IP Rating Guide: IP44 vs IP65 vs IP66 vs IP67 Comparison

IP (Ingress Protection) ratings determine where electrical products can be safely installed. This comparison explains the differences between common IP ratings and helps you choose the correct protection level for bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor areas, and specialist environments.

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Key Points to Remember

The IP rating has two digits: dust protection (0-6) and water protection (0-9)

Higher numbers indicate greater protection against solid objects and water ingress

Bathrooms require IP44 (Zone 2), IP44+ (Zone 1), or IP67 (Zone 0)

The correct IP rating depends on the bathroom zone as defined by BS 7671

Outdoor installations require IP65 minimum, IP66 recommended for exposed locations

Indoor-rated products must never be used outdoors, even under cover

IP Rating Comparison Table

Use this quick comparison to match the right IP rating to the environment.

  • IP44: Dust — objects larger than 1mm. Water — splashes from any direction. Location — bathroom Zone 1 and 2. Regulation — BS 7671 Zone 1 and 2 minimum. Cost — standard. Examples — bathroom downlights, shaver sockets, extractor fans.
  • IP65: Dust — dust-tight (complete). Water — low-pressure water jets. Location — outdoor (sheltered). Regulation — outdoor standard. Cost — moderate. Examples — outdoor wall lights, bulkheads, garden lighting.
  • IP66: Dust — dust-tight (complete). Water — powerful water jets. Location — outdoor (fully exposed). Regulation — outdoor (recommended for exposed). Cost — moderate-high. Examples — weatherproof sockets, outdoor consumer units, floodlights.
  • IP67: Dust — dust-tight (complete). Water — immersion up to 1m depth. Location — bathroom Zone 0, underground. Regulation — BS 7671 Zone 0 requirement. Cost — higher (specialised). Examples — shower recessed fittings, in-ground lighting, submersible pumps.

How to Read an IP Rating

An IP rating consists of the letters 'IP' followed by two digits:

  • First digit (0-6) - Protection against solid objects and dust. 0 = no protection, 4 = protected against objects larger than 1mm, 5 = dust-protected (limited ingress), 6 = dust-tight (no ingress).
  • Second digit (0-9) - Protection against water. 0 = no protection, 4 = splash-proof from any direction, 5 = low-pressure water jets, 6 = powerful water jets, 7 = temporary immersion (up to 1m for 30 minutes), 8 = continuous immersion.

Example: IP65 means dust-tight (6) and protected against low-pressure water jets (5).

IP Ratings for Bathroom Zones

UK regulations (BS 7671) define specific zones in bathrooms where different IP ratings are required:

  • Zone 0 - Inside the bath or shower tray. Requires IP67 (protection against temporary immersion). Only SELV (Safety Extra-Low Voltage) equipment at max 12V is permitted.
  • Zone 1 - Above Zone 0, up to 2.25m from floor level. Requires IP44 minimum (IP65 recommended). Includes the area directly above the bath/shower.
  • Zone 2 - 0.6m beyond Zone 1. Requires IP44 minimum. Includes the area around the bath/shower. Shaver sockets with isolation transformers are permitted here.
  • Outside Zones - Beyond Zone 2. No specific IP requirement, but IP44 is recommended as best practice for all bathroom electrical products.

All bathroom electrical work must be carried out by a qualified electrician and comply with BS 7671.

IP Ratings for Outdoor Installations

Outdoor electrical products must withstand rain, wind, dust, UV, and temperature extremes:

  • Sheltered outdoor (under porch, canopy, or carport) - IP65 minimum
  • Exposed outdoor (open walls, fence-mounted, garden installations) - IP66 recommended
  • Ground level or at risk of flooding - IP67

All outdoor circuits must be protected by a 30mA RCD regardless of IP rating. Indoor-rated products must never be used outdoors, even in sheltered locations, as they cannot withstand condensation, temperature fluctuations, and UV exposure.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Identify the Installation Location

    Determine whether the product will be installed in a standard room, bathroom (identify the zone), kitchen, or outdoor area. Each location has different IP requirements under BS 7671.

  2. Determine the Minimum IP Rating Required

    Match the location to the required IP rating: standard rooms (no IP requirement), bathroom Zone 1/2 (IP44+), bathroom Zone 0 (IP67), outdoor sheltered (IP65), outdoor exposed (IP66).

  3. Select Products with the Correct IP Rating

    Choose switches, sockets, lighting, and enclosures with the verified IP rating. Check each product specification individually. Do not assume all products in a range share the same IP rating.

  4. Arrange Professional Installation

    Have all IP-rated products installed by a qualified electrician who can verify correct zone compliance, RCD protection, and sealing to maintain the stated IP rating throughout the installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between IP44 and IP65?
IP44 protects against water splashes from any direction and objects larger than 1mm. IP65 is dust-tight and protects against low-pressure water jets. IP65 offers significantly more protection and is required for outdoor use, while IP44 is the minimum for bathroom Zones 1 and 2.
Can I use IP44 products outdoors?
No. IP44 is not sufficient for outdoor installations. Outdoor products must be rated at least IP65 (sheltered locations) or IP66 (exposed locations). IP44 is designed for indoor wet areas like bathrooms.
Is a higher IP rating always better?
A higher IP rating provides more protection, but products with higher ratings tend to cost more and may have fewer style options. Choose the correct rating for the installation location rather than over-specifying. Standard rooms do not need IP-rated products.
What does 'dust-tight' mean in an IP rating?
Dust-tight (first digit 6) means complete protection against dust ingress. No dust can enter the enclosure under any conditions. This is required for outdoor products (IP65, IP66, IP67) and provides better long-term reliability than lower dust ratings.

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