:format(jpeg) "IP protection classes")
Learn more about IP ratings
Meaning and overviewThe IP protection class provides information about the foreign body protection and the protection against the ingress of water with harmful effects. The term IP protection class is usually also referred to as IP protection class. However, the protection class refers to a completely different product characteristic.
Luminaires according to IP protection classes
:format(jpeg) "Lights with IP20")
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:format(jpeg) "Lights with IP44")
:format(jpeg) "Lights with IP54")
:format(jpeg) "Lights with IP65")
:format(jpeg) "Lights with IP67/68")
Important note: Please note that in damp rooms, depending on the protected area and in various parts of the outdoor area, different IP protection classes are prescribed and must be complied with.
IP protection types Meaning
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To ensure that an outdoor light works reliably in all weathers, it has a waterproof housing.
The IP protection class (sometimes referred to as Ingress Protection) provides information on how the product is protected against the ingress of foreign bodies and moisture.
Difference between degree of protection (IP) and protection class: The degree of protection (IP) describes how well a device is protected against foreign bodies and moisture. The protection class (I, II, III) describes the level of protection against electric shock.
IP protection class table
How to read the IP protection class: The IP protection class is made up of 2 digits. The first digit shows the protection against accidental contact with dangerous parts and the protection of the equipment against foreign bodies. The second digit indicates the protection against moisture. The higher the number, the greater the protection. As a rule, lights have protection ratings from IP20 to IP68.
| 1. Code number against penetration of foreign bodies | 2. Code number against ingress of water with harmful effects | |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | not protected | not protected |
| 1 | Protected against solid foreign bodies ≥ 50 mm | Protected against vertical dripping |
| 2 | Protected against solid foreign bodies ≥ 12.5 mm | Protected against dripping water at an angle (15° inclination) |
| 3 | Protected against solid foreign bodies ≥ 2.5 mm | Protected against water spray |
| 4 | Protected against solid foreign bodies ≥ 1 mm | Protected against splash water |
| 5 | Dust-protected | Protected against water jets |
| 6 | Dustproof | Protected against strong water jets |
| 7 | - | Protected against temporary submersion |
| 8 | - | Protected against temporary submersion |
| 9 | - | Protected against high pressure and high jet water temperature |
It is often assumed that IP44 is waterproof. That is not correct. A luminaire is only waterproof if it is protected against temporary or permanent immersion. This only applies to IP67 and IP68.
Splash-proof (IPX4) means that a light offers protection against rain. IPX5 protection is required for a luminaire to withstand heavy rain, which is defined as water jets.
The most common types of protection
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Protection against foreign bodies > 1 mm and splash water on all sides offers resistance to rain. Furthermore, no insects can penetrate. Frequently used for wall lights and - depending on the installation location - also in damp rooms.
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Protection against splash water and better dust protection for use in cellars, workshops or garages. They should not be placed unprotected in the garden or embedded in the ground, as they run the risk of being submerged in water.
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Dustproof housing and water jet protection against heavy rain. This means that the light can also be installed free-standing, i.e. without a canopy. If there is a risk of the product being temporarily submerged in water, at least IP67 is required.
IP protection types in the living area, bathroom and outdoor area
Moisture is not to be expected in dry rooms, for example in the living room. IP20 luminaires can therefore be used here. In addition to outdoor areas, however, it is mainly wet rooms such as the bathroom that require increased IP protection.
IP protection types in damp rooms
Moisture and splashing water are to be expected in the bathroom. Therefore, according to DIN VDE 0100-701:2008-10, at least IP44, IP65 or IP67 is required, depending on the installation location.
The bathroom is divided into three protected areas:
:format(jpeg) "IP protection class Drawing")
Lights must be splashproof up to 60 cm around the bath or shower and up to a height of 2.25 metres.
Up to a height of 2.25 metres around the shower head and bath/shower tray, the lights must be protected against water jets and may only be operated with safety extra-low voltage up to 12 volts.
In the bath and shower area, the lights must be waterproof in the event of temporary immersion and may only be operated with safety extra-low voltage up to 12 volts.
Caution: The power source and the transformer for 12-volt systems must be located outside these three areas.
IP protection types in the kitchen
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In the living area, IP20 lights are perfectly adequate for the kitchen. The only exception to this may be base unit lights near the sink, for example. Protection class IP44 is recommended here. Only in commercial areas is a different type of protection often required.
IP protection types in cellars and damp rooms
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Particularly in utility rooms and garages, there can be a high level of humidity that can potentially penetrate a luminaire and cause damage. IP44 luminaires are therefore recommended for these areas.
IP protection types in outdoor areas
:format(jpeg) "Zone overview of the IP classes")
The outdoor area is subject to all kinds of weather conditions. However, not every luminaire is equally exposed to all weather conditions. The installation location determines the correct IP protection class.
*This information is for guidance only. The more protected an area is, the lower the IP protection class may be. Examples include covered outdoor wall lights with IP23. If in doubt, please always ask our technical advice and have the installation carried out by an electrician.
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Protected by the architecture, rain is not to be expected here. IP23 is therefore sufficient for wall lights as well as recessed lights directly below the roof.
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It is likely that the luminaire will come into contact with rain. Splash-proof luminaires with IP44 are therefore necessary.
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Freestanding path lights are permanently exposed to all weathers. Only IP65 offers sufficient protection against water jets in heavy rain. If there is a risk of them being temporarily submerged in water, IP65 is not sufficient.
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Luminaires for use in the immediate vicinity of water require at least protection class IP67. This also applies to recessed floor lights, which can be submerged in water when it rains. Underwater lights require IP68 and are only waterproof up to a certain maximum depth. In most cases, drainage is also necessary.
IP protection types in entrance area and driveway
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Luminaires close to the ground run the risk of being flooded, at least briefly, during heavy rainfall. Waterproof luminaires with at least IP67 are therefore required. This protection class means that the lights can withstand temporary immersion for up to 30 minutes. Drainage should also be planned in these areas.
IP protection types for special applications
Important note: For each installation of lights, consult a qualified electrician who will take the required degree of protection for the respective application into account and install the lighting as specified.
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IP20 is generally sufficient for LED strips in dry indoor areas. In the bathroom, the level of protection depends on the respective protection area in which the LED strip is used. Depending on the installation, up to IP67/IP68 may also be required outdoors.
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The pool places very special demands on the luminaires. As lights in the pool are permanently submerged in water, IP68 is always required to ensure that they are watertight when permanently submerged. The maximum depth of the luminaire must also be observed.
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In a workshop, the luminaires may be exposed to increased levels of dust. Luminaires with IP6X are dustproof. Depending on the possible degree of humidity, the luminaire should also be provided with a correspondingly high level of moisture protection. Sometimes a certain degree of impact protection (IK) is also of interest, especially when used above workbenches.
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In addition to high humidity, splashing water and water vapour, the sauna also has a high temperature. This requires special lights that are approved for high ambient temperatures in saunas. As far as the IP protection class in saunas is concerned, they often have IP68. However, normal IP-protected lights are not sufficient for saunas.