IP Rating Guide

Interactive guide to IP (Ingress Protection) ratings for electrical equipment in the UK

Common IP Ratings

IP Ratings by Location (UK)

Location/ZoneMinimum IP RatingExamples
Indoor DryIP20Living rooms, bedrooms, offices
KitchenIP44Near sinks, above cookers
Bathroom Zone 0IP67Inside bath/shower
Bathroom Zone 1IP65Above bath/shower to 2.25m
Bathroom Zone 2IP44Within 0.6m of bath/shower
Outdoor CoveredIP44Porches, covered patios
Outdoor ExposedIP65Gardens, driveways, car parks
UndergroundIP68Buried cables, submersible pumps

Understanding IP Codes

Format: IP followed by two digits (e.g., IP65)
First Digit - Solid Objects
  • 0 - No protection
  • 1 - Objects > 50mm (hands)
  • 2 - Objects > 12mm (fingers)
  • 3 - Objects > 2.5mm (tools)
  • 4 - Objects > 1mm (wires)
  • 5 - Dust protected
  • 6 - Dust tight
Second Digit - Liquids
  • 0 - No protection
  • 1 - Dripping water (vertical)
  • 2 - Dripping water (15° tilt)
  • 3 - Spraying water (60° angle)
  • 4 - Splashing water (all directions)
  • 5 - Water jets
  • 6 - Powerful water jets
  • 7 - Immersion up to 1m
  • 8 - Continuous immersion

Bathroom IP Rating Zones (BS 7671)

Bathrooms are divided into zones based on proximity to water sources. Each zone has specific IP rating requirements to ensure electrical safety.

Zone 0

Location: Inside the bath or shower basin
Minimum IP Rating: IP67 (immersion up to 1m)
Voltage Limit: 12V AC or 30V DC maximum (SELV)
Permitted: Very limited - specific shower switches only

Zone 1

Location: Above bath/shower up to 2.25m height
Minimum IP Rating: IP65 (water jets)
Voltage: 230V permitted with RCD protection
Permitted: Shaver sockets (BS EN 61558-2-5), fixed water heaters, shower pumps

Zone 2

Location: 0.6m horizontally from bath/shower edge, up to 2.25m height
Minimum IP Rating: IP44 (splashing water)
Voltage: 230V permitted with RCD protection
Permitted: Lighting, fans, shaver sockets, water heaters

Outside Zones

Location: Beyond 0.6m from bath/shower, or above 2.25m
Minimum IP Rating: IP20 (standard indoor) but IP44 recommended
Voltage: 230V permitted with RCD protection
Permitted: Socket outlets (with RCD), switches, accessories

Important Notes

  • • All bathroom circuits require 30mA RCD protection (BS 7671:701)
  • • Socket outlets not permitted in zones 0, 1, or 2 (except shaver sockets in zone 2)
  • • Measurements are from finished wall/floor surfaces
  • • Supplementary bonding may be required depending on installation
  • • Always use IP44 minimum for bathroom lighting

Common IP Rating Questions

What IP rating do I need for outdoor lighting?

Answer: IP65 minimum for fully exposed outdoor lighting. This provides dust-tight protection and protection against water jets from any direction. For covered areas (porches, eaves), IP44 may be sufficient.

Can I use IP44 equipment outdoors?

Answer: IP44 is only suitable for covered outdoor areas protected from direct rainfall (e.g., under eaves, in porches). For exposed outdoor locations, use IP65 or higher.

What's the difference between IP65 and IP67?

Answer: Both are dust tight. IP65 protects against water jets, while IP67 can withstand temporary immersion up to 1m depth for 30 minutes. Use IP67 for ground-level installations or areas prone to flooding. IP65 is sufficient for wall-mounted outdoor equipment.

Is IP68 necessary for garden equipment?

Answer: IP68 is only necessary for equipment that will be continuously submerged (pond pumps, underwater lights) or buried underground. For standard garden sockets and lights, IP65 is adequate.

What IP rating for garage/workshop?

Answer: Attached garages: IP20 is acceptable but IP44 recommended for damp conditions. Detached garages: IP44 minimum. Dusty workshops: IP54 or IP65 for dusty environments with occasional water use.

Do I need IP rating inside the house?

Answer: Standard rooms: IP20 is standard. Kitchens: IP44 for areas near sinks. Bathrooms: Follow zone requirements (IP44, IP65, or IP67 depending on location). Utility rooms: IP44 recommended near washing machines.