IP20, IP44, IP65, IP67: What the Ratings Mean and Where to Use Each
When choosing an LED strip or light fixture, the packaging almost always shows a marking like IP20, IP44, or IP65. These numbers are not a marketing trick or a random set of symbols. They follow an international standard that precisely defines what the device is protected against and whether it is suitable for your space. Let's break down what each rating means and where to use it.
What IP Protection Is
IP stands for Ingress Protection — protection against the entry of foreign matter. The standard describes how well a device's housing protects it from solid particles (dust, dirt) and from moisture (splashes, water jets, submersion).
The marking consists of two digits after the letters IP. The first digit is the level of protection against solid particles (from 0 to 6). The second digit is the level of protection against water (from 0 to 9). The higher the digit, the better the protection.
For example, IP65: the first digit 6 means complete dust protection, the second digit 5 means protection against water jets from any direction. The logic is straightforward, but it is important to know what each specific value means.
IP20 — For Dry Indoor Spaces
IP20 is the basic level of protection. The first digit 2 means protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm (such as fingers). The second digit 0 means no protection against moisture whatsoever.
These strips are suitable exclusively for dry enclosed spaces with no water contact and minimal dust. Think living rooms, bedrooms, home offices, and hallways. IP20 is the most common choice for decorative backlighting of furniture, ceilings, and shelves.
Do not install IP20 in a kitchen (even above the work surface), in a bathroom, or in damp basements — it is unsafe and will shorten the strip's lifespan to just a few months.
IP44 — For Spaces With Splashes
IP44: the first digit 4 means protection against solid particles larger than 1 mm (fine dust can partially penetrate). The second digit 4 means protection against water splashes from any direction.
This is a good choice for kitchens, especially above the sink or stove where steam and splashes are likely. It is also suitable for bathrooms, but not in areas of direct water exposure (for example, inside a shower enclosure). IP44 can be used in zones 2 and 3 as defined by wet-room standards.
In addition, IP44 works well on enclosed balconies and loggias where there is shelter from rain but condensation and elevated humidity are common.
IP65 — For Outdoor Use and Direct Water Exposure
IP65: the first digit 6 means complete dust protection — no particle will penetrate the housing. The second digit 5 means protection against a water jet directed from any angle.
These are strips coated in silicone or epoxy — fully sealed. IP65 is suited for outdoor use: facade lighting, roof overhangs, garden paths, and terraces. It is also the right choice for shower zones and saunas.
Important: IP65 withstands a direct water jet but not submersion. If the strip may end up submerged in water, you need a higher protection class.
IP67 — For Submersion in Water
IP67: the first digit 6 means complete dust protection. The second digit 7 means protection against submersion in water to a depth of 1 metre for up to 30 minutes.
This is a specialised solution for underwater lighting: fountains, decorative ponds, and pools (shallow zones). IP67 is also used for outdoor lighting in regions with heavy rain or snow, where water can accumulate around the installation.
IP67 strips are typically enclosed in a dense silicone tube or filled with a sealing compound — this makes them stiffer and somewhat more complex to install, but highly reliable in extreme conditions.
IP Protection Comparison Table
| Rating | Dust Protection | Water Protection | Where to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP20 | Against large objects (>12.5 mm) | None | Living room, bedroom, office, hallway |
| IP44 | Against particles >1 mm | Splashes from any direction | Kitchen, bathroom (zones 2–3), balcony |
| IP65 | Full (dust-tight) | Water jet from any direction | Outdoors, facades, shower zones, sauna |
| IP67 | Full (dust-tight) | Submersion up to 1 m / 30 min | Fountains, decorative ponds, pools |
How to Choose the Right IP Rating for Your Project
A few practical rules that simplify the decision:
A dry room with no moisture risk — IP20 is fully sufficient. There is no point in paying extra for higher protection: IP65 strips cost more, are less flexible, and harder to connect.
Kitchen or bathroom — at least IP44. Even if it seems that steam won't reach the strip, the humidity in these rooms gradually damages unprotected electronics.
Outdoors, open terrace, facade — IP65 or higher. Rain, dew, sunlight, and temperature swings are a serious test for any lighting.
Water and submersion — only IP67 or IP68 (if submersion is deeper than 1 m or lasts longer than 30 minutes).
One more point: the IP rating applies to the strip itself, not to the power supply. The power supply must also match the installation conditions. For outdoor and wet environments, use sealed power supplies with an appropriate IP rating.
Conclusion
IP markings are not just numbers on a box. They are a guarantee that the lighting will last for years exactly where you install it. Choose IP20 for dry rooms, IP44 for kitchens and bathrooms, IP65 for outdoor and wet zones, and IP67 for underwater lighting.
Selecting the correct protection class is not only about safety — it also saves money: you won't have to replace the strip after a year because it couldn't handle the installation conditions. When in doubt, always go one class higher. It is better to be over-protected than to redo the entire installation later.