Oct 27, 2022

What is the difference between IP44, IP46, IP55 and IP65 waterproof ratings?

Let's shed a little light on the lighting jargon. IP ratings are a rating of the protection for electronic equipment from dust, solid objects and fluids.

All of our outdoor lights have an IP44, IP46, IP55 or IP65 rating which means they are protected from water sprayed in all directions and are 100% waterproof.

All indoor use lights are usually rated IP20. We've popped together a comparison table so you can see the difference between ratings.

There are two numbers in the IP rating:

The first number (0 to 6), in an solid IP rating. It shows the resistance against solid objects.

The second number (0 to 8) implies the protection against water.

First Number	Protection against solid objects and dust	Second Number	Protection against fluids
0	No Protection	0	No Protection
1	Protection against solid objects over 50mm e.g. accidental touch by hands	1	Protected against vertically falling drops of water
2	Protected against solid objects over 12mm, e.g. fingers	2	Protected against direct sprays of water up to 15 degrees from the vertical
3	Protected against solid objects over 2.5mm (tools / wires)	3	Protected against sprays to 60 degrees from the vertical
4	Protected against solid objects over 1mm (tools / wires / small wires)	4	Protected against water sprayed from all directions - limited ingress permitted
5	Protected against dust - limited ingress (no harmful deposit)	5	Protected against low pressure jets of water from all direction - limited ingress permitted
6	Totally protected against dust	6	Protected against strong jets of water, e.g. for use on ship decks - limited ingress permitted
		7	Protected against the effects of immersion between 15cm and 1m
		8	Protected against long periods of immersion under pressure

As you can see, both IP46 and IP65 are suitable for year round use outside and can tolerate heavy rain.

However, if you are leaving your lights outside all year round we suggest going for a rubber cable when using fairy lights over a PVC cable. The rubber cable is more durable and will give you more longevity with your lights.