What do IP ratings really mean for your project?
When specifying luminaires, IP rating is a key technical parameter. It defines how well a product is protected against dust and water, and therefore where it can be used.
IP stands for Ingress Protection. It indicates protection against solid objects such as dust and liquids such as water.
An IP rating always consists of two digits.
Structure of an IP Rating
IPXY
- The first digit indicates protection against solids
- The second digit indicates protection against water
Protection Against Solids
| Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection |
| 2 | Protection against fingers |
| 4 | Protection against objects >1mm |
| 5 | Dust protected |
| 6 | Dust tight |
Protection Against Water
| Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection |
| 4 | Protection against splashing water |
| 5 | Protection against water jets |
| 6 | Protection against strong water jets |
| 7 | Protection against temporary immersion |
| 8 | Protection against continuous immersion |
Common IP Ratings for Luminaires
| IP Rating | Typical Application |
|---|---|
| IP20 | Indoor use: offices, retail, residential spaces |
| IP44 | Bathrooms, changing rooms, covered outdoor areas |
| IP54 | Technical rooms, corridors, semi-outdoor, dusty environments |
| IP65 | Outdoor façades, canopies, exposed exterior areas |
| IP67 | Ground-recessed lighting, areas with temporary water exposure |
| IP68 | Underwater applications, permanent immersion |
Two IP Ratings in One Luminaire
In professional lighting, especially with recessed luminaires, you may encounter two IP ratings.
Example: IP65 / IP20
This means the luminaire has different protection levels on different sides.
- Optical side (front): the visible, light-emitting side. This side can have higher protection, for example IP65, to resist dust and water from the room or environment.
- Back side (installation side): the part installed inside the ceiling or housing. This side often has lower protection, for example IP20.
Important:
The luminaire is not fully IP65. Only the optical side is protected at that level.
This means the installation environment must also be considered. If moisture or dust is present behind the ceiling, a higher protection level or additional protection is required.
Important Note
IP rating defines protection against dust and water only. It does not automatically mean a luminaire is suitable for all outdoor conditions.Always consider the application and installation environment when selecting the correct IP rating, especially ambient temperature.
Conclusion
Understanding IP ratings helps to correctly match luminaires to their environment. The goal is not to select the highest IP rating, but the correct one for the specific application and installation conditions. If you are not sure, feel free to contact us!
