IP Ratings Explained: Choosing the Right Protection for Your Lighting
When choosing a light, wattage, beam angle and colour temperature often get most of the attention. But there’s another specification that matters just as much—especially in bathrooms, balconies, façades, landscapes and other exposed spaces: the IP Rating.
At TRUE, choosing the right light isn’t only about how beautifully it illuminates a space. It’s also about making sure the fixture is designed to perform reliably in the environment it is placed in.
What is an IP Rating?
IP stands for Ingress Protection.
It is a standardised rating used to indicate how well an electrical enclosure is protected against the entry of solid particles such as dust and liquids such as water.
An IP rating generally consists of two numbers:
IP X Y
The first digit indicates protection against solids and dust.
The second digit indicates protection against water.
For example, in IP65:
6 = Dust-tight protection5 = Protection against water jets
The higher the number, the greater the level of protection—but a higher IP rating isn't automatically better for every application. The right rating depends on where and how the fixture will be used.
Understanding the First Digit: Protection Against Solids
The first number ranges from 0 to 6.
IP0X — No specific protection against solid objects.
IP1X — Protection against objects larger than 50 mm.
IP2X — Protection against objects larger than 12.5 mm, such as fingers.
IP3X — Protection against objects larger than 2.5 mm, such as certain tools and wires.
IP4X — Protection against objects larger than 1 mm.
IP5X — Dust-protected. Some dust may enter, but not enough to interfere with normal operation.
IP6X — Dust-tight. Complete protection against dust ingress.
For outdoor architectural lighting, IP5X and IP6X protection is particularly relevant because fixtures may be continuously exposed to dust and environmental particles.
Understanding the Second Digit: Protection Against Water
The second number indicates how resistant the fixture is to water ingress.
IPX0 — No specific water protection.
IPX1 — Protection against vertically falling water drops.
IPX2 — Protection against dripping water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15°.
IPX3 — Protection against water sprayed at an angle.
IPX4 — Protection against splashing water from any direction.
IPX5 — Protection against water jets.
IPX6 — Protection against powerful water jets.
IPX7 — Protection against temporary immersion in water under specified test conditions.
IPX8 — Protection against continuous immersion under conditions specified by the manufacturer.
An important distinction: IPX7 or IPX8 doesn't simply mean “more waterproof” in every situation. Protection against immersion and protection against pressurised water jets are different test conditions.
Which IP Rating Should You Choose?
For most dry indoor spaces such as living rooms, bedrooms, corridors and offices, fixtures generally don't require a very high level of water protection.
In bathrooms and other moisture-prone areas, the appropriate IP rating depends heavily on the fixture's exact position and its proximity to water.
For semi-outdoor spaces such as covered balconies and sheltered entrances, additional protection against moisture and environmental exposure may be necessary.
For façades, gardens, pathways and exposed outdoor areas, ratings such as IP65 or above are commonly used depending on the fixture, installation and degree of exposure.
For in-ground or underwater applications, specialised fixtures with appropriate immersion ratings and installation requirements should be selected.
Common IP Ratings You'll See in Lighting
IP20- Commonly found in indoor lighting where significant dust or water exposure isn't expected.
IP44- Offers protection against small solid objects and splashing water. Often considered for certain protected or moisture-prone applications.
IP54- Provides limited dust ingress protection along with protection against water splashes.
IP65- Dust-tight and protected against water jets. A common specification for many outdoor architectural lighting applications.
IP66- Dust-tight with greater protection against powerful water jets, making it suitable for more demanding exposed environments.
IP67- Dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion under defined conditions.
IP68- Dust-tight and designed for continuous immersion under manufacturer-specified conditions. The exact depth and duration should always be checked with the manufacturer.
Higher Isn't Always Better. Right Is Better.
It can be tempting to simply choose the fixture with the highest IP rating available.
But good lighting specification is about selecting the right product for the right environment.
A recessed downlight inside a dry living room doesn't need the same protection as a façade light exposed to rain, while a landscape fixture installed close to the ground faces very different conditions from a decorative pendant indoors.
Understanding IP ratings helps architects, designers and homeowners specify lighting that doesn't just complement the space visually—it is also suited to the conditions in which it needs to perform.
At TRUE, every detail matters.
Because great architectural lighting isn't only about the light you see.
It's about the performance behind it.
TRUE — Pure Performance.