Definition
An IP (or "Ingress Protection") rating is a two digit code assigned to electrical products that measures the sealing effectiveness against intrusion of foreign bodies- dust, dirt, water etc.
Format
An IP rating is written "IPxy" where x is a digit denoting protection against intrusion of solid objects and y is a digit denoting protection against intrusion of liquids. The following key is used:
| # | First Digit (x) | Second Digit (y) |
| 0 | No special protection or no rating supplied | No special protection or no rating supplied |
| 1 | Protected against solid objects over 50mm in diameter e.g. hands, large tools | Protected against vertically falling drops of water or condensation |
| 2 | Protected against solid objects over 12.5mm in diameter e.g. fingers, large tools | Protected against falling drops of water deflected up to 15° from vertical. |
| 3 | Protected against solid objects over 2.5mm in diameter e.g. small tools | Protected against spray up to 60° from vertical |
| 4 | Protected against solid objects over 1.0mm e.g. wires, nails, screws, large insects | Protected against water splashes from all directions |
| 5 | Partial protection against dust that may harm equipment | Protection against low-pressure jets of directed water from any angle (limited ingress permitted with no harmful effects) |
| 6 | Totally dust tight | Protection against direct high pressure jets from any angle |
| 7 | N/A | Protection against full immersion for up to 30mins at depths between 15cm and 1m (limited ingress permitted with no harmful effects) |
| 8 | N/A | Protection against extended immersion under higher pressure (parameters set by manufacturer) |
| 9 | N/A | Protection against high-pressure, high-temperature jet sprays, wash-downs or steam-cleaning procedures |
Lighting - Indoor vs Outdoor
For lamps and light fixtures the IP rating is important in determining which locations they can be safely used and installed. Our indoor lighting products are typically rated IP20 and our outdoor lighting products are rated at least IP54.
Lighting - Bathroom Safety Zones
When designing or installing bathroom lighting there are four zones to take into consideration:
| Zone | Description | Guidance |
| 0 | Inside the bath or shower | Any fitting used in this zone must be "SELV Safety Extra Low Voltage" and be rated at least IP67, meaning it is immersion proof |
| 1 | The area above the bath to a height of 2.25 metres from the floor | A minimum rating of IP44 is required; if the fitting is 240V a 30ma Residual Current Device (RCD) must also be used to protect the circuit |
| 2 | The area stretching 60cm outside the perimeter of the bath end and to a height of 2.25 metres from the floor | A minimum rating of IP44 is required; in addition, it is good practice to consider the area around the wash basin within a 60cm radius of any tap to be considered as zone 2 |
| 3 | Anywhere outside zones 0, 1 or 2 and where no water jet is likely to be used | No specific IP rating is required |
General Guidance
We strongly recommend that all light fittings are installed by qualified electricians. Always consult a professional in the planning of lighting projects to ensure safety, appropriate product selection and compliance with local electrical and safety regulations.