What is IP44 rating for lighting?

June 23, 2022 2 min read

BOOST YOUR IP IQ - PART II

Next in our new series, ‘Boost your IP IQ’, we’re drilling down on what IP really means, and the ratings which are most suitable for each room in your home.

So far we’ve talked about IP-rating requirements for decorative bathroom lighting in part I.

This time, we’re delving further into what IP means, and how the IP ratings system works.

A question we often hear at Gwyn Carless at The Light Yard is:

‘What is IP44 rating for lighting?’

You may have heard an electrician, hardware store staff or even an interior design blogger use the phrase ‘IP44’.

However, the IP system may be completely new to you, particularly if…

You’re a first-time homeowner
You’re renovating a bathroom for the first time
You have recently started studying interior design or lighting design

So, here’s the IP system in a nutshell:

The letters ‘IP’ stand for ‘International Protection’ marking, or more commonly, ‘Ingress Protection’. The coding system indicates the level of protection provided against intrusion by objects, as well as from dust and water. The IP code thankfully provides more detailed information (and assurance) than the somewhat vague terms ‘waterproof’ and ‘water resistant’.

All legal lights carry an IP rating, as even when they are untested to a specific rating they are deemed IP20. The highest IP ratings (IP68, for example) are reserved for protection against minute dust and submersion in water.

Question 2: ‘Can you use any wall light in a bathroom?’

Wall lights are the unsung heroes of bathroom décor. They bring balance to a lighting scheme and provide light for tasks such as shaving, applying make-up or brushing your teeth.

But when it comes to bathrooms, not just any wall light will do. You’ll need to ensure that any wall lights directly above or within 60cm of a water source have the right IP (Ingress Protection) rating. For most decorative bathroom lighting, a rating of IP44 or above will work nicely.

(The lights pictured above the vanity here are IP44-rated.)

You should only need to consider wall lights above IP44 if they are likely to be in the way of high pressure water streams.

However, if you’re still in doubt as to which IP rating is right for your bathroom, you can read our IP guide here or call a member of our team to discuss your project.

Browse our most popular IP44-rated pendant and wall lights...