What exactly is an IP rating?
An IP Rating is a two digit number used to provide an "Ingress Protection" rating to either a piece of electronic equipment, or an enclosure for a piece of electronic equipment. It tells you whether or not your item is suitable for certain types of exposure to water or solid objects.
Ratings for KitchensIt's sensible to use a minimum of IP20 ratings in the kitchen to avoid steam generated moisture, condensation or water drips. If the fitting is going to be somewhere it will likely see heavier moisture exposure, IP44 or above may be more suitable. |
Ratings for BathroomsFor a bathroom, products need to be selected depending on their zone: For Zone 0, use IP67 For Zone 1, IP65 For Zone 2, IP44 |
Ratings for OutdoorsProducts for outdoor use must be IP rated. Ensure you have the correct rating by using: IP44 for most applications (unless it will be exposed to heavy rain) IP65+ for all outdoor use |
Your bathroom is split up into four different zones, with different ratings required for each one.
The interior of the bath tub, shower or basin.
Minimum IP rating: IPx7
Area immediately above the bath or shower tray.
Minimum IP rating: IPx5
Within 0.6m of the outside edge of the bath or shower.
Minimum IP rating: IPx5
Anywhere outside of zones 0, 1 and 2.
No specific IP rating, unless where water jets are likely to be used. In this case, IPx5 is required.
Wherever there is a risk from ingress of dust or water! You should always use IP rated products in kitchens, bathrooms and for all types of outdoor usage.
| First Digit | Second Digit | |
| No. | Protection against solids | Protection against water |
| 0 | No protection | No protection |
| 1 | Objects over 50mm in size | Falling drops of water |
| 2 | Objects over 12mm in size | Direct sprays of water with 15 degrees tilt |
| 3 | Objects over 2.5mm in size | Direct sprays of water with 60 degrees tilt |
| 4 | Objects over 1mm in size | Direct sprays of water from all directions |
| 5 | Limited protection against dust ingress | Low pressure washer jets from any direction |
| 6 | Totally protected against dust ingress | High pressure washer jets from any direction |
| 7 | N/A | Short periods of immersion in water |
| 8 | N/A | Long, durable periods of immersion in water |
Here at the Electrical Counter, we offer a huge selection of IP rated outdoor lighting from a whole host of leading manufacturers. Check out our top picks:
Eamon Black IP44 5W Max GU10 LED 12m PIR Polycarbonate Single Wall Light More +
ELD Lighting GU10SPIKE-BK Black GU10 Garden Spike Light - Max 35W More +
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