What Are IP Ratings?
If you've been shopping for LED strip lights or outdoor lighting, you've probably seen codes like IP20, IP44, IP54, IP65, or IP67. But what do these numbers actually mean, and why should you care?
IP stands for "Ingress Protection" (sometimes called "International Protection"). It's a standardized rating system that tells you how well a light fixture is protected against solid objects (like dust) and liquids (like water).
How to Read IP Ratings
An IP rating consists of two digits:
- First digit (0-6): Protection against solid objects and dust
- Second digit (0-8): Protection against water and moisture
The higher the number, the better the protection.
Common IP Ratings for LED Lighting
IP20 - Indoor Use Only
Protection level: Protected against objects larger than 12.5mm (like fingers), but no water protection.
Best for: Indoor applications where there's no risk of water exposure - living rooms, bedrooms, offices, retail displays, under-cabinet lighting in dry areas.
Not suitable for: Bathrooms, kitchens near sinks, or any outdoor use.
Most of our indoor LED strip lights carry an IP20 rating, making them perfect for decorative lighting and general indoor illumination.
IP44 - Basic Splash Protection
Protection level: Protected against solid objects larger than 1mm and protected against water splashes from all directions.
Best for: Bathrooms (not in shower zones), covered outdoor areas with minimal exposure, kitchens, areas with occasional moisture but not direct water contact.
Not suitable for: Direct spray, outdoor areas fully exposed to rain, or areas requiring regular hosing.
IP44 is a popular choice for residential bathrooms and semi-protected outdoor spaces, offering a good balance between protection and cost.
IP54 - Enhanced Splash Resistance
Protection level: Dust protected (limited ingress permitted) and protected against water splashes from any direction.
Best for: Bathrooms (away from direct shower spray), covered outdoor areas, kitchens, laundries, semi-exposed locations with higher moisture levels than IP44.
Not suitable for: Direct water jets, submersion, or fully exposed outdoor installations.
IP54 rated lights offer enhanced protection compared to IP44, ideal for areas that might experience more frequent moisture exposure.
IP65 - Jet Spray Protection
Protection level: Dust tight (no ingress of dust) and protected against water jets from any direction.
Best for: Outdoor areas with direct rain exposure, commercial kitchens, car washes, areas requiring regular cleaning with water jets, covered outdoor entertaining areas.
Not suitable for: Continuous submersion in water.
IP65 provides excellent protection for outdoor installations and areas that need regular water cleaning, making it ideal for Australian outdoor living spaces.
IP67 - Fully Waterproof
Protection level: Dust tight (no ingress of dust) and protected against immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes.
Best for: Outdoor decking, garden lighting, pool areas, marine applications, fully exposed outdoor installations, areas requiring regular hosing down, ground-level pathway lighting.
Perfect for: Australian outdoor living spaces that need to withstand rain, humidity, and harsh weather conditions.
Our IP67 rated LED strips, like the Viper Side Bend Haviflex series, are ideal for outdoor deck lighting and landscape applications where maximum water protection is essential.
Choosing the Right IP Rating for Your Project
When selecting LED lighting, consider these questions:
- Will the lights be exposed to moisture or water?
- Is the installation indoors or outdoors?
- Will the area be cleaned with water?
- What's the local climate like? (High humidity, frequent rain, etc.)
- Is the area in a bathroom? Which zone?
Quick Reference Guide
- Dry indoor areas: IP20
- Bathrooms (not in shower): IP44 or IP54
- Covered outdoor areas: IP44 or IP54
- Exposed outdoor areas: IP65 or IP67
- Pool areas & ground lighting: IP67
Australian Climate Considerations
Australia's diverse climate means choosing the right IP rating is crucial:
- Tropical regions: High humidity requires at least IP54 for covered outdoor areas, IP65+ for exposed areas
- Coastal areas: Salt spray and moisture demand IP65 or IP67 for outdoor installations
- Dry inland areas: IP44 or IP54 may suffice for covered outdoor spaces
Installation Tips
Even with the right IP rating, proper installation is essential:
- Ensure all connections are properly sealed
- Use appropriate connectors rated for the same IP level or higher
- Check that power supplies match or exceed the IP rating of your lights
- Follow manufacturer guidelines for maximum run lengths
- In bathrooms, ensure compliance with AS/NZS 3000 wiring standards for zone requirements
Shop by IP Rating
At Eco Smart Lighting, we stock LED lighting in various IP ratings to suit every application:
- IP20 Downlights - Perfect for dry indoor spaces
- IP44 Downlights - Ideal for bathrooms and light moisture areas
- IP54 Downlights - Enhanced protection for wet areas
- IP65 Rated Downlights - Outdoor and jet-spray resistant
Whether you need indoor accent lighting or weatherproof outdoor solutions, we have the right product for your project.
Still not sure which IP rating you need? Contact our team for expert advice on choosing the perfect LED lighting solution for your specific application.