protection |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Dripping water |
| 2 | Dripping water at an angle |
| 3 | Spraying water |
| 4 | Splashing water |
| 5 | Water jets |
| 6 | Powerful water jets |
| 7 | Temporary immersion |
| 8 | Continuous immersion |
Common IP Ratings Explained
IP20
Suitable for dry indoor spaces only.
Best for:
- Living rooms
- Bedrooms
- Dining rooms
- Offices
Not suitable for bathrooms or outdoor use.
IP44
Protected against splashing water.
Ideal for:
- Bathrooms
- Covered patios
- Laundry rooms
- Under covered verandas
One of the most common ratings for bathroom wall lights.
IP54
Offers additional protection against dust and splashing water.
Suitable for:
- Covered outdoor areas
- Garages
- Utility rooms
IP65
Dust-tight and protected against water jets.
Ideal for:
- Outdoor lights
- Garden lighting
- Driveways
- Patios
- Exterior entrances
This is one of the most popular ratings for outdoor lighting.
IP67
Can withstand temporary immersion in water.
Perfect for:
- Pond lighting
- Water features
- Some landscape lighting
Which IP Rating Do You Need?
Living Room
✅ IP20
Bedroom
✅ IP20
Kitchen
Usually:
✅ IP20
Near sinks:
✅ IP44
Bathroom
Outside splash zones:
✅ IP44
Near showers:
✅ IP65
Covered Patio
Recommended:
✅ IP44–IP54
Outdoor Lights
Recommended:
✅ IP54–IP65
Garden Lighting
Recommended:
✅ IP65
Pool Area
Recommended:
✅ IP67 or higher (depending on installation and local electrical regulations)
Bathroom Safety Zones
Bathrooms have different zones that require different protection levels.
Zone 0
Inside the bath or shower.
Requires very high water protection.
Zone 1
Directly above the bath or shower.
Generally requires IP65 or higher.
Zone 2
Around the bath and basin.
Usually IP44 or higher.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these common errors:
❌ Installing IP20 lights outdoors.
❌ Using decorative indoor wall lights in bathrooms.
❌ Assuming all LED lights are waterproof.
❌ Choosing the wrong IP rating for coastal environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IP44 waterproof?
IP44 is splash-resistant but not waterproof. It is suitable for bathrooms and covered outdoor areas but not for direct water jets or immersion.
Is IP65 waterproof?
IP65 is highly resistant to dust and water jets, making it an excellent choice for outdoor lighting.
Can I use IP20 outside?
No. IP20 is designed for dry indoor environments only.
Is a higher IP rating always better?
Not necessarily. Higher IP ratings provide more protection but are only needed where water or dust exposure is expected. For most indoor living spaces, IP20 is perfectly suitable.
Choosing the Right Outdoor Lighting
Selecting the correct IP rating helps ensure your lighting remains safe, reliable and long-lasting.
Whether you're installing garden lights, bathroom wall lights or modern outdoor wall lights, understanding IP ratings makes it much easier to choose the right fitting for the job.
Explore elevenpast's range of indoor and outdoor lighting to find beautifully designed lights with the protection your space requires.