When you’re shopping for new lighting or electrical fixtures, you’ve probably seen ratings like IP44, IP65, or IP20 on the product specs, but what do they actually mean?
These aren’t just random numbers. They’re IP ratings, and understanding them can help you choose the right fittings for safety, durability, and performance, especially in Australia’s mix of hot summers, humidity, coastal winds, and unpredictable weather.
Let’s break down what IP ratings mean, why they matter, and how to choose the right level of protection for where your fixture is installed.
What Does “IP Rating” Mean?
IP stands for Ingress Protection, a global standard (IEC 60529) that measures how well an electrical fitting resists intrusion from solids such as dust, insects, or debris, and liquids such as water, rain, or steam.
An IP rating is the form IP XY, where:
- X is the first digit: protection against solid objects / dust.
- Y is the second digit: protection against moisture / water ingress.
For example:
- IP20: Protected against fingers or small tools, but not protected from water.
- IP44: Protected from solid objects and splashing water from any direction.
- IP65: Fully dust-tight and protected from low-pressure water jets, ideal for outdoor areas.
Why IP Ratings Matter
1. Safety Comes First
Choosing the right IP rating prevents water and dust from reaching electrical components, reducing the risk of electric shock, short circuits, or corrosion.
2. Durability in Australia’s Conditions
From coastal humidity to desert dust, Australian homes face a range of environmental challenges. Fixtures with the right IP rating are better equipped to handle these conditions and last longer.
3. Performance and Efficiency
Dust and moisture can reduce light output or damage LED drivers. A sealed fixture maintains its brightness, performance, and energy efficiency for longer.
Recommended IP Ratings for Australian Homes
Here’s a quick guide to choosing the right IP rating for your lighting, based on common areas and installation environments across Australia.
| Area | Minimum Recommended IP Rating | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways | IP20 | Dry indoor zones with no water exposure. |
| Kitchens (general ceiling lights) | IP20 – IP44 | Steam and splashes near sinks can affect fittings. |
| Bathrooms (general zone) | IP44 | Protects against steam, condensation, and light splashes. |
| Bathrooms (inside shower or above bath) | IP65 – IP67 | Needed for areas with direct water exposure. |
| Laundry areas | IP44 | Extra protection from moisture and steam. |
| Covered patios, verandahs, under eaves | IP44 – IP54 | Suitable for semi-outdoor spaces with occasional rain or wind-blown moisture. |
| Exposed outdoor areas (decks, walls, driveways) | IP65 – IP66 | Dust-tight and resistant to heavy rain, ideal for exposed environments. |
| Garden and landscape lighting | IP65 – IP67 | Prevents dirt, debris, and water ingress in outdoor conditions. |
| In-ground or poolside lights | IP67 – IP68 | Required for lights that are submerged or regularly exposed to splashing water. |
💡 Tip: For coastal homes, corrosion resistance is just as important as water protection. Choose fittings made from marine-grade stainless steel, powder-coated aluminium, or materials designed for coastal conditions.
How to Choose the Right Fixture
When browsing lighting or ceiling fans, consider where and how they’ll be installed.
- Indoors: Style and efficiency matter most, IP20 is usually sufficient.
- Bathrooms or kitchens: Look for IP44 or higher to handle moisture.
- Outdoors: For exposed or weather-prone areas, choose IP54 and above.
- Gardens or pools: Choose IP67 or higher for complete water resistance and longevity.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to choose a higher level of protection, especially in humid, coastal, or dusty environments.
The Bottom Line
Understanding IP ratings ensures your lighting is safe, reliable, and built to last, wherever you live in Australia. Whether you’re upgrading your bathroom, adding ambience to your outdoor area, or illuminating your garden, choosing the right IP rating helps your lights withstand Australia’s diverse conditions while keeping your home bright and beautiful.
At Discount Lighting & Fans, we stock a wide range of indoor and outdoor fittings, from IP20 pendant lights to IP65-rated exterior wall lights and IP67 garden uplights, all designed for Australian homes and climates.
Below is each reference number and corresponding amount of protection number.
| Solids | Liquids | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection against contact or solids | 0 | No protection against liquids |
| 1 | Protected against solid objects larger than 50 mm, accidental hand contact | 1 | Protected against vertically falling water drops |
| 2 | Protected against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm, e.g. fingers | 2 | Protected against water drops up to 15° from vertical |
| 3 | Protected against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm, tools or thick wires | 3 | Protected against water sprayed up to 60° from vertical |
| 4 | Protected against solid objects larger than 1 mm, most wires and screws | 4 | Protected against splashing water from any direction |
| 5 | Dust-protected, limited dust ingress permitted without harmful deposits | 5 | Protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction |
| 6 | Dust-tight, complete protection against contact and dust | 6 | Protected against powerful water jets and heavy seas |
| — | — | 7 | Protected against temporary immersion in water, typically up to 1 m for 30 minutes |
| — | — | 8 | Protected against continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer |
| — | — | 9K | Protected against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets, common in industrial cleaning |