IP ratings explained.
Your essential guide.
What are IP ratings? What do IP numbers mean? and why do they matter? All answered here.
![image](http://www.houseof.com/cdn/shop/files/ho-ip-image1_9f9a5082-95fc-47eb-94cf-64bdebca789c.jpg?v=1703682210&width=2000)
What are IP ratings?
![image](http://www.houseof.com/cdn/shop/files/ho-ip-image2.jpg?v=1703681792&width=2000)
Why do they matter?
How do they work?
IP ratings, consist of an I (for ingress) and a P (for protection) followed by two numbers indicating the fixtures inbuilt level of resistance.
The first number (0-6) indicates resistance to solid particles, with '6' being 'dust-proof'. The second number (0-8) measures water resistance, where '8' signifies 'water-proof'.
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Recommended ratings.
Area | Protection | IP |
Outdoor | Water and dirt | IP44+ |
Workspace | Dust | IP44+ |
Bathroom | Moisture | IP44+ |
Kitchen | Moisture | IP20+ |
Dining Room | Basic | IP20 |
Living Room | Basic | IP20 |
Bedroom | Basic | IP20 |
Office | Basic | IP20 |
![image](http://www.houseof.com/cdn/shop/files/ho-ip-image7_2x_9531259d-bfb3-4052-889c-eee83df2da64.png?v=1703702035&width=2000)
Bathroom Zones.
Additionally, bathrooms can be divided into three zones, based on proximity to the various water sources:
Zone 0 - Lights
Lights submerged below water (e.g. in a bath), require a minimum IP rating of IPX7.
Zone 1 - Lights positioned directly above a bath or shower tray, require a minimum IP rating of IPX4.
Zone 2 - Lights fixed within 60cm of Zone 1 or of a sink, require a minimum IP rating of IPX4.
IP FAQs.
What does IP stand for?
Does IP-rating matter indoors?
Are higher IP-rated lights expensive?
What is the right IP-rating for my space?
Do you sell higher IP-rated lights?
Does IP-rating affect installation?