Use this quick reference for IP rating explained, covering how enclosures are protected against contact, dust, moisture, and water under BS EN 60529. If you’re asking what are IP ratings, they are two-digit codes that describe levels of protection for electrical equipment.
The IP rating, governed by BS EN 60529, is divided into two numbers. The first number defines a product’s resistance to the ingress of particulates or foreign objects. Whereas the second refers to water resistance, varying from a few falling drops to complete immersion under pressure.
These rigorous IP protections ensure long‑term reliability in demanding environments, supporting safer, lower‑maintenance lighting systems across both indoor and outdoor applications.
IP Rating
| BS EN 60529 | 1st code number – protection against contact and foreign objects |
| 0 | No protection against contact and foreign objects |
| 1 | Back of the hand protection, protection against solid foreign objects with a Ø> 50mm |
| 2 | Protection against access with a finger / – against solid foreign objects with a Ø> 12.5mm |
| 3 | Protection against access with a tool / – against solid foreign objects > Ø from 2.5mm |
| 4 | Protection against access with a wire / – against solid foreign objects with a Ø from> 1.0mm |
| 5 | Complete protection against contact with live parts / against harmful internal dust deposits |
| 6 | Complete protection against contact with live parts / against the ingress of dust (dust-tight) |
| BS EN 60529 | 2nd code number – protection against moisture and water |
| 0 | No protection against moisture and water |
| 1 | Protected against vertically falling dripping water |
| 2 | Protected against dripping water falling at an angle (15 ° from the vertical) |
| 3 | Protected against spray water (up to 60 ° from the vertical) |
| 4 | Protected against splash water on all sides |
| 5 | Protected against water jets from any angle |
| 6 | Protected against strong water jets |
| 7 | Protected against temporary immersion |
| 8 | Protected against permanent submersion at a given depth |
| 9 | Protected against close-range high pressure, high-temperature spray downs |
| 9K | Particularly protected against close-range high pressure, high-temperature spray downs |
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Testing the IP Rating of our Luminaires
Our luminaires are tested in our wet room with precise high-pressure jets for 15 minutes. We also simulate continuous rain. Products with extremely high protection ratings undergo long-term testing in a dip tank. These procedures verify each product’s stated IP rating and align with BS EN 60529 definitions.
