Pictured: @smelectricalservices showcasing our downlights.

Outside lights can transform the entrance to your home. Whilst providing a light and social space in a garden area throughout the seasons. When selecting outside lights for your home you need to pay careful attention to the IP rating to ensure it's suitable for those conditions.

In this blog, we discuss the IP rating of lights and more specifically, what IP rating is required for outside lights.

What IP Rating Means?

IP stands for Ingress Protection or International Protection Ratings. They are defined to the international standard of EN 60529 (British BS EN 60529:1992).

IP rating is used to determine the levels of sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosures against intrusion from foreign bodies such as tools, dirt and moisture.

An IP rating consists of IP followed by two digits. The higher the number the better the protection. Let's take a look at the below IP rating.

IP65: What does the first digit mean?

The first digit indicates the level of protection that it provides against solid foreign objects and dirt. Basically, objects and foreign bodies that could be hazardous if they came into contact with electrical conductors or moving parts, to airborne dirt and dust that could damage circuitry.

IP65: What does the second digit mean?

The second digit represents the protection of the equipment inside the light against various forms of moisture (drips, sprays, submersion etc). This is how well it copes against the external elements of weather.

What IP rating for outside lights?

The higher the IP rating the more protection it provides to external elements such as dirt, foreign bodies and weather. The minimum IP rating you should look for when purchasing outside lights is IP45 and above. Anything between IP45 and IP68 is suitable for outdoor use, with IP68 providing maximum protection against external elements.

IP Rating For Lights Under A Porch

The only exception for outdoor lighting with an IP rating of 66 or less is when your light is positioned outside in covered areas such as porches. In this instance, the light should be rated IP44 or higher.

IP44 rating means that it is protected against solid objects that are bigger than 1mm and water splashing from all directions. It is not suitable for exterior exposed walls.

IP45 and above would typically be considered splash proof.  If you are looking for Patio or decking lights, we recommend an IP rating of IP45 or above as these areas are often cleaned by using a power washer.

The below shows an IP rating table of IP45 and above and what they protect from.

IP65 Rated Outside Lights

We have a wide range of suitably rated lights for outdoor use, whether you're looking for some subtle downlights to light a porch or some wall lights to welcome people into your home.

This Hopkin polished brass outdoor wall light is made with real solid brass and rated to IP65, perfect for outdoor use. It has a slightly vintage feel to it which makes it ideal for industrial settings and outdoor space.

If brass isn't your thing, our Kingly Aluminium wall light is well suited to most outdoor spaces. It carries a sophisticated finish that is timeless, classy and uber-cool.

Another fantastic addition to an outdoor space is the Carlisle grid prismatic bulkhead outdoor wall light. With a nautical feel, this light means business. Providing presence and gravitas to your outdoor space.

We carry a large range of IP65 rated downlights. Our 10W IP65 rated downlights are suitable for use in Bathrooms (Zone 1) and outdoor use. Downlights are ideal for under lighting on porches or patios, providing a well lit and social area.

Available in a number of finishes to suit your taste. Graphite Grey is a top seller, lending itself to outdoor use. All downlights are fire rated to 30, 60 and 90 minutes, and robustly built, these strong, safe colour-changing LED graphite grey downlights have 2 sprung clips for easy installation and a quick terminal connector on the driver for easy installation and wiring.

With the winter season closing in, it doesn't mean you need to stay inside. Our range of outdoor lighting can keep you enjoying your outdoor space and fresh air throughout the seasons.

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