IP ratings, which stands for “Ingress Protection” ratings, is a rating that indicates different levels of protection for your lights. The first number stands for the protection against dry debris, and the second stands for protection against wetness and moisture. If you don’t have the right IP rated lights in certain areas, they can be damaged.
Generally speaking, most areas in the home are fine with an IP20 rating that protects them against dust and fine particles. In wet locations like a bathroom, steam room or pool, the light needs to be IP65 rated. This protects against moisture.
Liquid Ingress Ratings:
Level 1Â – offers protection against dripping water
Level 2Â – offers protection against dripping water when it is tilted at 15 degrees
Level 3Â – offers protection against water that is sprayed
Level 4Â – offers protection against water that is splashed
Level 5Â – offers protection against jet water
Level 6Â – offers protection against forceful jet water
Level 7Â – offers protection against immersed lights as deep as one meter
Level 8Â – offers protection against immersed lights deeper than one meter
When lighting the bathroom, you must consider the bathroom zones:
- ZONE 0. This zone refers to the area of the shower or inside the bath where water is directly found. Lights must have an IP67 rating, which offers protection against water immersion.
- ZONE 1. This area is above the shower or bath and requires a minimum of IP45 rated lights. It is recommended that, when you can, you install lights with an IP65 rating just to be safe.
- ZONE 2. This area spans around 0.6 meters outside the perimeter of the shower or bath. A minimum IP rating of IP44 is required here.
The outside zones refer to any zone outside of the aforementioned where no jet water can reach. There isn’t a special light requirement for this area, though a minimum rating of IP20 is recommended.