IP stands for Ingress Protection and indicates how well a lighting fixture is protected against solid objects, dust and water.

An IP rating consists of two digits:

1. First digit – protection against solid objects and dust

   • 0 – No protection

   • 1 – Protection against objects > 50 mm

   • 2 – Protection against objects > 12 mm

   • 3 – Protection against objects > 2.5 mm

   • 4 – Protection against objects > 1 mm

   • 5 – Protection against harmful amounts of dust (dust protected)

   • 6 – Completely dust-tight

2. Second digit – protection against water

   • 0 – No protection

   • 1 – Protection against vertically falling drops of water

   • 2 – Protection against drops when tilted up to 15°

   • 3 – Protection against light rain up to 60° from vertical

   • 4 – Protection against splashing water (all directions)

   • 5 – Protection against water jets

   • 6 – Protection against powerful water jets (heavy rain)

   • 7 – Immersion up to 1 metre for 30 minutes

   • 8 – Suitable for prolonged immersion under water

Common IP ratings and their applications:

In short: the IP rating helps you determine which lamp is suitable for dry, damp, or wet environments and protects against dust and water.