Which IP to choose for your outdoor lighting

 

Choosing outdoor lighting solution should not be taken lightly. A number of criteria need to be taken into account to ensure that the result is aesthetically pleasing, practical and often even safe. Among the elements to consider is the IP (Protection Index): an indispensable criterion that informs of the degree of protection of your luminaire. So, which IP rating should you choose for your outdoor lighting? Is it possible to adopt the same IP rating for a sconce designed to light an entrance and a bollard to be installed on the terrace? We explain everything you need to know in this guide, so you can equip yourself correctly.

 

Protection index: what is it? 

 

The protection index is indicated on the packaging of each luminaire. This is an international standard for the waterproofing of outdoor lamps. Composed of the letters IP followed by two digits, it provides information on the level of protection and resistance of the chosen lighting solution to the intrusion of solids and liquids. Ingress Protection is a code defined by the IEC 60529 standard to guarantee your safety and that of your equipment.

The first number following the letters IP indicates the luminaire's resistance to the penetration of solid objects. The second number indicates the luminaire's resistance to liquids. 

 

Outdoor lighting: how do I choose my IP for maximum protection?

 

Your outdoor lighting will have a variety of functions and, consequently, very specific locations. You may opt for spotlights toilluminate your terrace, picket spotlights for your flower beds, or wall lights for your entrance. This is why you'll need to choose lamps with different IP ratings.

Whatever the installation and function of your outdoor luminaire, it will naturally be in contact with a variety of substances and solid bodies. It may be touched, trampled on or even dirtied during a gardening session. It will also be subjected to the effects of various weather conditions: rain, wind, hail, snow, etc., as well as everyday hazards such as misdirected water jets or the ingress of dust from garden maintenance sessions. It must therefore be perfectly airtight. Of course, it's out of the question to opt for a maximum index for all your outdoor lighting. However, we always recommend a minimum IP44 standard, which provides ideal sealing against solid objects of 1 mm diameter or more, and perfect protection against splashing water on all sides (see table). 

 

Which IP to choose for porch or entrance lighting?

Illuminating an entrance not only enhances your facade, but also serves a useful and practical function, making it easy to find the lock or your keys if you're coming home late. An IP44 wall light is just the thing. This is the case with Lumihome led wall lights like the black Liberty Lumihome model, whose waterproofing gives it long-lasting, effective outdoor resistance.

If you're sure your wall light will be well protected from direct contact with rain and other weather conditions, you can even opt for an IP23.

 

Poolside lighting: which IP to choose?

The pool is ideal for cooling off on hot summer days, but once night falls, it also becomes an aesthetic feature in its own right, thanks to its lighting. Lighting not only enhances the pool's appearance, but also defines its perimeter and ensures safe access.

To mark out the ground around your pool, you'll need to opt for poolside lighting with a minimum IP64 rating, to protect against dust and water splashes.

If, on the other hand, your lights are to be placed inside a fountain, pond or pool, you'll need to opt for the IP68 standard, like Lumihome's submersible fountain LED spotlight. This guarantees watertightness against continuous immersion in pressurized water.

 

Protection class ideal for access lighting

 

Access lighting not only has an aesthetic function, it also helps to guide people along paths and walkways, and to make their steps safer.

Constantly exposed to the elements, access lighting requires a sufficiently high IP rating. Access lighting often takes the form of bollards or spotlights, and is therefore also subject to the risk of splashes from water jets and other sprinkler systems. That's why we recommend an IP44 protection rating. This rating guarantees resistance to heavy rain and dust, and is therefore ideal for access lighting.

 

Which protection rating is right for patio lighting?

 

For entertaining friends and enjoying long summer evenings, terrace lighting is essential. It's the perfect way to show off this practical feature of your home, and to continue living there after dark. Wall lights, bollards or even spotlights are just some of the solutions.

We again recommend a protection rating of 44 for your wall lights and bollards. For floor lighting, you should opt for a protection rating of at least 64. After all, even a partially-covered terrace is a living space that is often subject to frequent cleaning and washing. Good protection is therefore essential.

The protection index is therefore an essential criterion if you want your outdoor lighting to be a success. On the one hand, it guarantees your safety and that of your family and friends against electrical and other accidents, but it also ensures that your product will be used efficiently and for a long time.