Explore the meaning of IP ratings and how the IP ratings system functions for lighting in our guide.
A question Gwyn Carless at The Light Yard frequently gets asked is:
‘What’s this ‘IP44 rating’ for lighting?’
You might have overheard an electrician, hardware store employee, or interior design blogger refer to ‘IP44’ when discussing lighting.
The IP rating system could be unfamiliar to you, especially if:
- You’re tackling your first bathroom renovation
- You’ve just bought your first property
- You’ve recently begun exploring interior design or lighting design
The letters ‘IP’ stand for ‘International Protection’ marking, or more commonly, ‘Ingress Protection’.
The IP rating system specifies the degree of protection a lighting fixture offers against foreign objects, dust, and water.
Unlike the ambiguous terms “waterproof” or “water resistant” the IP code provides clear, detailed information for greater confidence.
Every legal lighting product carries an IP rating, with IP20 assigned to untested fixtures. The highest ratings, such as IP68, indicate protection against fine dust and prolonged water submersion.
Question 2: ‘How do I safely install a wall light in a bathroom?’
Wall lights are the understated stars of bathroom design, enhancing lighting schemes with balance and delivering focused illumination for tasks like shaving, applying makeup, or brushing teeth.
Although when it comes to bathrooms, it’s not as simple as just taking any wall light, as not all wall lights are suitable.
- The first thing to keep in mind is – you must ensure that any wall lights positioned directly above or within 60cm of a water source has an appropriate IP (Ingress Protection) rating.
- This means that for most decorative bathroom lighting, an IP44 rating or higher is ideal.
Wall lights only require an IP44 rating (or above) if they’re likely to be exposed to high-pressure water streams.
If you’re unsure about the appropriate IP rating for your bathroom lighting, consult our IP guide or contact our team to discuss your project.
Bathroom Lighting 
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