What is the Best IP Rating for Outdoor Lighting?

By Steven Stead

Identifying what is the best IP rating for outdoor lighting is vitally important or you risk having water mixing with electricity and outdoor lights failing, endangering your safety while also costing time and money.

This guide will help you understand IP ratings, what they are, why they matter and how to determine the correct rating for your outdoor lighting needs.

That will, in turn, help you understand how much you need to pay to get what you need when shopping for Outdoor Lighting For Walls and other outdoor lighting types.

What is an IP Rating?

IP stands for Ingress Protection, which is a two-digit number that indicates how well an electrical device, such as an outdoor light, is protected against solid objects (like dust and dirt) and liquids (like rain and splashes). Think of it as a shield against the elements.

Understanding the Digits

·        First Digit (Solids): This number (from 0 to 6) indicates protection against solid objects, with a higher number meaning better protection. That means maximum protection would be a score of 6, representing a light which is completely sealed against dust.

·        Second Digit (Liquids): This number (from 0 to 9) shows how well the light is protected against water, with higher numbers indicating better protection. A rating of 7 means the light can withstand temporary submersion in water.

Why is the IP Rating Important for Outdoor Lights?

Outdoor lights face harsh conditions like rain, snow, dust, and even insects. An appropriate IP rating ensures your lights can withstand these challenges, preventing damage and prolonging their lifespan. And perhaps most importantly, it also ensures safety by preventing water from reaching electrical components.

What IP Rating Do I Need for My Outdoor Lights?

As we’ve mentioned, the ideal IP rating for your outdoor lights will depend on your circumstances so let’s look at some common uses so you can identify what’s best for you:

General Outdoor Lighting (Gardens, Pathways):

For most garden and pathway lights, many consider IP44 to be the starting point.

This protects against solid objects larger than 1mm and splashing water from any direction.

However, this is also the minimum IP rating you should consider and, in our experience, we would recommend going higher unless you’re installing an outdoor light in a particularly sheltered location, such as under soffits or the eaves of your building.

We also prefer to start with IP54-rated lights, such as the stair lights pictured below, which have been located in a sheltered location: off the ground and with protection on two sides. That level of protection is adequate for how it’s being used.

The difference between IP44 and IP54 is that the light is almost completely sealed against dust getting into it.

Exposed Areas (Decks, Patios, Exposed Walls):

If your lights are in a more exposed location, consider an IP65 rating, which offers complete protection against dust and jets of water.

This makes it suitable for areas where the lights might be sprayed with a hose or experience more severe weather.

In the picture below, these wall lamps are rated IP65 so can be safely positioned on a wall which is exposed to the worst of the weather.

For lights continuously submerged in water, such as pond or fountain lights, you'll need lights with an IP68 rating, which has the highest level of protection

Choosing Between IP44 and IP65

A common question is whether IP65 is better than IP44 and the simple answer is yes.

While IP44 is sufficient for some outdoor applications, IP65 offers superior protection against both dust and water. If your budget allows, IP65 is a worthwhile investment for greater peace of mind.

These pole lights (see below) are IP65-rated and so will be able to resist the elements without problems for years to come.

FAQs: Best IP Rating for Outdoor Lighting

Here are some frequently asked questions about IP ratings for outdoor lights:

What is the minimum IP rating for outdoor lights?

The minimum IP rating for most outdoor lights is IP44, which offers basic protection against solids and splashing water.

Can outdoor lights get wet?

Yes, outdoor lights can get wet but they need to have the appropriate IP rating to withstand the moisture.

Lights with a lower IP rating are likely to be damaged by water exposure.

What is the best IP rating for outdoor spotlights?

Outdoor spotlights are usually fully exposed to the elements so we would recommend an IP65 rating, such as the example you can see below.

What IP rating is waterproof?

While no IP rating is technically “waterproof” in the sense of being impervious to all water exposure, IP68 offers the highest level of protection against submersion.

However, for most outdoor lighting needs, that’s going to be overkill and selecting IP65 will delivery adequate water resistance.

What does IP65 mean?

IP65 means the light is completely protected against dust (6) and protected against water jets (5).

Are LED lights waterproof?

While some LED lights can be used in wet environments, it's not accurate to say all LED lights are inherently waterproof.

The water resistance of an LED light depends entirely on its IP rating.

Many LED lights are designed for indoor use and have little to no protection against moisture.

To determine if an LED light is suitable for outdoor or wet locations, always check its IP rating. Look for ratings such as IP44 or IP54 for basic protection against splashes, IP65 for protection against jets of water, such as these wall lights situated on either side of an entrance, or IP68 for lights that can be submerged.

Are outdoor lights waterproof?

Similar to LED lights, not all outdoor lights are fully waterproof. The level of water resistance depends on their IP rating.

Outdoor lights are designed to withstand some exposure to the elements but the degree of protection varies significantly.

Lights intended for direct exposure to rain or submersion in water will have higher IP ratings (IP65 or IP68 respectively) than those designed for more sheltered areas.

Always check the manufacturer’s specifications and advertised IP rating to understand the light’s ability to resist water.

IP requirements for outside luminaire?

The IP requirements for outside luminaires (light fixtures) depend on their intended use and location. There's no single “IP requirement” for all outdoor lighting but, as a general guideline:

·         General outdoor lighting (gardens, pathways): IP44 is the minimum.  

·         Exposed areas (decks, patios): IP65 is recommended.

·         Submerged lighting (ponds, fountains): IP68 is required.  

It's crucial to consult local regulations or guidelines, as they may have specific IP requirements for outdoor lighting installations.

IP rating for outdoor wall lights?

The appropriate IP rating for outdoor wall lights depends on their location and exposure to the elements.

·         Sheltered locations (under eaves, porches): IP44 may be sufficient.  

·         Exposed locations (on walls directly exposed to rain): IP65 or higher is recommended.  

Consider the level of rainfall, wind exposure, and proximity to other water sources when choosing the IP rating for your outdoor wall lights

For added peace of mind, especially in harsh weather conditions, opting for IP65 rated wall lights is a good choice.

Conclusion

Choosing the correct IP rating is essential for ensuring the safety, longevity and performance of your outdoor lighting.

Understanding the IP rating system and considering the specific needs of your outdoor space means you can now select the perfect lights to illuminate your home and garden for years to come. Remember, when in doubt, it’s always best to choose a higher IP rating for maximum protection.

If you want to learn more about IP ratings, visit the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) webpage for further information.