# IP Rating

> Ingress Protection rating — a two-digit code indicating resistance to dust (first digit, 0-6) and water (second digit, 0-9). Higher numbers mean better protection.

**Source:** <https://ledlightinginfo.com/glossary/ip-rating>

IP rating is the international standard for measuring how well a fixture resists dust and water. The first digit (0-6) rates solid particle protection — 6 means completely dust-tight. The second digit (0-9) rates water protection — from no protection (0) to high-pressure steam jets (9).

For lighting, the ratings that matter most are: IP20 (indoor only, no water protection), IP44 (splash-proof — fine under a covered porch), IP65 (hose-proof — suitable for open outdoor installation), IP67 (can be briefly submerged to 1 meter), and IP68 (continuous submersion — pools and ponds).

The most commonly misused term in LED product listings is "waterproof." Many strips and fixtures claim waterproof status without specifying an IP rating. True waterproof means IP67 or higher. IP65 is water-resistant, not waterproof — it handles rain but not submersion. Always check the actual IP number rather than trusting marketing language.

## Specifications
| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| IP20 | No water protection — indoor only |
| IP44 | Splash-proof — covered outdoor use |
| IP65 | Dust-tight, water jet resistant — outdoor |
| IP67 | Submersible up to 1m / 30 min |
| IP68 | Continuous submersion — pools, ponds |

## Related Terms

- [Low Voltage Lighting](https://ledlightinginfo.com/glossary/low-voltage-lighting.md) — Lighting systems that operate on 12V or 24V instead of mains voltage (120V/240V). Common in landscape lighting and LED strips — safer to install and requires a transformer.
- [GFCI Protection](https://ledlightinginfo.com/glossary/gfci-protection.md) — A safety device that instantly cuts power when it detects current leaking to ground — preventing electrocution. Required by code for outdoor, bathroom, kitchen, and pool/spa lighting circuits.