An IP rating tells you how well a light fitting is sealed against water and dust. In a bathroom, that's a safety spec, not a cosmetic one. Here's what the numbers mean and how to work out which rating a given spot in your bathroom actually needs.
What the numbers mean
An IP (Ingress Protection) rating is two digits. The first digit covers protection against solid objects and dust (0 to 6). The second covers protection against water (0 to 9). So IP44 means moderate dust protection and protection against water splashed from any direction; IP65 means dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction. Higher numbers mean stronger protection in both categories, not just one.
Why it matters specifically in a bathroom
A bathroom has zones with genuinely different exposure to water. Directly above a shower or bathtub is a different risk than a spot near the door, several metres from any water source. A fitting rated for a lower-exposure zone but installed in a high-exposure one is a real electrical safety issue, not just a spec mismatch.
General guidance by zone
| Location | Typical exposure | Rating generally required |
|---|---|---|
| Directly inside or above a shower/bath | Direct water contact | IP65 or higher |
| Near a shower/bath but not directly above it | Splashing, steam | IP44 or higher |
| General ceiling area, away from water sources | Humidity, no direct splash | IP44 is common, check local guidance |
This is general guidance, not a substitute for checking the rating stated on a specific fitting's listing. Always confirm the rating on the product page before installing it in a wet zone, and check with a qualified electrician for the final call on zone requirements for your specific bathroom layout.
What to check before ordering
Look for the IP rating explicitly stated on the product listing. If it isn't stated, don't assume a rating; ask before installing it anywhere near water. A fitting with no stated rating shouldn't go directly above a shower or bath regardless of how it looks.
FAQ
Can I use a standard (non-rated) downlight in a bathroom?
Only in zones with no water exposure, and even then it's worth checking local guidance or a qualified electrician's advice. Directly above or inside a shower/bath area, an appropriately IP-rated fitting is the safer choice.
What's the difference between IP44 and IP65?
IP44 protects against splashing water from any direction; IP65 protects against low-pressure water jets and is also fully dust-tight. IP65 is the stronger rating and is generally used closer to direct water contact.
Where do I find a fitting's IP rating before I buy it?
Check the product listing directly. If it isn't stated, don't assume a rating for a wet-zone installation; confirm before ordering rather than after.
Choosing a light for a wet zone? The full Lighting collection lists each fitting's stated IP rating on the product page, so you can check before you order.