In short: an IP rating (Ingress Protection) indicates how well an electrical product is protected against the ingress of solid objects, such as dust and foreign bodies, and liquids, such as splashes, water jets and immersion. It consists of two digits: the first relates to solids, the second to liquids. The higher the numbers, the greater the protection. Choosing the right IP rating ensures safety, longevity and correct operation of the installation in every environment.
What is an IP rating?
IP stands for Ingress Protection. It is defined by the international standard IEC 60529, adopted in the UK as BS EN 60529, and is used to classify electrical enclosures and equipment according to their resistance to dust and water.
The code always consists of the letters IP followed by two digits, for example IP65. Each digit has a specific meaning, and the two should be read separately.
How to read an IP rating
The first digit: protection against solids
The first digit, from 0 to 6, indicates protection against the ingress of objects and dust:
- 0: no protection;
- 1: protected against solid objects larger than 50 mm, such as the back of a hand;
- 2: protected against objects larger than 12.5 mm, such as fingers;
- 3: protected against objects larger than 2.5 mm, such as tools and thick wires;
- 4: protected against objects larger than 1 mm, such as fine wires;
- 5: dust-protected: ingress is not entirely prevented, but does not interfere with operation;
- 6: dust-tight.
The second digit: protection against liquids
The second digit, from 0 to 8 (up to 9 for high-pressure, high-temperature jets), indicates protection against water:
- 0: no protection;
- 1: protected against vertically falling drops of water;
- 2: protected against drops when tilted up to 15°;
- 3: protected against spraying water (rain);
- 4: protected against splashing water from any direction;
- 5: protected against water jets;
- 6: protected against powerful water jets;
- 7: protected against temporary immersion, up to 1 metre deep;
- 8: protected against continuous immersion, under conditions specified by the manufacturer.
What the “X” means
Sometimes one of the two digits is replaced by an X, for example IPX4. This means that characteristic has not been tested or is not declared. An IPX4 rating, therefore, only states protection against water.
The IP ratings most used in LED lighting
In the world of LED strips and accessories, some ratings come up far more often than others.
IP20: for dry interiors. Protects against finger contact but offers no protection against water. It is the typical rating for bare LED strips and many indoor drivers, to be installed in dry spaces such as living rooms, bedrooms, offices, shops and ceiling voids.
IP44: for splash-prone areas. Protects against small solid objects and splashing water. Suitable for areas where water may reach occasionally, such as certain bathroom zones or covered spaces exposed to splashes.
IP65: for outdoor and damp locations. Dust-tight and protected against water jets. One of the most widely used ratings for sheltered outdoor installations, bathrooms, kitchens and spaces cleaned with water.
IP67: for temporary immersion. Dust-tight and protected against immersion up to 1 metre for a limited time. Suitable where the product may occasionally be submerged, such as outdoor paving or areas prone to standing water.
IP68: for continuous immersion. The highest level of water protection for prolonged immersion, under the depth and duration conditions stated by the manufacturer. The benchmark rating for fountains, pools, water features and installations in permanent contact with water.
How to choose the right IP rating for every environment
The general rule is simple: the IP rating should be chosen according to the most severe conditions the product will be exposed to, not the usual ones.
Dry interiors
Living rooms, bedrooms, offices, shops, showrooms and exhibition spaces. In these spaces an IP20 rating is generally sufficient, provided the product is not exposed to excessive dust or humidity.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are divided into zones according to their distance from the bath and shower, as set out in BS 7671 (Section 701). The closer to the water, the higher the rating required: as a guide, at least IPX4 in zones 1 and 2 around the bath and shower, and IPX7 within the bath or shower tray itself (zone 0). Many schemes specify IP65 throughout for an added safety margin.
Kitchens and damp working areas
Under wall units, near the sink or in commercial spaces cleaned with water, IP44 or IP65 is advisable.
Covered outdoor areas
Porches, canopies, balconies and covered terraces. Even when sheltered from direct rain, these spaces are exposed to humidity, dust and wind-driven rain: IP65 is the recommended rating.
Exposed outdoor areas
Façades, string courses, gardens and pathways. Here the product is directly exposed to the weather: IP65 or higher is required, with IP67 where there is a risk of standing water.
Pools, fountains and water features
For continuously submerged installations, the only suitable rating is IP68, always within the depth limits stated by the manufacturer.
Common mistakes when choosing an IP rating
Considering only the strip. The IP rating of an installation is that of its weakest component. An IP67 strip connected with an IP20 connector or driver does not make the installation suitable for outdoor use. Drivers, connectors, joints and cable glands must all carry a rating consistent with the environment.
Assuming higher is always better. A higher IP rating increases protection, but can affect cost, size, heat dissipation and light output. Specifying IP68 where IP20 would do is not always the best solution.
Overlooking installation. An IP65 product loses its protection if it is cut, drilled or connected without correctly restoring the seals. The manufacturer’s instructions must be followed carefully.
Confusing IP with other forms of protection. The IP rating covers dust and water only. It says nothing about impact resistance, UV, salt spray or chemicals, which must be assessed separately.
Frequently asked questions about IP ratings
What does IP65 mean?
It means the product is dust-tight (first digit 6) and protected against water jets (second digit 5). It is suitable for many outdoor and damp environments.
What is the difference between IP65, IP67 and IP68?
All three are dust-tight. The difference is the water protection: IP65 withstands water jets, IP67 temporary immersion up to 1 metre, and IP68 continuous immersion under conditions stated by the manufacturer.
Can an IP20 LED strip be used in a bathroom?
Only outside the zones exposed to water and splashes, and in well-ventilated spaces. Near the shower, bath and basin, a higher IP rating is required.
Does the driver need the same IP rating as the strip?
The driver needs a rating suited to the environment in which it is installed. If it is outdoors or in a damp location, it must be as well protected as the strip; if it sits in a dry plant space, a lower rating may be acceptable.
Unsure which IP rating your project needs?
Every environment has different requirements, and the choice of IP rating concerns the whole system: light source, driver, connections and installation. The LEDCO technical team will help you choose the most suitable solution.