Understanding IP ratings

What the two numbers mean

• IP: Short for Ingress Protection, which is a fancy way of saying how well a fitting keeps things out.
• First number (0 to 6): Protection against solid objects and dust. A 6 means the fitting is completely dust-tight, so not even fine dust gets in.
• Second number (0 to 9): Protection against water. The higher the number, the more water the fitting can take.

The ratings you'll see most

• IP44: Keeps out objects larger than 1mm and water splashing from any direction, which makes it a good everyday choice for outdoor lights.
• IP54: Protected against dust (but not completely dust-tight) and splashing water.
• IP65: Completely dust-tight and protected against water jets, so a blast from the hosepipe is no problem.
• IP66: Completely dust-tight and protected against powerful water jets. Built for the tough spots.
• IP67: Completely dust-tight and happy to take a brief dip, up to 1m deep for 30 minutes.
• IP68: Completely dust-tight and built to live underwater, such as lights inside a pool or pond.

Which rating for which spot

• Covered stoep, patio or balcony: IP44 at least, or IP65 if wind-driven rain reaches it.
• Garage or carport: IP44 to IP54.
• Exposed walls: IP44 at least, or IP65 where they take the full force of the weather.
• Spike lights in the beds: IP65, or IP67 where water pools or the irrigation runs.
• Lights set into the ground: IP67, because they'll be sitting in whatever water lands on them.
• Pool edges: IP65 or higher, since these lights are bound to get splashed.
• Inside a pool or pond: IP68.

A rating is only as good as the installation

A fitting only keeps its rating if it's installed as the maker intended, with every seal in place and waterproof connectors on the cables. Have outdoor lights installed by a registered electrician, and check the seals each year.

Living near the sea?

An IP rating keeps water out, but it says nothing about salt air. Near the coast, choose coastal-friendly fittings as well.