IP ratings: which IP rating do you need for outdoor lighting?

When choosing outdoor lighting, you will quickly come across terms such as IP44, IP65 and IP68. But what do these numbers actually mean? The IP rating indicates the degree to which a product is protected against the ingress of solid objects, dust and water. For example, the meaning of IP65 differs from that of IP44 or IP68. The level of protection you need depends on where the product is used. In this blog, we explain the different IP ratings and help you choose the right level of protection for outdoor use.

Summary

The IP rating indicates how well a product is protected against solid objects, dust and water. The first digit indicates protection against solid objects and dust, while the second digit indicates protection against water. For example, IP44 provides protection against splashing water, IP65 is dust-tight and protected against water jets, while IP67 and IP68 provide protection against immersion under specific conditions.

The IP rating you need for outdoor lighting mainly depends on where the product is installed and the amount of dust and water it may come into contact with.

What does an IP rating mean?

IP stands for Ingress Protection. The letters IP are followed by two digits. The first digit indicates how well a product is protected against contact and the ingress of solid objects and dust. The second digit indicates the level of protection against water.

With IP65, for example, the 6 has a different meaning from the 5. The first digit indicates that the product is dust-tight. The second digit indicates that it is protected against water jets. A higher IP rating does not automatically mean that a product is better for every application. The most important thing is that the level of protection matches the location where the product will be used.

IP rating table: protection against dust and water

To understand an IP classification correctly, you need to look at the two digits separately. The first IP rating table shows what the first digit means in terms of protection against contact, solid objects and dust.

The second digit relates to water protection. This means that a product may offer excellent protection against dust while having a different level of protection against moisture.

What does IP44 mean?

With IP44, the first digit indicates that the product is protected against solid objects larger than 1 millimetre. The second digit indicates that the product is protected against splashing water from different directions.

Whether IP44 provides sufficient protection against water depends on how and where the product is installed and used. For outdoor products that may be exposed to splashing water, IP44 can be suitable. Always check the product specifications and installation instructions for your intended application.

One example from the Lightpro range is the Transformer Touch. This has an IP44 rating and can be further protected with the Transformer Touch Cover. The transformer converts 230 volts to 12 volts and is therefore an important part of the Lightpro system.

What does IP64 mean?

An IP64 rating consists of a 6 and a 4. The 6 means that the product is dust-tight. The 4 indicates protection against splashing water from different directions.

What does IP65 mean?

With an IP65 rating, the 6 indicates complete protection against the ingress of dust. The 5 indicates that the product is protected against water jets. This makes IP65 relevant if you are looking for a product that may be exposed to both dust and water outdoors.

For garden lighting, IP65 can be useful when a light fixture is installed in a less sheltered location. For example, lighting in a flower bed or another location where the fixture is directly exposed to the elements.

However, always consider the specific application. An IP65 rating does not mean that a product is suitable for prolonged use underwater. For situations where immersion is possible, other IP ratings are relevant.

What is the difference between IP64 and IP65?

The difference between IP64 and IP65 is not the level of protection against dust. Both have the highest rating for dust protection within this classification. The difference lies in the second digit. IP65 provides protection against water jets, while IP64 provides protection against splashing water.

What does IP67 mean?

With IP67, the 6 indicates that the product is dust-tight. The 7 means that it is protected against temporary immersion. This provides a higher level of water protection than IP65.

IP67 may, for example, be relevant for products that, due to their location, may temporarily come into contact with larger amounts of water. Again, it is important to check the instructions for the specific product. IP67 does not automatically mean that a product is suitable for permanent installation underwater.

What does IP68 mean?

With IP68, the 6 indicates dust-tight protection. The 8 indicates protection against immersion under the conditions specified for the particular product.

An example from the Lightpro range is the Connector IP68 Cover. This is suitable for applications where additional protection of the connection is important.

Please note that IP68 should not simply be interpreted as “always completely waterproof”. Always check the corresponding product specifications and installation instructions.

When should you choose IP44 or IP65?

Are you unsure whether to choose IP44 or IP65? The most important factor is where the product will be installed. IP44 provides protection against splashing water and is suitable for applications where this level of protection is sufficient. IP65 is dust-tight and also provides protection against water jets.

A higher number should not automatically be the deciding factor. A light fixture installed in a sheltered location is exposed to different conditions than lighting installed in the middle of an open flower bed. Choose an IP rating that matches the installation location and the level of exposure to dust and water.

Which IP rating do you need for an outdoor light?

When choosing garden lighting, do not only consider the design or lighting effect. Also check the IP rating and determine the conditions the product will be exposed to at the chosen location. Consider rain and splashing water, as well as dust and dirt.

Pay particular attention when installing lighting or other components close to water. A higher IP rating provides a higher level of protection within the relevant classification, but it does not automatically mean that every product is suitable for every application around or in water.

IP ratings and 12-volt garden lighting

The IP rating and the voltage of garden lighting indicate two different things. Lightpro uses a 12-volt system. A transformer converts the 230-volt mains voltage to 12 volts. The IP rating indicates how well a specific product is protected against the ingress of solid objects, dust and water.

Choosing the right IP rating for your garden

Choosing the right IP rating starts with the location. First determine where you want to install the lighting or another component, then consider the conditions it will be exposed to. A sheltered location requires a different level of protection than a product installed in the middle of a flower bed or in an area that is regularly exposed to large amounts of water.

The two digits make it easier to compare levels of protection. The first digit tells you how well the product is protected against solid objects and dust. The second digit indicates the level of protection against water. This allows you to clearly compare IP44, IP64, IP65, IP67 and IP68.

Need some help or advice? Please contact us.

Frequently asked questions

What does IP65 mean?

IP65 means that a product is dust-tight and protected against water jets. The 6 indicates the level of protection against dust, while the 5 indicates the level of protection against water.

Is IP44 sufficient for outdoor use in the rain?

IP44 provides protection against splashing water from different directions. Whether this is sufficient depends on the location, installation and application of the product. Therefore, always check the product specifications.

Which is better, IP65 or IP67?

IP67 provides a different level of water protection than IP65. IP65 protects against water jets, while IP67 provides protection against temporary immersion. Which rating is more suitable depends on the application.

Is IP68 completely waterproof?

IP68 provides protection against immersion under conditions specified for the particular product. Always check the product specifications to determine the depth, duration and applications for which the product is suitable.