Outdoor Lights
What IP Rating Do I Need?
Outdoor lighting plays a significant role in enhancing the beauty of your garden while ensuring safety and security. However, choosing the right outdoor light involves more than just design and brightness - you also need to consider its durability against weather elements.
This is where IP ratings come into play. So, what are IP ratings, and why are they crucial for outdoor lighting? Let's delve in.
What is an IP Rating?
IP stands for 'Ingress Protection', and it signifies the degree of protection an electronic device like a light has against solid objects, including dust, and water. It's usually represented as 'IP' followed by two numbers. The first number (ranging from 0-6) represents protection against solids, and the second (ranging from 0-8) shows protection against liquids. The higher the numbers, the better the protection.
IP Rating Table
Here is a breakdown of the IP ratings for solids and the level of protection they indicate:
Here is a breakdown of the IP ratings for water and the level of protection they indicate:
Why Do Outdoor Lights Need an IP Rating?
Outdoor lights are exposed to various elements – dust, dirt, rain, and even snow in colder regions. An IP rating helps you understand how well a light can withstand these elements. So, if you live in an area with frequent rainfall, an outdoor light with a higher IP rating would be a smart choice. It ensures the longevity of your lighting fixtures and gives you a better return on your investment.
IP Ratings for Different Types of Outdoor Lights
Different outdoor lighting solutions demand different IP ratings based on their location and exposure to environmental elements.
Decking Lights
Deck lights, whether recessed into the deck or perched on posts, face various environmental conditions, including exposure to water from rainfall and potentially jet washing when cleaning. As such, they should have a reliable IP rating to ensure durability. An IP44 rating, offering protection against solid objects larger than 1mm and splashing water from all directions, should suffice for most deck lights.
However, if your garden is prone to flooding or the deck lights are installed in areas where water can pool, it's recommended you go for lights with a higher IP rating, ideally IP67 or above. This will provide a higher level of water protection, including against temporary immersion, which could be crucial for lights in flood-prone areas.
General Garden Lighting
For general garden lights, such as outdoor wall lights or path lights, an IP rating of IP44 or more is generally considered sufficient. These lights are resistant to solid objects over 1mm and are protected against water splashes from all directions, making them perfect for typical garden use.
Underwater Lights
Underwater lights, such as those used in ponds or water features, require a much higher IP rating due to their constant exposure to water. An IP rating of 68 is recommended for these types of lights, offering complete protection against dust and long periods of immersion in water under pressure.
Security Lights
Security lights, often featuring motion sensors, are typically installed high on the exterior of buildings and should have a high IP rating due to their exposure to the elements. An IP rating of IP44 or above would be ideal for these fixtures.
String Lights
These decorative lights are commonly used during festive seasons or for outdoor events. They may not be as exposed to harsh weather conditions as other lights, but they still need to withstand rainfall or occasional splashes. An IP rating of IP44 or above would typically suffice.
Hanging Porch Lanterns
Therefore, a lantern with an IP rating of at least IP20 would be advisable, ensuring protection from solid objects larger than 12.5mm and protection against dripping water when tilted up to 15 degrees. However, if your porch area is particularly exposed and prone to experience heavy rain, opting for a lantern with a higher IP rating, such as IP44 or above, would be more suitable.
Browse Our High-Quality Outdoor Lights
In the end, outdoor lighting is not just about aesthetic appeal—it's about functionality, durability, and smart choices. As we've discussed, IP ratings are a crucial aspect of making the right decision for your outdoor lights. From general garden lights to specialized underwater lighting, each requires a certain level of protection from solids and liquids.
At Lights4Living.com, we understand that choosing the right outdoor lighting can seem daunting. But don't worry, we're here to help! With our vast selection of high-quality outdoor lights, ranging across various styles and IP ratings, we're confident you'll find the perfect fit for your garden.
Remember, if you have any questions or need any further assistance, our friendly experts are just a call or click away. With our knowledge and passion for lighting, we can guide you through your outdoor lighting journey, ensuring you choose the best lights to illuminate your outdoor spaces, whatever your specific needs may be.
