IP Ratings Explained for Lighting

IP ratings explained for lighting

A guide to bathroom and outdoor lights from Vintage Electrical

Choosing a light starts with how you want a space to look and feel. A brass wall light beside the front door or a pair of fittings around a bathroom mirror can bring warmth and character to your home. The next step is checking that the fitting suits its surroundings.

An IP rating helps you understand a light’s protection against solid objects and water. This guide explains the numbers you will see when shopping, how they relate to different locations, and what else to check before ordering.

How to read an IP rating

IP is commonly described as Ingress Protection. The code uses two digits: the first covers protection against solid objects and access to hazardous parts; the second covers water ingress. Read them separately.

For example, IP54 describes a dust-protected enclosure with splash protection. An X, as in IPX4, means that the digit has not been specified; it does not mean zero protection.

Common lighting IP ratings at a glance

Rating	Solid object protection	Water protection
IP20	Objects 12.5 mm and larger	No rated water protection
IP44	Objects 1 mm and larger	Splashes from any direction
IP54	Dust protected	Splashes from any direction
IP64	Dust tight	Splashes from any direction
IP65	Dust tight	Water jets under defined test conditions
IP67	Dust tight	Temporary immersion under defined test conditions

 

Dust protected allows limited dust ingress that does not impair operation or safety; dust tight excludes dust. IP44, IP54 and IP64 share the same splash rating. Their dust and solid object protection differs.

Further reading: IEC IP ratings guidance.

Choosing lights for a bathroom

Plan the position of your lighting before choosing a fitting. Bathrooms have electrical zones around baths and showers, and the installation must suit the zone as well as the expected water exposure.

Zone 0 covers the inside of a bath or shower basin, with a defined floor-level area for showers without a basin. Equipment needs at least IPX7 and must be specifically suitable for that zone. Specialist extra-low-voltage supply requirements also apply, so an IP67 label alone is not enough.

Zones 1 and 2 generally require at least IPX4, increasing to IPX5 where water jets are likely. A suitable IP44 fitting can meet the splash-protection requirement, but its rating alone does not establish that it can be installed in every bathroom position.

Ask your electrician to confirm the zones, fitting suitability and circuit protection under the applicable UK wiring requirements. Wet rooms, shower screens and unusual layouts need particular care.

Further reading: NICEIC guidance on bathrooms and electrics.

For a mirror or basin area, consider splashing and its position relative to the bath or shower. A basin does not automatically create a separate 600 mm bathroom zone. Your electrician should assess the actual conditions and the manufacturer’s instructions.

Further reading: IET guidance on bathroom equipment and washbasins.

Choosing lights for outdoor spaces

Start with the position: an entrance under a porch, an exposed garden wall and a low-level fitting beside a path face different conditions. Choose a light expressly intended for outdoor use and check the installation instructions for that location.

IP44, IP54 and IP64 provide splash protection. IP65 adds protection against water jets under test conditions, but it does not mean a light is suitable for submersion or pressure washing. An IP67 immersion rating does not automatically include protection against jets.

An IP rating also does not measure corrosion resistance, UV resistance or condensation performance. For coastal homes, check the suitability of the material and finish as well as the enclosure rating.

Further reading: BEAMA Guide to IP Codes.

Choosing lights for dry indoor rooms

IP20 fittings are commonly used in dry living rooms, bedrooms and hallways. In kitchens and utility rooms, assess the actual position, including splashes, steam and heat, before selecting a light.

Above a dining table, you can focus on shade size, hanging height and the light you want on the surface below. Beside a sink or cooker, discuss the location with your electrician before buying.

Explore lighting from Vintage Electrical

Once you know the requirements for your space, choose a shape and finish that work with the room or building. Our collection includes compact mast lights and caged brass designs inspired by traditional industrial and marine fittings.

Holt raw brass mast wall light

For a compact fitting with downward illumination, explore the Holt raw brass wall light. Its solid brass body and replaceable GU10 lamp make it an option for entrances, garden walls and appropriate bathroom positions. The current listing specifies IP54.

Beachamwell raw brass swan neck wall light

The Beachamwell wall light combines a curved arm, brass cage and glass diffuser. Its raw brass finish develops a patina over time, adding character alongside brick, stone or painted walls. The current listing specifies IP64.

Happisburgh polished brass wall light

For a more substantial caged fitting, explore the Happisburgh polished brass wall light. Its clear glass leaves the bulb visible, making bulb choice part of the finished look. The current listing specifies IP65.

Check the specification and instructions for your exact model and finish before ordering. Your electrician should confirm its suitability for the proposed position.

Questions about IP rated lighting

Does a higher IP rating always mean a better light

Choose the protection required for the location. IP ratings do not tell you how bright a light will be, whether it dims, how its finish will age or how it will look on your wall.

Can an indoor light be made suitable for outdoors

Adding sealant or changing a bulb does not establish a new IP rating for the complete fitting. Choose a light designed for the environment and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Does installation affect the IP rating

Yes. Correct assembly, seals and cable entries help maintain the stated protection. Follow the product instructions and have hardwired lighting installed by a qualified electrician.

Further reading: BEAMA guidance on maintaining enclosure protection.

Find the right light for your space

Browse our outdoor and bathroom lighting to explore brass wall lights, bulkheads and mast designs. If you would like help comparing fittings, contact the Vintage Electrical team with the product name and details of where you plan to install it.

Technical references

IEC IP ratings guidance — the IP code and protection categories.

NICEIC Bathrooms and electrics — bathroom zones and fitting selection.

IET BS 7671 general FAQs — IP requirements and equipment near washbasins.

BEAMA Guide to IP Codes — rating limits, outdoor conditions and installation.

Technical guidance and linked product descriptions checked on 13 September 2026. Product ratings quoted above are those stated in the linked listings.