IP Protection Ratings – What Does the IP Code Mean?
The IP protection rating (International Protection Code or Ingress Protection Code) indicates how well electrical equipment is protected against the ingress of foreign objects, contact, and water. Each IP code consists of the letters "IP" followed by two digits, for example IP65 or IP44.
The IP protection rating is particularly important when selecting:
- LED lights and lamps for outdoor and damp locations
- LED drivers and power supplies for various applications
- Control cabinets and distribution boards in electrical installations
- Sockets and switches in outdoor areas
Important: The IP protection rating is standardized according to DIN EN 60529 and is uniform worldwide. However, it does not provide information about mechanical strength, fire protection, or other safety aspects.
IP Protection Rating Table – All Digits at a Glance
First Digit – Protection Against Foreign Objects and Contact
| Digit | Protection Against Foreign Objects | Protection Against Contact |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection | No protection |
| 1 | Protected against solid foreign objects ≥ 50 mm | Protected against back of hand |
| 2 | Protected against solid foreign objects ≥ 12.5 mm | Protected against fingers |
| 3 | Protected against solid foreign objects ≥ 2.5 mm | Protected against tools and wires |
| 4 | Protected against solid foreign objects ≥ 1 mm | Protected against wires and strips |
| 5 | Dust-protected (ingress not completely prevented, but no harmful dust entry) | Complete contact protection |
| 6 | Dust-tight (no dust ingress) | Complete contact protection |
Second Digit – Protection Against Water
| Digit | Protection Against Water | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection | No special sealing |
| 1 | Protected against dripping water | Vertically dripping water must have no harmful effect |
| 2 | Protected against dripping water (angled) | Protection against dripping water at angles up to 15° |
| 3 | Protected against spraying water | Protection against water falling up to 60° from vertical |
| 4 | Protected against splashing water | Protection against water from all directions |
| 5 | Protected against water jets | Protection against water jet (6.3 mm nozzle) from any direction |
| 6 | Protected against powerful water jets | Protection against powerful water jet (12.5 mm nozzle) |
| 7 | Protected against temporary immersion | Protection when immersed up to 1 m depth for 30 minutes |
| 8 | Protected against continuous immersion | Protection against continuous immersion under manufacturer-specified conditions |
| 9 | Protected against high-pressure/steam cleaning | Protection against water during high-pressure/steam cleaning (80-100 bar, 80-100°C) |
The Most Important IP Protection Ratings in Detail
IP20 – Standard for Dry Indoor Areas
Protection: Fingers, foreign objects ≥ 12.5 mm | No water protection
IP20 is the minimum protection rating for electrical devices in normal dry indoor areas. The housing prevents the ingress of fingers and larger foreign objects but offers no protection against water.
Typical applications:
- Standard lights in living rooms, offices
- LED drivers for indoor applications
- Switches and sockets in dry areas
Not suitable for: Damp rooms, outdoor areas, dusty environments
IP44 – Splash Water Protection for Damp Rooms
Protection: Wires, foreign objects ≥ 1 mm | Splashing water from all directions
IP44 provides basic protection against splashing water and is the minimum requirement for damp rooms such as bathrooms outside the protection zones.
Typical applications:
- Bathroom lights outside protection zones (from 60 cm distance to shower/bathtub)
- Basement lights in damp basements
- Protected outdoor areas (covered terraces, carports)
- Outdoor sockets with flip covers
Important: For direct shower and tub areas (protection zones 1 and 2), at least IP65 is required!
IP54 – Dust Protection with Splash Water Protection
Protection: Dust-protected | Splashing water from all directions
IP54 combines dust protection with splash water protection and is ideal for slightly dusty and damp environments.
Typical applications:
- Workshop lights
- Industrial lights in slightly dusty areas
- Outdoor lights in protected locations
- Garage lighting
IP65 – Complete Dust and Water Jet Protection
Protection: Dust-tight | Water jets from all directions
IP65 is the most popular protection rating for outdoor applications and damp rooms. The housing is completely dust-tight and withstands water jets from all directions.
Typical applications:
- LED strips in bathrooms (shower area, tub area)
- Outdoor lights (house walls, terraces, gardens)
- LED drivers for damp room and outdoor installations
- Damp room lights in basements, laundry rooms
- Underwater spotlights at pool edge
Advantage over IP44: Also protected against direct water jets, e.g., when hosing down terraces with a garden hose.
IP67 – Waterproof During Temporary Immersion
Protection: Dust-tight | Protection against temporary immersion (up to 1 m, 30 minutes)
IP67 offers protection against temporary immersion in addition to dust and water jet protection. The housing can withstand being temporarily submerged.
Typical applications:
- Ground recessed spotlights in terraces and pathways
- LED strips along garden ponds
- Outdoor LED drivers without additional protective housing
- Lights in flood-prone areas
- Pool and pond lighting (edge area)
Important: IP67 is NOT suitable for continuous immersion! For underwater pool lights, you need IP68.
IP68 – Waterproof During Continuous Immersion
Protection: Dust-tight | Permanently waterproof under manufacturer specifications
IP68 is the highest common protection rating and protects against continuous immersion. The exact conditions (depth, duration) are specified by the manufacturer.
Typical applications:
- Underwater lights for pools and swimming ponds
- Fountain lighting
- Aquarium lighting
- Ground recessed lights in permanently wet areas
Note manufacturer specifications: An IP68 device is designed for, e.g., "1.5 m water depth, continuous" or "3 m water depth, continuous". This information is in the datasheet!
IP Protection Ratings for Typical Applications – Quick Reference
| Application | Minimum IP Rating | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Living rooms, offices (dry) | IP20 | IP20 |
| Bathroom outside protection zones (> 60 cm distance) | IP44 | IP44 - IP65 |
| Bathroom protection zones 1+2 (shower, tub) | IP65 | IP65 - IP67 |
| Basement (damp) | IP44 | IP54 - IP65 |
| Garage, carport | IP44 | IP54 |
| Covered terrace, balcony | IP44 | IP65 |
| Outdoor area (wall, garden, unprotected) | IP65 | IP65 - IP67 |
| Ground recessed spotlights outdoors | IP67 | IP67 - IP68 |
| Pond/pool edge | IP67 | IP67 - IP68 |
| Underwater (pool, pond) | IP68 | IP68 |
| Workshop (dusty) | IP54 | IP54 - IP65 |
| Industrial halls (very dusty) | IP65 | IP65 - IP66 |
Difference Between IP Protection Rating and Protection Class
Warning: Risk of confusion! IP protection rating and protection class are two completely different things:
IP Protection Rating (e.g., IP65)
- Indicates how well the housing is protected against foreign objects and water
- Refers to ingress from outside
- Example: IP65 = dust-tight and water jet protected
Protection Class (I, II, III)
- Indicates which measures have been taken against electric shock
- Refers to user protection
- Example: Protection Class II = double insulated, no protective conductor needed
Both specifications are independent of each other! A device can have IP65 and Protection Class I, or IP20 and Protection Class II.
➔ More on this in our Wiki article about Protection Classes.
Frequently Asked Questions About IP Protection Ratings
What does IP65 mean?
IP65 means: The housing is completely dust-tight (first digit 6) and protected against water jets from all directions (second digit 5). IP65 devices can be used outdoors and in damp rooms. They are ideal for bathrooms, terraces, and gardens.
What is the difference between IP44 and IP65?
The main difference is in water protection:
- IP44: Protected against splashing water (e.g., rain from above)
- IP65: Protected against water jets from all directions (also direct water jet, e.g., garden hose)
Additionally, IP65 is completely dust-tight, while IP44 only offers protection against foreign objects ≥ 1 mm.
Rule of thumb: IP44 for protected areas (covered terrace), IP65 for unprotected outdoor areas.
Which is better: IP67 or IP65?
IP67 offers more protection than IP65. While IP65 is only protected against water jets, IP67 also withstands temporary immersion up to 1 meter depth for 30 minutes.
When to use IP67 instead of IP65?
- Ground recessed lights (can be submerged during rain)
- Areas with standing water
- Pool edge, pond edge
- Particularly exposed outdoor areas
For normal outdoor lights on house walls, IP65 is perfectly sufficient.
Which IP protection rating do I need for the bathroom?
It depends on the distance to shower and bathtub (protection zones according to DIN VDE 0100-701):
- Protection zone 0 (inside tub/shower): At least IPX7 (in practice usually IP67 or IP68)
- Protection zone 1 (directly above tub/shower, up to 2.25 m height): At least IP65
- Protection zone 2 (up to 60 cm laterally/frontally, up to 2.25 m height): At least IP44
- Outside protection zones (> 60 cm distance): At least IP20, recommended IP44
Tip: For LED strips in the shower or above the bathtub, always choose IP65 or higher!
Can I use IP65 lights permanently underwater?
No! IP65 only protects against water jets, not against continuous immersion. For underwater applications (pool, pond, fountain), you need at least IP68.
IP67 withstands temporary immersion (e.g., during heavy rain) but is also not designed for permanent underwater use.
Which IP protection rating do LED drivers need for outdoor use?
For LED drivers in outdoor areas, we recommend at least IP65, preferably IP67.
Important: Even if the driver is mounted in a protective housing or under an overhang, it should have at least IP65 itself. This ensures protection even during heavy rain or penetrating moisture.
What does IP20 mean?
IP20 means: Protection against foreign objects ≥ 12.5 mm (fingers) and no water protection. IP20 is the standard protection rating for electrical devices in normal dry indoor spaces such as living rooms, bedrooms, or offices.
Not suitable for: Bathrooms, basements, outdoor areas, or dusty environments.
Are there IP protection ratings beyond IP68?
Yes, theoretically there is also IP69, the highest defined protection rating. IP69 additionally offers protection against high-pressure and steam cleaning (80-100 bar, 80-100°C).
Application: Mainly in the food industry where equipment must be regularly cleaned with high-pressure cleaners. For normal lighting applications, IP69 is not required.
Can I increase the IP protection rating retrospectively?
Only to a very limited extent. You can install a device with a lower IP rating in a protective housing with a higher IP rating. However, all cable entries and openings must be sealed accordingly.
Better: Buy the right device with the appropriate IP protection rating from the start!
Practical Tips for Choosing the Right IP Protection Rating
- Always choose a higher protection rating – Better IP65 than IP44 if you're unsure
- Pay attention to manufacturer specifications – Especially with IP67/IP68, depth and duration are specified
- Don't forget cable entries – The IP rating only applies with correct installation using appropriate cable glands
- Regular inspection – Seals can become porous over time, especially with extreme temperature fluctuations
- No improvisation – Never try to "upgrade" IP ratings with tape or silicone
Do you have questions about the right IP protection rating for your project? Our lighting experts are happy to advise you and help select suitable products.