If you have ever shopped for outdoor or bathroom lighting, you will have seen the term IP rating on product listings. It is one of those specifications that is easy to overlook, but ignoring it can result in a fitting that fails within months, or worse, creates a safety hazard. This guide explains what IP ratings mean and how to choose the right one for your installation in Australia.
What Does IP Rating Stand For?
IP stands for Ingress Protection. It is an international standard (IEC 60529) that classifies the degree of protection a fitting provides against the intrusion of solid particles (like dust) and liquids (like water). Every IP rating consists of two digits, and each digit tells you something different.
Understanding the Two Digits
First Digit: Protection Against Solid Particles
| Digit | Protection Level |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Protected against objects over 50mm (e.g. hands) |
| 2 | Protected against objects over 12.5mm (e.g. fingers) |
| 3 | Protected against objects over 2.5mm (e.g. tools) |
| 4 | Protected against objects over 1mm (e.g. fine wire) |
| 5 | Dust protected (partial protection) |
| 6 | Dust tight (complete protection) |
Second Digit: Protection Against Water
| Digit | Protection Level |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Protected against vertically dripping water |
| 2 | Protected against dripping water at up to 15 degrees from vertical |
| 3 | Protected against water spray up to 60 degrees from vertical |
| 4 | Protected against water splashed from any direction |
| 5 | Protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction |
| 6 | Protected against high-pressure water jets from any direction |
| 7 | Protected against temporary immersion up to 1 metre for 30 minutes |
| 8 | Protected against continuous immersion beyond 1 metre |
What IP Rating Do You Need?
Indoor Lighting (Standard Rooms)
For living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and hallways, there is no moisture risk. Standard IP20 fittings are suitable. Most indoor light fixtures are rated IP20 as standard.
Bathroom Lighting
Australian electrical standards (AS/NZS 3000, the Wiring Rules) define bathroom zones based on proximity to water sources. As a general guide:
- Zone 0 (inside the shower or bath): IP67 minimum
- Zone 1 (directly above the bath or shower, up to 2.25m height): IP44 minimum
- Zone 2 (within 0.6m horizontally of Zone 1): IP44 minimum
- Outside zones (remainder of bathroom): IP20 is technically acceptable, but IP44 is recommended throughout
When in doubt, use IP44 for all bathroom lighting. It provides water-splash protection from any direction and is appropriate for the general bathroom environment.
Covered Outdoor Areas (Alfresco, Verandah, Pergola)
For areas that are protected from direct rain but may experience humidity, condensation, or indirect water splash, IP44 is the minimum recommended rating. Many quality outdoor fittings for covered areas are IP54 or IP55.
Exposed Outdoor Areas
For lighting in fully exposed outdoor locations that receive direct rainfall, you need a minimum of IP65. This provides full dust-tight protection and resistance to low-pressure water jets from any direction. IP65 to IP67 covers most outdoor wall lights, post lights, and garden fittings.
In-Ground, Pool, and Water Feature Lighting
Any fitting that will be submerged or in direct contact with water requires IP67 (temporary immersion) or IP68 (continuous immersion) rating. Pool and water feature lighting is a specialist area and should always be installed by a licensed electrician.
IP Rating vs Weatherproof: What Is the Difference?
The term weatherproof is sometimes used loosely in marketing material. It does not correspond to a specific standard. Always check the actual IP rating rather than relying on terms like weatherproof, weather-resistant, or outdoor-rated alone. A fitting with an IP44 rating is genuinely tested and certified; a fitting described only as weatherproof may or may not be.
A Note on Australian Compliance
All electrical work in Australia must comply with the relevant Australian and state-based electrical standards. Always have outdoor and bathroom lighting installed by a licensed electrician. If you are unsure which IP rating your installation requires, consult your electrician before purchasing fittings.
Shop IP-Rated Outdoor and Bathroom Lighting at Sunming Lighting
At Sunming Lighting, every outdoor and bathroom fitting is clearly marked with its IP rating. Our team can help you identify the right rating for your specific installation, whether you are fitting out a new alfresco, renovating a bathroom, or adding garden path lighting.
Visit our showroom at 506 Murray Street, Perth, or browse our outdoor lighting range online. Free delivery Australia-wide. 12-month warranty on all products. Contact us if you have questions about your specific installation.