IP Ratings Explained
IP Ratings Explained: Choose Waterproof LEDs with Confidence
IP ratings are the international standard for measuring how well LED lights and electrical equipment are protected against dust, water, and other intrusions - essential knowledge for choosing the right LED lighting for any environment.
Think of it like this: An IP rating is like a weather resistance score for your LED lights - the higher the numbers, the better protected they are against dust storms and water, from light splashes to full submersion.
📋 WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE:
Why IP Ratings Matter for Your LED Installation
🛡️ Safety First
Prevents electrical hazards
💰 Save Money
Avoid premature failures
📜 Compliance
Meet building regulations
⚡ Longevity
Right protection = longer life
🔍 Understanding IP Ratings
IP stands for Ingress Protection (sometimes called International Protection). It's an internationally recognised standard (IEC 60529) that tells you exactly how well an electrical enclosure protects against intrusion from solids (like dust and fingers) and liquids (like water and moisture).
How to Read an IP Rating: IP65 Example
First Digit (0-6)
Protection from SOLIDS
6 = Totally dust-tight
Second Digit (0-9)
Protection from LIQUIDS
5 = Water jets from any angle
💡 SPECIAL CASES:
- IPX4: The "X" means no solid protection rating given (focus on water only)
- IP2X: The "X" means no liquid protection rating given (focus on solids only)
- IP69K: The "K" indicates high-pressure, high-temperature water jets
📊 Complete IP Rating Chart
First Digit: Protection Against Solids
| Level | Protection Against | Effective Against |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection | — |
| 1 | Objects >50mm | Large body parts (back of hand) |
| 2 | Objects >12.5mm | Fingers |
| 3 | Objects >2.5mm | Tools, thick wires |
| 4 | Objects >1mm | Most wires, screws, large insects |
| 5 | Dust protected | Limited dust ingress (no harmful deposits) |
| 6 | Dust tight | Complete protection against dust |
Second Digit: Protection Against Liquids
| Level | Protection Against | Test Details |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection | — |
| 1 | Vertical dripping | 1mm/min for 10 mins |
| 2 | Dripping (15° tilt) | 3mm/min at 15° angles |
| 3 | Spraying water | 60° from vertical, 5 mins |
| 4 | Splashing water | Any direction, 5 mins |
| 5 | Water jets | 6.3mm nozzle, 3m distance |
| 6 | Powerful jets | 12.5mm nozzle, 3m distance |
| 7 | Temporary immersion | 1m depth, 30 mins |
| 8 | Continuous immersion | Depth specified by manufacturer |
| 9K | High pressure/temp jets | 80°C water, 80-100 bar pressure |
⭐ Common IP Ratings for LED Lighting
IP20 - Indoor Use Only
Protection: Against objects >12.5mm | No water protection
Perfect for: Living rooms, bedrooms, offices, dry indoor areas
Example Products: Standard LED strips, indoor downlights, cabinet lighting
IP44 - Splash Resistant
Protection: Against objects >1mm | Splashing water from any direction
Perfect for: Bathrooms (Zone 2), covered outdoor areas, under eaves
Example Products: Bathroom downlights, covered porch lights
IP65 - Weatherproof (Most Popular Outdoor)
Protection: Totally dust-tight | Water jets from any angle
Perfect for: Outdoor walls, gardens, car parks, industrial areas
✅ Can handle: Rain, snow, dust storms, garden hose spray
❌ Cannot handle: Submersion, pressure washing
IP67 - Submersible
Protection: Totally dust-tight | Temporary immersion (1m/30min)
Perfect for: Pool lighting, fountains, ground uplights, wet areas
✅ Can handle: Temporary flooding, rain puddles, fountain splash
❌ Cannot handle: Permanent underwater installation
IP68 - Fully Waterproof
Protection: Totally dust-tight | Continuous submersion
Perfect for: Underwater lighting, pools, marine applications
Note: Depth and duration specified by manufacturer (typically >1m continuously)
🚿 Bathroom Zones & IP Requirements (UK Regulations)
UK regulations divide bathrooms into zones based on proximity to water sources. Each zone has specific IP rating requirements for electrical safety.
Bathroom Zone Requirements
Zone 0 - Inside Bath/Shower
Required: Minimum IP67 (12V SELV max)
The inside of the bath or shower tray itself
Zone 1 - Above Bath/Shower
Required: Minimum IP65 (or IP44 if unlikely to be jet washed)
Directly above bath/shower up to 2.25m from floor
Zone 2 - Splash Zone
Required: Minimum IP44
Area extending 0.6m horizontally from bath/shower, up to 2.25m high
Outside Zones
Required: No specific IP requirement (but IP20 minimum recommended)
Areas beyond 0.6m from bath/shower
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Always consult a qualified electrician for bathroom installations. Regulations may vary, and professional installation ensures safety and compliance.
🎯 Quick Selection Guide by Application
| Location | Minimum IP Rating | Recommended Products |
|---|---|---|
| Living Room/Bedroom | IP20 | Standard LED strips |
| Kitchen (General) | IP20 | Cabinet LED strips |
| Kitchen (Near Sink) | IP44-IP65 | Splash-proof strips |
| Bathroom (Zone 2) | IP44 | Bathroom-rated downlights |
| Shower Area | IP65-IP67 | Waterproof LED strips |
| Garden/Patio | IP65 | IP65 LED strips |
| Swimming Pool | IP68 | Submersible LED lights |
| Industrial/Warehouse | IP54-IP65 | High bay LED lights |
| Car Park | IP65 | Weatherproof floodlights |
🔮 IP Rating Decision Tool
Find Your Perfect IP Rating in 30 Seconds
1️⃣ Where will the lights be installed?
→ Indoors (dry) = IP20 minimum
→ Indoors (wet areas) = IP44-IP65
→ Outdoors (covered) = IP44 minimum
→ Outdoors (exposed) = IP65 minimum
2️⃣ What water exposure is expected?
→ None = IP20
→ Occasional splashing = IP44
→ Rain/jets = IP65
→ Temporary submersion = IP67
→ Permanent underwater = IP68
3️⃣ Is dust a concern?
→ Clean environment = Any rating
→ Some dust = IP5X minimum
→ Heavy dust/industrial = IP6X required
❌ Common IP Rating Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming "waterproof" means submersible:
IP65 is weatherproof but NOT submersible. You need IP67+ for underwater use.
Cutting waterproof LED strips:
Cutting IP65+ strips breaks the seal. You must reseal cut ends properly.
Using indoor lights in covered outdoor areas:
Even covered areas need IP44 minimum due to humidity and condensation.
Ignoring bathroom zones:
Using wrong IP ratings in bathrooms is dangerous and violates regulations.
💡 Professional Tips
- Go one level higher: If between two ratings, choose the higher one for longevity
- Check connectors too: Ensure connectors match the IP rating of your lights
- Consider maintenance: Higher IP ratings may affect heat dissipation
- Document compliance: Keep IP rating certificates for warranty and insurance
🛍️ Shop LED Products by IP Rating
🤔 Still Unsure Which IP Rating You Need?
Our technical team provides FREE consultation to ensure you choose the right protection level
Email: sales@weloveleds.co.uk
Or call: 0113 418 2920
📚 Related Guides
- How to Cut, Connect & Install LED Strip Lights
- How to Connect LED Neon Flex
- How to Cut LED Neon Flex
- LED Cable Guide: Selection & Installation
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