If you are shopping for an outdoor light, you might have noticed stores such as ourselves referring to an IP Rating. This rating is used across many different electronic and wired devices (even mobile phones). In terms of lighting, it determines how protected the light is against dust and water.

An IP rating stands for Ingress Protection mark or sometimes also called an International or Internal Protection mark. IP ratings are measured in two numbers, for example IP 65 rated. The first number refers to solid objects, such as dust, so for example a 6 as the first digit means that it is protected against dust. The second number refers to liquid, as an example, 5 as the second digit means that the item can be sprayed with water jets from any angle.

You will find that most of our outdoor lighting is at least IP 44 rated and more often it is IP 65 rated, make sure when you are selecting your outdoor lighting that it is IP rated for external use.

Here is a table with a guide on what the different IP rating numbers mean. 

 

What IP rating do you need in a bathroom?

If you are installing lighting in a bathroom, you might be wondering if a light needs to specific IP rating requirements. See diagram.

 Zone 0 (Inside showers and baths): Minimum rating of IP67 and maximum

voltage of 12V.

Zone 1 (above basins and baths): Minimum rating of IP44

Zone 2 (next to showers and baths): Minimum rating of IP44

All of our lighting is rated for Australian and New Zealand use. Please be careful purchasing lights internationally, you can find bargains when shopping in the US however they are not made to the regulations that are required in Australia.

Please note: regulations can change, we cannot guarantee that this information is always up to date. This is a guide only and Restoration Online accepts no responsibility if this information is not correct. Please consult your electrician for updated advice.