What is the IP rating?
The IP rating (Ingress Protection) uses two digits to show how well an electrical device or enclosure is protected against the ingress of solid objects and water. The rating is set out in the international standard IEC 60529 and is written as “IP” followed by two digits, for example IP44 or IP65.
What do the digits mean?
- First digit (0–6) — protection against solid particles and contact. 0 is no protection, 5 is dust-protected and 6 is fully dust-tight.
- Second digit (0–8, and 9/9K) — protection against water. 0 is no protection, 4 against splashing, 5 against water jets, 7 against temporary immersion and 8 against continuous immersion.
So IP65 means a fitting is fully dust-tight and resistant to water jets. Where an X appears (for example IPX4), that digit has not been tested or stated.
| First digit 5 | Dust-protected |
|---|---|
| First digit 6 | Fully dust-tight |
| Second digit 4 | Protected against splashing |
| Second digit 5 | Protected against water jets |
| Second digit 7 | Protected against temporary immersion |
| Second digit 8 | Protected against continuous immersion |
Application in and around the home
The IP rating matters above all when choosing lighting, switchgear and appliances in damp or wet places:
- Bathroom — the requirements depend on the zone; above or near a bath or shower a higher IP rating is required.
- Outdoors — outdoor lighting and outdoor sockets need at least IP44, and more where directly exposed to rain or water jets.
- Wet rooms — utility and cellar rooms call for splash- or jet-proof versions.
Always choose the IP rating to suit the place of use; too low a rating risks short circuits, corrosion and dangerous situations.
Related terms
- Residual-current device
- Recessed spotlight
- Corrosion class
- Lightning protection
- Home automation
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