IP ratings, also known as Ingress Protection ratings, are a standard classification system that measures how well an enclosure resists solids and liquids. They're the quickest way to tell whether a light fitting is safe for your bathroom, outdoor entryway, or shower zone — and which fittings to avoid in those areas entirely.
How an IP Rating Works
Every IP code is written as "IP" followed by two digits — for example, IP44 or IP67. Each digit reports a different kind of protection, and the rating only makes sense when you read both together.
- First digit (0–6): protection against solid objects such as dust, tools, or fingers.
- Second digit (0–9): protection against liquids — from falling water drops up to high-pressure jets and full immersion.
First Digit — Solid Protection (0–6)
- No protection.
- Solid objects larger than 50 mm (e.g. a hand).
- Solid objects larger than 12.5 mm (fingers).
- Solid objects larger than 2.5 mm (tools, thick wires).
- Solid objects larger than 1 mm (small wires).
- Dust protected (limited ingress, not fully sealed).
- Dust-tight (no ingress).
Second Digit — Liquid Protection (0–9)
- No protection.
- Vertically falling water drops.
- Falling water drops when tilted up to 15°.
- Spraying water at angles up to 60° from vertical.
- Splashing water from any direction.
- Water jets from any direction (limited ingress).
- Powerful water jets or heavy seas.
- Temporary immersion (1 m depth, 30 minutes).
- Continuous immersion under specified conditions.
- High-pressure, high-temperature jets and steam cleaning.
Worked Example: What IP67 Means
An IP67-rated fitting is completely dust-tight (6) and can withstand temporary immersion in water up to 1 metre deep for 30 minutes (7) — suitable for outdoor lighting that may sit in puddles after rain, but not designed to be permanently submerged.
Choosing the Right IP Rating
The right rating depends on the zone the fitting will live in. Here's a practical NZ guide:
- Indoor, dry rooms: IP20 is fine.
- Bathrooms — Zone 2 (around the basin): IP44 minimum.
- Bathrooms — Zone 1 (above the shower or bath): IP65 or higher.
- Outdoor undercover (eaves, porches): IP44 minimum.
- Outdoor exposed: IP65 or higher.
- In-ground or pool surrounds: IP67+.
Why It Matters
Higher numbers always indicate stronger protection, but more isn't always necessary — and over-spec'd fittings cost more without adding value. Match the rating to the environment: under-spec'd fittings can fail or become a safety hazard, while over-spec'd ones eat budget that could go on better optics or a nicer design.
