Choosing the right IP rating for outdoor lighting (IP44, IP65, IP67)

Q: Is IP44 enough for outdoors?

Usually yes for sheltered locations (under a canopy/eaves). If the fixture is fully exposed to rain and wind, choose IP65 instead.

Q: What’s the difference between IP65 and IP67?

IP65 = protected against water jets. IP67 = protected against temporary immersion (e.g. pooling water / in-ground fixtures).

Q: Which IP rating do I need for in-ground lights?

Choose at least IP67. For areas with (long-term) standing water: IP68. Also pay attention to proper cable sealing (gland/connector).

Q: What do the digits in an IP rating mean?

The first digit is dust/solid protection (0–6) and the second digit is water protection (0–9). Example: IP65 = dust-tight (6) + water jets (5).

Q: Is the IP rating the only thing that matters?

No. Also consider IK rating (impact resistance), materials (corrosion near the coast), mounting, cable entry, and whether the driver/transformer is suitable for outdoor use.

Not sure whether you need IP44, IP65 or IP67? The right IP rating mainly depends on how much rain, water jets or (temporary) immersion your fixture will face. Below you’ll find a quick selector, a clear table and recommended outdoor lighting per situation.

Note

An IP rating only applies when the fixture is installed correctly (seals, glands, cable entry). For plugs/connectors outdoors: use splash-proof parts as well, or keep them sheltered.

TL;DR — quick pick

IP44

Sheltered

Splash-proof is often enough.

›

IP65

Fully exposed

Water jets or higher.

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IP67

In-ground / pooling water

Temporary immersion.

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IP66

Harsh conditions

Powerful water jets.

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What does an IP rating mean?

IP = Ingress Protection

An IP code has 2 digits:
• 1st digit (0–6) = protection against dust/solid objects
• 2nd digit (0–9) = protection against water

For outdoor lighting, the 2nd digit is usually the most important.

Practical rules of thumb

IP44: splashes → sheltered
IP65: water jets → exposed areas / façade / garden
IP67: immersion → in-ground / pooling water
IP66: heavy duty → cleaning with strong jets / high water pressure

Quick selector by location

IP44›

Sheltered (canopy / awning / under eaves)

At least IP44 (splash-proof). For extra peace of mind: IP54.

IP65›

Fully exposed (rain + wind, façade/garden, driveway)

Choose IP65 (water jets) or higher—especially for exposed mounting.

IP67›

Direct water / in-ground / near sprinklers

Choose IP67 (temporary immersion), or IP68 for continuous submersion.

IP65+›

Work/safety (floodlights, heavy outdoor use)

At least IP65. With high-pressure cleaning: IP66.

IP ratings explained

IP	Dust (1st digit)	Water (2nd digit)	Best use
IP44	4 = protected against >1 mm	4 = splashes	Sheltered: under canopy, eaves, awning
IP54	5 = dust-protected	4 = splashes	Sheltered + more dust (shed/canopy)
IP65	6 = dust-tight	5 = water jets	Exposed: façade, garden, driveway (rain + wind)
IP66	6 = dust-tight	6 = powerful jets	Heavy duty: work lights, areas cleaned with strong jets
IP67	6 = dust-tight	7 = temporary immersion	In-ground / pooling water areas
IP68	6 = dust-tight	8 = long-term submersion	Pond/underwater (only if explicitly specified by the product)

Tip: In coastal/sea air, corrosion-resistant materials (e.g. 316 stainless / good coating) can be just as important as the IP rating.

Recommended outdoor lights per situation

IP44+ for sheltered spots (garden / patio)

IP65+ for exposed areas (floodlights)

IP65+ for work & safety (work lights)

IP65+ for driveways & public areas (street lighting)

Frequently asked questions

Usually yes for sheltered locations (under a canopy/eaves). If the fixture is fully exposed to rain and wind, choose IP65 instead.

IP65 = protected against water jets. IP67 = protected against temporary immersion (e.g. pooling water / in-ground fixtures).

Choose at least IP67. For areas with (long-term) standing water: IP68. Also pay attention to proper cable sealing (gland/connector).

The first digit is dust/solid protection (0–6) and the second digit is water protection (0–9). Example: IP65 = dust-tight (6) + water jets (5).

No. Also consider IK rating (impact resistance), materials (corrosion near the coast), mounting, cable entry, and whether the driver/transformer is suitable for outdoor use.