IP Ratings for Lights Explained: Outdoor, Bathroom & Coastal
Which IP rating do you need?
A quick guide, by location:
- Undercover verandah or porch: around IP23.
- Fully exposed outdoor wall or path:IP44 to IP54 or higher.
- Coastal:IP54+, plus a corrosion-resistant material like brass or 316 stainless steel.
- Bathroom (near the bath or shower):IPX4 or higher.
Always confirm placement with a qualified electrician.
What is an IP rating?
You've probably seen terms like IP44 or IP65 on light fittings and electronics. These are Ingress Protection (IP) ratings, used worldwide to describe how well a product resists dust and water.
The rating tells you how protected a product is from solid objects (dirt, tools) and from moisture (a splash through to full submersion). It removes the guesswork behind vague claims like "water-resistant" or "weatherproof".
How to read an IP rating
An IP rating is written as IP followed by two digits, for example IP65.
- First digit (0–6): protection from solids like dust, tools and wires.
- Second digit (0–8): protection from moisture, from dripping water to full immersion.
Where a digit shows as an X (such as IPX4), that element hasn't been separately rated.
IP rating chart
An IP rating has two parts. The first digit is protection from solids, the second is protection from water. Read each scale on its own, then combine them.
A great all-round choice for exposed outdoor lighting.
Why IP ratings matter for lights
Light fittings contain electrical components, so they need to be properly sealed, especially outdoors or in a bathroom.
The IP rating tells you whether a light is safe to install in a wet, dusty or exposed spot. Indoor living spaces like bedrooms and hallways generally don't need an IP-rated fitting.
What IP rating do you need for outdoor lights?
It depends on how exposed the position is.
A wall light under a verandah may only need basic splash protection like IP23. A garden spike or exposed path light might need IP54 or higher to handle dust and driving rain.
The rule of thumb: the more exposed the position, the higher the rating.
Browse IP-rated options in our outdoor lighting collection, including outdoor wall lights for entrances, porches and facades.
Materials and durability for outdoor lighting
The IP rating isn't the whole story outdoors. In exposed or coastal positions, the material a fitting is made from decides how well it lasts.
A high IP rating keeps water out. The material keeps corrosion at bay.
- Brass, copper and bronze (the "red metals") form a natural patina that protects them and gives an evolving finish.
- Aluminium, when anodised or powder-coated, resists corrosion and keeps a smooth, clean finish.
Each of our finishes behaves a little differently outdoors, which is worth weighing up alongside the IP rating. See our guide to light fitting finishes for how each one is made and cared for.
What IP rating do you need for coastal lighting?
Coastal is the hardest environment for an outdoor fitting. Salt air corrodes materials far faster than inland conditions.
So coastal lighting needs two things: a suitable IP rating (generally IP54 or higher, depending on exposure) and a corrosion-resistant build.
Solid brass and marine-grade 316 stainless steel are the most reliable choices. Unlacquered brass develops a patina that many owners choose on purpose, for a weathered, heritage look.
A partly sheltered facade is more forgiving. A fully exposed seafront wall is not. Your electrician can confirm the right rating for the exact position.
For more on choosing outdoor fittings by position and material, see our outdoor lighting buying guide.
What IP rating do you need for bathroom lights?
Bathrooms are split into zones based on how close they are to water. Each zone has a minimum IP rating for safety and compliance.
- Zone 0 (inside the bath or shower): minimum IPX7 for immersion.
- Zone 1 (directly above the bath or shower): minimum IPX4.
- Zone 2 (within 0.6m of the bath or shower): minimum IPX4.
Always have a qualified electrician confirm the zoning and current Australian regulations before installing.
What IP rating do you need for kitchen lights?
Most of a kitchen doesn't need an IP-rated fitting. But as a space with wet zones, some spots do.
- Above a bench or table: an IP20 light is usually fine.
- Near sinks, stoves or rangehoods: go higher, IPX4 or above, to handle steam and splashes.
Choosing the right IP-rated light
IP ratings give you a reliable way to choose lighting for almost any space.
Match the rating to how exposed the position is. Then match the material to how harsh the conditions are.
And remember: a higher number isn't automatically better. It just describes a different type of exposure.
Not sure which rating suits your space? Speak to a qualified electrician, or explore our outdoor lighting collection for inspiration.