Everything you need to know about IP ratings
Knowing IP protection classes is essential for both architects and private customers who are currently choosing lighting for their homes. There is a luminaire with different protection classes for every room's conditions. It is important to choose the one that will withstand the environment in the room and not pose a danger.
The IP rating allows us to determine the conditions under which the luminaire is designed to operate.
For example, it is not advisable to install a luminaire with an IP20 protection class in a bathroom because it is not adequately protected against moisture that inevitably occurs in bathrooms. When choosing a luminaire for the bathroom, ensure that the IP rating is at least 44. This way, you can be sure that the luminaire will withstand the moisture accumulating in the room and will not affect its lifespan or cause malfunctions.
In addition to moisture, it is also important to consider dust, which can occur in places like garages or production facilities. The protection level against dust is indicated by the left digit following the IP code (IP20). The higher this value, the better the luminaire is protected against dust.
The IP protection class is one of the first features to consider when choosing a luminaire, but don't forget to also consider other product features related to the working environment.
How to interpret these values for your understanding?
For a quick overview, see the table below, where each value is explained separately.
The following table lists the minimum recommended IP protection class levels considering the environmental conditions of the rooms. Higher values than those mentioned are also suitable for the intended rooms, as the higher the number, the higher the protection level.
Bathroom |
Since the bathroom environment is generally more humid than average, an IP44 luminaire is ideal for this space. |
Kitchen |
For ceiling lights in the kitchen, we recommend standard IP20 rated luminaires. However, for lighting above the countertop, it is better to install IP44 downlights to ensure that the hot steam and other splashes from cooking do not pose a risk to the lighting. |
Bedroom, livingroom |
In these living spaces, the air is generally dry, and standard IP20 rated luminaires are suitable for installation. |
Garage |
In a garage, there may be more dust than usual, and many garages also have more humid air as they are more influenced by outdoor conditions. Therefore, we recommend using luminaires with at least an IP54 protection rating. |
Terrace, garden |
For outdoor conditions, we recommend luminaires starting from IP65 protection rating. For covered outdoor areas, IP55 luminaires are also suitable. |
Shopping center, showroom, theater hall |
Luminaires with an IP20 protection rating can also be installed in these spaces, provided that there are no moisture or dust-generating factors in the rooms. |
Sauna, sauna anteroom, washing room |
For these moist conditions, luminaires with at least an IP55 protection rating are suitable. When choosing a luminaire for the sauna, also keep an eye on the luminaire's operating temperature! |
Use this table as a guide when choosing the appropriate luminaire!
Here we have interpreted the IP values a bit more precisely, highlighting both the left and right number meanings separately.
IP 0_ |
Not protected against dust. |
IP 1_ |
Protected against dust particles larger than 50 mm. |
IP 2_ |
Protected against dust particles larger than 12.5 mm. |
IP 3_ |
Protected against dust particles larger than 2.5 mm. |
IP 4_ |
Protected against dust particles larger than 1.0 mm. |
IP 5_ |
Protected against normal dust. |
IP 6_ |
Protected against fine dust. |
IP _0 |
Not protected against water or moisture. |
IP _1 |
Protected against vertical water splashes. |
IP _2 |
Protected against vertical water splashes up to 15° |
IP _3 |
Protected against vertical water splashes up to 60°. |
IP _4 |
Protected against water splashes from any direction. |
IP _5 |
Protected against water jets. |
IP _6 |
Protected against water pouring. |
IP _7 |
Protected against temporary immersion in water. |
IP _8 |
Protected against continuous immersion in water. |
IP _9 |
Protected against immersion, high-pressure water. |
IP _9K |
Protected against continuous and regular immersion, high-pressure water, steam cleaning. |
In addition to these tables, using the search function can be a great help in finding the right product!
Use the room you need the luminaire for as a search term, and you will find from our assortment exactly those products that fit there.
However, if decision-making proves to be difficult, we welcome you to contact us, and we are ready to find a solution to any question!
You can find sales specialists and contacts for various fields here!