When choosing lighting fixtures, whether for homes, offices, industrial sites, or outdoor landscapes, you’ll often see a technical code on the label: IP Rating. Many customers overlook it, but this small code plays a huge role in safety, performance, and durability.
At Royal City Electrical, we believe the right knowledge leads to smarter, safer choices. Here’s everything you need to know about IP ratings and why they matter.
What is an IP Rating?
An IP Rating (Ingress Protection Rating) is an international standard that shows how well a lighting fixture is protected against:
- Solid particles like dust
- Liquids like water
An IP rating is written as IPXX — for example, IP44, IP65, or IP67.
- The first number indicates protection against solids.
- The second number indicates protection against water.
The higher the number, the stronger the protection.
Understanding the First Digit: Protection Against Solids
The first digit ranges from 0 to 6.
- 0 means no protection.
- 1–2 means protection from larger objects like hands and fingers.
- 3–4 means protection from tools, wires, and small objects.
- 5 means the fixture is dust-protected.
- 6 means it is completely dust-tight, offering maximum protection.
This level is especially important for industrial areas, warehouses, factories, and construction sites where dust is common.
Understanding the Second Digit: Protection Against Water
The second digit ranges from 0 to 8.
- 0 means no water protection.
- 1–2 protects against light water drips.
- 3 protects against sprays.
- 4 protects against splashes from any direction.
- 5–6 protects against stronger water jets
- 7 protects against temporary immersion (up to 1 metre).
- 8 protects against long-term or deeper immersion.
This rating is crucial for bathrooms, outdoor lighting, gardens, pools, and anywhere with moisture
Choosing the Right IP Rating for Your Project
Here are a few tips to make the right choice:
- Identify the installation environment—dry, humid, dusty, or wet.
- Consider how often the fixture will be exposed to water or dirt.
- Think about maintenance expectations and lifespan.
- Follow local building and electrical codes.
- When in doubt, opt for a slightly higher IP rating for extra protection.
Not sure which one you need? The team at Royal City Electrical can recommend the ideal solution based on your project.
IP ratings may look technical, but they are essential for ensuring your lighting fixtures are safe, durable, and suitable for your environment. Whether you’re upgrading your home lighting, designing an outdoor landscape, or planning a large-scale industrial project, choosing the right IP rating makes all the difference.
At Royal City Electrical, we offer a wide selection of lighting products that meet the highest IP standards — giving you safety, performance, and peace of mind.