What is an IP value?

The IP value indicates the degree to which electrical appliances like lighting fixtures are protected against solid objects or materials, and water. The IP value always consists of two digits.

IP-waarde elektriciteit

The first digit indicates the protection against solid objects or materials. The second digit indicates the degree to which the fixture is protected against water.

Logically it makes sense that when the appliance is well protected against water, it is also hard for solid objects to invade the appliance. A high second digit is therefor always accompanied with a high first digit.

A lighting fixture you want to install in the bathroom logically asks a higher IP value. The bathroom can be divided into four imaginary safety zones each with their own requirements in terms of IP value.

Where do all these digits stand for exactly?

The first IP digit:

IP 0x = No protection.

IP 1x = Protected against objects with a diameter over 50mm (e.g. accidental touch by person’s hand).

IP 2x = Protected against solid objects with a diameter over 12mm (e.g. a person’s fingers).

IP 3x = Protected against solid objects with a diameter over 2,5mm (e.g. wires and tools).

IP 4x = Protected against solid objects with a diameter over 1mm (e.g. wires and tools).

IP 5x = Complete protection against touching voltage carrying parts (i.e. wiring) and harmful accumulation of dust. Ingress of dust is possible but will not harm the working.

IP 6x = Complete protection against touching voltage carrying parts (i.e. wiring) and ingress of dust.

The second IP digit:

IP x0 = No protection.

IP x1 = Protected against vertically falling drops of water.

IP x2 = Protected against drops of water up to 15° from the vertical.

IP x3 = Protected against direct water sprays up to 60° from the vertical.

IP x4 = Protected against water sprays from all directions.

IP x5 = Protected against low pressure jets of water from all directions.

IP x6 = Protected against strong jets of water from all directions.

IP x7 = Protected against the effects of temporary immersion between 15cm and 1m. Duration of test: 30 min.

IP x8 = Protected against long periods of immersion under pressure.

IP value