Understanding IP ratings: what IP44, IP65 and IP67 actually mean
Technical Guide
If you are shopping for indoor or outdoor lighting, you have probably seen ratings like IP44, IP65, or IP67. These numbers are not random. They tell you how well a product is protected against dust and water, which makes them especially important when choosing lighting for patios, balconies, gardens, bathrooms, and poolside spaces.
This guide explains what IP ratings mean in simple terms, how the two digits work, and when to choose IP44, IP65, or IP67 for your space. It also highlights two Newgarden lighting styles that help illustrate how different protection levels suit different environments.
Quick Answer: An IP rating tells you how well a product is protected against solids and water. The first digit refers to protection against dust and particles, and the second digit refers to water resistance. IP44 is suitable for splash exposure, IP65 offers stronger protection against dust and water jets, and IP67 adds protection against temporary immersion.
1. What is an IP rating?
Definition: An IP rating is an international classification system that measures how effectively an electrical product resists intrusion from solid particles and liquids.
IP stands for Ingress Protection. The rating helps you understand whether a lamp is suited to dry indoor use, covered outdoor use, exposed patios, or environments where it may face heavier rain, dust, or even temporary water immersion.
For lighting, IP ratings are one of the most important technical details because they help match a product to the conditions where it will actually be used.
2. How the IP system works
Every IP rating has two digits:
- First digit (0–6): Protection against solid objects and dust
- Second digit (0–8): Protection against water
For example:
- IP44 → Protected against small solids and splashing water
- IP65 → Dust-tight and protected against water jets
- IP67 → Dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion
The higher the number, the greater the level of protection. That does not automatically mean the product is better in every way, but it does mean it is designed for more demanding environmental exposure.
3. What IP44 means
| Rating | What It Means |
|---|---|
| First digit 4 | Protection against small solid objects larger than 1 mm |
| Second digit 4 | Protection against splashing water from any direction |
IP44 is commonly used for covered outdoor areas and spaces where the light may be exposed to light moisture or splashes, but not direct heavy rain or water jets on a regular basis.
Typical uses include:
- Covered patios
- Balconies with overhead shelter
- Bathrooms
- Protected garden corners
4. What IP65 means
| Rating | What It Means |
|---|---|
| First digit 6 | Fully dust-tight |
| Second digit 5 | Protected against water jets |
IP65 is a stronger outdoor rating than IP44. It is usually the better choice when the lamp will be placed in more exposed outdoor conditions where rain, dust, or stronger weather exposure are more likely.
Typical uses include:
- Exposed patios and terraces
- Garden lighting
- Outdoor hospitality spaces
- Areas where dust or debris may be present
If you want more confidence in an uncovered outdoor setup, IP65 is often the level people look for.
5. What IP67 means
| Rating | What It Means |
|---|---|
| First digit 6 | Fully dust-tight |
| Second digit 7 | Protected against temporary immersion in water |
IP67 goes beyond splash resistance and water jets. It adds protection against temporary immersion, which makes it relevant for more demanding outdoor environments.
Typical uses include:
- Poolside lighting
- Floating lamps
- Products placed near water features
- Outdoor areas with very high exposure to moisture
This does not mean every IP67 product is meant to live underwater permanently, but it does mean it offers a higher level of water protection than IP44 or IP65.
6. How to choose the right IP rating
- Start by asking whether the product will be used indoors, in a covered outdoor space, or in a fully exposed area.
- Choose IP44 for covered or lightly exposed spaces where splashes are possible.
- Choose IP65 for uncovered patios, terraces, and areas exposed to rain and dust.
- Choose IP67 for environments near pools or where temporary immersion protection matters.
- For rechargeable outdoor lighting in Canada, store indoors during winter to help protect battery life and long-term performance.
Explore Newgarden’s lighting collection to find indoor and outdoor lamps designed for different levels of environmental exposure and different ways of living outdoors.
7. Key takeaways
- The first IP digit measures dust and solid protection.
- The second IP digit measures water protection.
- IP44 is usually best for covered outdoor areas and splash exposure.
- IP65 is better for exposed patios and stronger weather resistance.
- IP67 is suited to more demanding wet environments, including temporary immersion scenarios.
8. Quick FAQ
What does IP stand for?
IP stands for Ingress Protection.
Is IP44 good enough for outdoor use?
Yes, IP44 can be suitable for covered outdoor areas and spaces with light splash exposure, but it is not the best choice for heavily exposed locations.
Is IP65 better than IP44?
IP65 provides a higher level of protection because it is dust-tight and resistant to water jets, making it better for exposed outdoor conditions.
What is IP67 used for?
IP67 is commonly used for products that need stronger protection against moisture, including temporary immersion, such as some poolside or floating lighting applications.
Find the right IP rating for your space
Explore indoor and outdoor lighting designed for covered patios, exposed terraces, and everything in between.