You buy a light fixture and on the spec sheet you see "IP44", "IP65" or "IP67". These numbers look abstract, but they determine whether your lamp will stand up to moisture, dust and splashes — or end up short-circuiting after the first rain shower.
Here's a simple guide to make sense of it, in 5 minutes.
What exactly is an IP rating?
IP stands for Ingress Protection. It's an international standard (IEC 60529) that classifies an electrical device's resistance to two things:
- Solids (dust, fingers, tools)
- Liquids (drops, splashes, immersion)
A light fixture with no IP rating mentioned = intended for dry indoor use only. For the bathroom, outdoors or the kitchen near the sink, you must check the rating.
How to read an IP rating
An IP rating consists of 2 digits: IPXY
- 1st digit (X) = resistance to solids, from 0 (none) to 6 (dust-tight)
- 2nd digit (Y) = resistance to liquids, from 0 (none) to 9 (high-pressure jets at high temperatures)
Concrete example: IP65
- 6 = fully dust-tight
- 5 = resists low-pressure water jets from all directions
An IP65 fixture can therefore be installed outdoors exposed to rain without issue.
Summary table of the most common IP ratings
Here are the ones you'll come across 90% of the time:
| Rating | Solids | Liquids | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP20 | Large objects (fingers) | None | Dry indoor (living room, bedroom) |
| IP23 | Tools over 2.5 mm | Fine angled rain | Covered terrace |
| IP44 | Objects > 1 mm | Splashes from all directions | Bathroom zone 2, sheltered outdoor |
| IP54 | Limited dust | Splashes + fine rain | Exposed terrace, balcony |
| IP65 | Fully dust-tight | Low-pressure jets | Direct outdoor, garden |
| IP67 | Fully dust-tight | Immersion 30 min at 1 m | Pool, ponds |
| IP68 | Fully dust-tight | Continuous immersion | Submerged pool spots |
Which IP for which room?
Living areas (living room, bedroom, study)
IP20 is sufficient. No moisture, no splashes. That's the case for 95% of decorative light fixtures sold in France.
Kitchen
IP44 recommended for light fixtures close to the sink or hob (steam + splashes). IP20 is fine for pendants above the table.
Bathroom
This is the most tightly regulated room. French bathroom wiring regulations (NF C 15-100) divide the bathroom into 3 zones with different IP requirements (see dedicated section).
Covered terrace / balcony
IP23 minimum, IP44 recommended. It rarely actually rains underneath, but the humidity is there.
Exposed outdoor (garden, façade)
IP54 minimum, IP65 recommended. The lamp needs to withstand a downpour without flinching.
Pool / pond
IP67 mandatory at the surface, IP68 for spots submerged in water.
Our Lumora suggestions by environment
Here are 2 models suited to different uses.
Carora — IP54 for terrace and sheltered outdoor use
Rechargeable mushroom lamp with IP54 protection. Withstands splashes and fine rain. Ideal on a terrace, balcony or garden table in summer.
- IP54 certified
- USB-C
- 12h battery life
- 2-year warranty
Noara — IP20 for dry indoor use
Mirror-chrome designer lamp for indoor use only. Perfect on a desk, bedside or console table. Do not use in a bathroom or outdoors.
- IP20
- Indoor use
- Touch-sensitive
- Mirror chrome
Bathroom standards to follow (NF C 15-100)
The bathroom is divided into 4 zones (0 to 3), each with a mandatory minimum IP rating. Not respecting these standards means risk of electrocution and insurance that won't cover you in the event of a claim.
| Zone | Area | Required IP |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Inside the bath / shower tray | IP67 + SELV 12V |
| 1 | Above the bath up to 2.25 m | IP44 + SELV or class II |
| 2 | 60 cm around zones 0 and 1 | IP44 |
| 3 | Rest of the room | IP21 minimum |
⚠️ If in doubt, consult a qualified electrician before installing a light fixture in a bathroom. NF C 15-100 is legally enforceable in the event of a claim.
Frequently asked questions
Can an IP44 light fixture stay outdoors all year round?
Under a shelter (covered terrace, porch): yes. In direct exposure to rain: no, IP54 minimum recommended. For rainy winters, opt for IP65.
Can you clean an IP20 light fixture with a damp cloth?
Yes, a slightly damp cloth is fine. On the other hand, never use a spray product or immerse it in water.
Is an IP65 light fixture 100% waterproof?
Against low-pressure water jets, yes. Not against immersion (IP67 is required for that). An IP65 withstands a storm but cannot be submerged in water.
Do bulbs also have an IP rating?
Yes, but it's the IP rating of the complete light fixture that matters, not the bulb alone. An IP65 light fixture with a normal bulb remains IP65 as long as the seal is intact.
How can you spot a fake IP65 on a budget product?
Check for CE certification + a simulated water test in a video review. Genuine brands supply a certificate of compliance and a warranty. Unknown brands with no documentation: high risk.
Conclusion: 3 ratings to remember
If you only remember 3 numbers:
- IP20 = dry indoor room
- IP44 = bathroom (zone 2-3) and sheltered terrace
- IP65 = exposed outdoor
With those 3 reference points, you'll never go wrong. And for the rest (pool, immersion), ask a professional for advice.