Choosing the right IP rating for outdoor lighting (IP44, IP65, IP67)
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.
TL;DR — quick pick
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
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) |

