IP44 or IP65 for Outdoor Lights?
UK Guide
Your Simple Guide to Choosing the Right Protection
Quick Answer
For most outdoor lights in the UK, the second number is the one that matters, because it tells you how well the light copes with water. A 4 means protected against splashing water from any direction, which covers rain. So IP44, IP54 and IP64 all cope equally well with the weather, and the first number only changes the dust protection.
You only need a 5 or higher (IP65 and above) where a jet of water could hit the light, such as a hose, or in a very exposed position.
Choosing for a bathroom? See the Bathroom IP Guide.
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What the Two Numbers Mean
IP stands for Ingress Protection. The two numbers are separate scores:
- First number (0 to 6): protection against dust and solid objects.
- Second number (0 to 8): protection against water.
A higher first number does not make a light more rainproof. For outdoor lights, look at the second number.
The Second Number, for Outdoor Lights
| Second number | Protects against | Typical outdoor use |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Splashing water from any direction, including rain | Most positions around a house: porches, walls, bulkheads, gardens and paths |
| 5 | Low-pressure water jets, such as a hose | Places that get hosed, or where water is directed at the light |
| 6 | Powerful water jets | Marine use and very exposed positions |
| 7 | Short-term immersion | Ground-level and in-ground lights where water can collect |
Is IP44 Enough for Outdoor Lights?
For rain and splashes, yes. IP44 (or IPX4) is the standard choice for lights fixed to the outside of a house and for most garden and path lights, including positions with no shelter at all.
This matches the guidance electricians work to. NICEIC’s advice for householders says a good rule of thumb is to choose outdoor lights rated IP44 or higher, and the wiring regulations (BS 7671) call for at least IPX4 where water can splash. Some manufacturers, such as Burford, state IPX4 splashproof in their installation instructions.
When IP65 Is Worth Having
IP65 is also fully dust-tight, and it is a good choice. You just don’t need it for rain. It is worth considering when:
- the light may be hosed or splashed by a tap, outdoor shower or similar
- it sits where water runs off a roof or downpipe onto the fitting
- it is at or below ground level, where water can collect (for in-ground lights, look for IP67)
- the position is very exposed, such as an open hillside or the coast, and you want extra margin
Coastal homes: the IP rating does not measure resistance to salt, so the material and finish matter as much as the number.
Pools and water features: lights in or close to a swimming pool fall under separate electrical rules, so speak to your electrician before choosing.
Common Situations
| Where | Suitable rating |
|---|---|
| Front door and porch lights | IP44 or higher |
| Wall lights and bulkheads on a house wall | IP44 or higher |
| Path and bollard lights | IP44 or higher |
| Spotlights in borders | IP44 or higher, IP65 if at ground level where water collects |
| Under a downpipe, or where the light is hosed | IP65 |
| Pool or water feature | Ask your electrician first |
Installation Matters Too
A rating only holds if the light is fitted properly. Make sure cable entries are sealed, the light is mounted the way the instructions show (usually with the cable entry pointing down), and the installation guidance is followed. An occasional wipe-down keeps the finish looking good.
Motion Sensors
Check that a sensor has its own IP rating suited to its position. A separate PIR sensor means you only replace the sensor if it fails, not the whole light. Read more about PIR motion sensors.
Your questions answered
Is IP44 suitable for outdoor use in the UK?
Yes. The 4 means protected against splashing water from any direction, which covers rain, so IP44 suits most positions around a house, sheltered or not. IP54 and IP64 cope with water in exactly the same way, and only differ in dust protection.
What’s the difference between IP44 and IP65?
The water protection. IP44 is protected against splashing water, including rain. IP65 is also protected against low-pressure water jets, such as a hose, and is fully dust-tight. IP65 is worth having where a light may be hosed or water can run onto it, but it is not needed for rain.
My electrician says outdoor lights must be IP65. Is that right?
Not for rain and splashes. NICEIC gives a rule of thumb of IP44 or higher for outdoor lights, and the wiring regulations (BS 7671) call for at least IPX4 where water can splash. IP65 is a fine choice, and worth it if a hose could hit the light or the position is very exposed. If your electrician asks for a higher rating, ask what they are concerned about, as it may be the specific position. NICEIC advice on garden lighting
What about bathrooms?
Bathrooms follow different rules based on zones. See our bathroom zones IP rating guide.
Ready to Choose Your Outdoor Lighting?
Our outdoor lights are made in Ireland, the UK and the EU, and cover IP44 to IP65. Not sure which suits your position? Mention where it will be fitted in the order notes and we’ll double-check the rating with you.