IP ratings explained: what do IP44, IP65 and IP67 mean?
An IP rating (Ingress Protection, from BS EN 60529) is two digits. The first, 0 to 6, says how well the product keeps out solid objects and dust; the second, 0 to 8, says how well it keeps out water. IP44 is splash-proof, IP65 is dust-tight and protected against water jets, IP67 survives temporary immersion, and IP68 is for continuous immersion as specified by the maker.
First digit: solids and dust
| Digit | Protected against |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Solid objects over 50mm, such as the back of a hand |
| 2 | Solid objects over 12.5mm, such as fingers |
| 3 | Solid objects over 2.5mm, such as tools |
| 4 | Solid objects over 1mm, such as wires |
| 5 | Dust-protected: some dust may get in, but not enough to stop it working |
| 6 | Dust-tight |
Second digit: water
| Digit | Protected against |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Vertically dripping water |
| 2 | Dripping water when tilted up to 15° |
| 3 | Spraying water |
| 4 | Splashing water from any direction |
| 5 | Water jets |
| 6 | Powerful water jets |
| 7 | Temporary immersion |
| 8 | Continuous immersion, under conditions set by the maker |
The ratings you'll see on our products
| Rating | Examples from our range |
|---|---|
| IP44 | 16A industrial plugs and couplers, LED Festoon, the 110V photocell kit |
| IP54 | Emergency Festoon (132706) |
| IP65 | LED Rope Light (Strip Light), LED Floodlights, LED Bulkheads, the Rope Light emergency pack |
| IP66 | Emergency conversion pack for Festoon and Floodlights (137646) |
| IP67 | 63A and 125A industrial plugs and couplers |
| IP68 | Nylon stuffing glands |
IK ratings: impact
An IK rating (BS EN 62262) is separate from IP and shows resistance to impact, from IK00 to IK10. Our LED Floodlights and Bulkheads are IK08.
Which IP rating do I need on site?
Outdoors or anywhere that gets hosed down, choose IP65 or higher for lights. Connectors left on the ground or in standing water need IP67. IP44 suits sheltered and indoor positions. A product is only as sealed as its connections, so keep caps on unused sockets and couplers.
