What does the IP rating mean when choosing a light fixture?

Created

10/4/2021

Design, color temperature, intensity, and smart features. When choosing lighting fixtures, we focus on these characteristics, but there are many more factors to consider. One of them is the IP rating. What does this abbreviation stand for? And how can it help us make a choice?

This technical term is used to specify the level of protection provided by the enclosure of electrical equipment against the ingress of foreign objects and liquids, particularly water. The abbreviation IP stands for “Ingress Protection” and corresponds to the Czech standard ČSN EN 60 529 (which is identical to the international standard IEC 60529).

How can you make sense of the numbers?

IP20, IP44, IP66. In most cases, you’ll see this notation. What do the two numbers mean? The first number indicates protection against the ingress of dust and solid foreign objects (even human fingers are taken into account here). The second number refers to liquids, particularly water.

Degree of protection by application

When choosing lighting, it depends on the environment in which it will be used. Designer light fixtures in interiors do not come into contact with water, so an IP20 rating is more than sufficient—and it is also the most common rating. Exceptions include rooms such as bathrooms, basements, and restrooms. These areas may have higher humidity, so it’s necessary to choose a higher IP rating that also provides protection against liquids.

Spotlights for garden lighting and other outdoor fixtures must have a higher degree of protection to guard against splashing water and dust. In such cases, a rating of at least IP54 is required.

A Challenging Bathroom

The ČSN 33 2000-7-701 standard, which addresses the selection and installation of electrical equipment in spaces containing a fixed bathtub or shower, divides the bathroom into 2–3 zones. These zones dictate the placement of light fixtures with the appropriate degree of protection.

Zone 0 refers to the interior of a bathtub or shower. In a shower area without a bathtub, this zone extends 10 cm above the floor. No light bulbs or switches may be installed in this area; only specially designed light fixtures are permitted.

Zone 1 is defined by a horizontal plane 225 cm above the floor surface, unless the showerhead is installed higher. This zone is ideal for light fixtures with an IPX4 protection rating.

Zone 2 extends above Zone 1 up to the ceiling or to a height of 300 cm. In the vertical plane, its edge is 60 cm from the end of Zone 1. Similar specifications apply to this area as to Zone 1.

Zone 3 covers the rest of the room and does not require any special specifications for selecting light fixtures. Therefore, an IPX0 protection rating can be selected.