Understanding IP ratings

Understanding
IP ratings.

Choosing the right lighting for South African conditions.

When choosing lighting for your home or business, it's not just about how the fitting looks — it's about making sure it can handle the environment it's being installed in.

What is an IP rating?

Protection against
dust, water, and
everyday conditions.

An IP rating tells you how well a product is protected against dust, solid particles, water and moisture. The higher the numbers, the better the protection.

IP20

Indoor dry areas

Best for bedrooms, lounges, offices and indoor ceilings.

  • Ideal for standard indoor use
  • Not suitable for water exposure
IP44+

Bathrooms & damp areas

Designed for areas where splashes and moisture may be present.

  • Bathrooms
  • Laundry rooms
  • Damp indoor spaces
IP65

General outdoor use

The minimum recommended rating for most South African outdoor installations.

  • Dust-tight protection
  • Resistant to rain and water spray
IP66

Heavy rain & exposed areas

Heavy-duty protection for floodlights, security lighting and exposed installations.

  • Handles strong rain
  • Built for harsh conditions
Quick guide

Choose the
right IP rating
for the right space.

South African conditions can be tough on lighting products.

From summer rain and thunderstorms to dust, heat and coastal moisture, choosing the correct IP-rated fitting improves reliability and lifespan.

  • IP44 – 54Covered outdoor areas
  • IP65General outdoor use
  • IP66Fully exposed weather areas
  • IP67 – 68Pools and water features
Weatherproof vs waterproof

Outdoor doesn't
always mean
waterproof.

Weatherproof fittings are suitable for rain, dust and general outdoor conditions, while waterproof fittings are specifically designed for temporary or continuous water immersion.

IP44

Covered outdoor areas

  • Patios
  • Verandas
  • Covered braai areas
  • Sheltered installations
IP65

Weatherproof

  • Rain protection
  • Dust protection
  • Most outdoor lighting uses
IP67

Near water

  • Pool surroundings
  • Water features
  • Fountain lighting
IP68

Waterproof

  • Continuous immersion
  • Underwater applications
  • Specialist fittings
Which IP rating should I choose?

Simple
recommendation
table.

Quick lookup — find your space, find your rating.

Application area Recommended IP rating
Indoor dry areasIP20
BathroomsIP44+
Covered outdoor areasIP44 – IP54
General outdoor useIP65
Heavy rain / exposed areasIP66
Pools & water featuresIP67+
Our recommendation

Built for our
weather. Built
to last.

For most outdoor lighting applications in South Africa...

We recommend IP65 minimum and IP66 for fully exposed areas.

  • Longer product lifespan
  • Better reliability
  • Improved safety
  • Reduced maintenance over time
Shop with confidence

Shop with confidence
at Lights4You.

Reliable lighting solutions for homes, businesses and outdoor spaces.

From everyday outdoor wall lights to heavy-duty floodlights and waterproof fittings, we offer reliable lighting solutions built for performance and durability.