Understanding IP Ratings: A Comprehensive Guide
The world of electrical components can be a complex one, but one important aspect you need to understand is the IP (Ingress Protection) rating system. If you're seeking clarity on how to shop with Electrical2Go and selecting the right IP rating for lighting or sockets for your home, new build, or project, this handy guide is just for you to learn everything you need to know about protection against water.
What is an IP Rating (Ingress Protection)?
An IP Rating is a two-digit grading system that indicates how well a product is protected against dust and water. The first digit which is between 0-6 is the level of protection from dust, while the second digit between 0-9 shows its ability to keep out water; for example on bathroom walls. For example, IP65 would mean the product has the best protection against dust and foreign bodies (demonstrated by the '6'), and a strong level (5) against moisture able to withstand low pressure water jets from any direction.
Understanding IP Ratings
Understanding these ratings is essential in selecting the correct products for your specific needs. Here's a simple breakdown of what these ratings mean:
- The First Digit (Solid Protection): Ranging from 0 to 6, this digit signifies how well the product can block dust. A score of 0 means no protection, while a score of 6 signifies total dust resistance. A high solid rating is ideal for environments with levels of dust, particles such as worksites.
- The Second Digit (Liquid Protection): This digit ranges from 0 to 9, indicating the product's ability to withstand water. A score of 0 denotes no protection, whereas a score of 9 represents protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets. A higher liquid protection is ideal for outdoor lights and sockets, especially in harsher weather environments.
Why have an IP Rating system?
IP ratings are crucial when choosing electrical equipment for both home and professional use. Consider the intended use and location of your purchase. Determine whether you will use it for indoors or outdoors and in dry or wet conditions. This will help you choose the appropriate product with the correct IP rating. For example, bathroom and outdoor lights often require higher IP ratings due to the presence of water, while electronic devices used in dry, indoor environments may not require as high a rating.
Some of the motivations behind the invention of the IP Rating system include end user safety, product development, consistency and comparability.
By establishing a uniform method for measuring and categorising protection levels, it allows consumers and users to assess the suitability of a device for specific environments. It encourages the creation of devices that can withstand specific environmental conditions, leading to the development of more robust and reliable products easily expanded upon by the clear benchmarks of IP ratings. The IP rating system provides a consistent and comparable framework across industries and regions, enabling easier evaluation and comparison of products.
The Common IP44 and IP65 Ratings
Two common ratings you'll likely come across when purchasing lighting and sockets are IP44 rating and IP65 rating.
IP44 rated products can block particles larger than 1mm and withstand water sprays from all directions. This rating is generally suitable for IP44 bathroom lights and some outdoor fixtures. At Electrical2Go we stock a range of IP44 lights that will blend to any environment.
Browse All IP44 Lights Here
IP65-rated products offer complete dust protection and can resist low-pressure water jets from any direction. These products are typically suitable for high moisture areas or outdoor locations exposed to heavier rainfall. Able to withstand low pressure water jets from any direction this makes this rating great for outdoor use.
Browse All IP65 Lights Here
If you're still unsure on choosing between IP44 vs IP65 rated products, check out our easy to follow IP Rating table:
| Ingress Protection | Protection Against Solids (First Digit) Example : IP4X |
Protection Against Moisture (Second Digit) Example : IPX4 |
| X | Not Rated | Not Rated |
| 0 | No Protection Against Contact or Dust Ingress | No Protection Against Moisture |
| 1 | Objects >50mm | Vertical Droplets of Water |
| 2 | Objects >12.5mm | Vertical Droplets with Enclosure Tilted 15° |
| 3 | Objects >2.5mm (Tools) | Sprays of Water up to 60° from Vertical |
| 4 | Objects >1mm (Wires) | Water From All Directions |
| 5 | Limited Dust Ingress (2-8 hours) | Jets of Water (Limited Ingress) |
| 6 | Dust Tight | Powerful Jets of Water (Indefinitely) |
| 7 | N/A | Water Immersion 15cm to 1m (30 Minutes) |
| 8 | N/A | Water Immersion (Indefinitely) |
The Difference between IP6X and IP68
IP6X is not a specific IP rating but is used to denote a product's degree of protection against solid particles. It indicates that the product is completely dust-tight, safe from foreign bodies. On the other hand, IP68 is a rating that signifies the highest level of protection against both dust and water. An IP68-rated product is dust-tight and can withstand continuous immersion in water beyond 1 metre.
The Difference between IP67 and IP68
Both IP67 and IP68 ratings offer protection against dust and water, but there is a difference in their capabilities. An IP67-rated product is dust-tight and can withstand immersion in water up to 1 metre for a limited time. An IP68-rated product offers the same dust protection but can withstand continuous immersion in water beyond 1 metre.
The Meaning of IP67 Rating
An IP67 rating indicates that a product is completely protected against dust and can withstand immersion in water up to 1 metre for a limited time. The first digit, 6, signifies excellent dust protection, while the second digit, 7, represents the product's ability to withstand temporary water immersion.
Devices that require protection against temporary water immersion benefit significantly from an IP67 rating. This rating ensures that the device remains unaffected by accidental water exposure, such as splashes, rain, or brief submersion. It provides peace of mind and reliability, particularly for outdoor or water-associated activities.
By understanding IP ratings, you can ensure you're making informed choices when it comes to purchasing electrical products.
Weatherproof IP ratings?
When shopping for outside electrical products you will find many descriptions and features that highlight the IP rating of the product. This is to help you, the customer, know how well protected it is against moisture and if it is appropriate for use in outside environments. The lowest moisture rating you should have outside is 4, this will be protected from splashing water in any direction. If you know you're light/socket/switch will be exposed to moisture and heavy rainfall directly, then a minimum IP rating of 5 will be better suited in this case. If you are able to, investing in the highest rated moisture protection devices and fittings will be the safest solution to your outside projects, as these will ensure peace of mind in longevity of their weatherproof features. Here at Electrical2Go we stock a wide range of waterproof light fittings and sockets.
Browse All Outdoor Lights Here
Browse All Outdoor Sockets & Switches Here
What IP Rating to use for Outdoor Lights?
Outdoor lighting with an IP44 are generally safe, however if the lighting fitting will be exposed to heavy rain and harsher weather conditions then an ingress protection rating of IP65+ is needed. Porch lights and sockets will be alright with an IP44 rating, any outdoor electrical device open to wet environments beyond shelter and is more prone to water and liquid, will need an ingress protection level of at least IPX5. This will ensure your electronics stay dry and safe to use.
What IP Rating to use for Bathrooms?
The right IP rating to use in your bathroom will depend on the 'Zone' the product will be used in. When it comes to electrical products in bathrooms, understanding the concept of bathroom zones is crucial. Bathroom zones are areas within the bathroom that are categorised depending on their proximity to water sources and the risk of contact with moisture. These zones play a vital role in determining the appropriate IP (Ingress Protection) rating for electrical products to ensure safety.
Browse All Bathroom Lighting
Browse Bathroom & Toilet Fans
Check out this handy Bathroom Zone chart to help decide what IP rating is best for your situation.
Check out our wide range of best selling IP65 & IP44 rated lights below. Many options to choose from in regards to colour, colour temperature, dimming features and adjustability. Be sure to also browse through our other weatherproof, splashproof and indoor electrical lighting fixtures as well as our socket and switches weatherproof ranges. We have filters in certain categories to help you navigate through and find the IP rated protection you want and need.
Learn more with our informational guides:
With a wide range of weatherproof, splashproof and inside light fixtures, sockets and switches, you're guaranteed to find the perfect solution for your home space. If you're unsure about which IP rating will best complete your project or need some advice, you can always call our friendly customer service team on 01424 220384.