**Water resistance of garden lights – which IP rating should you choose for outdoor use? A guide to wall lights, drive-over fixtures, and recessed lights**

In the garden, lighting fixtures are exposed to rain, moisture, dust, and dirt, so appearance alone is not enough. When choosing outdoor lighting, it is worth paying attention to the IP protection rating and matching it to the installation location. We have prepared a few tips on which IP rating to choose for outdoor use — from wall lights to drive-over fixtures and recessed lighting.

Which IP rating should you choose for outdoor use? Key information

• The IP code consists of two digits. The first indicates protection against solid objects, while the second indicates protection against water. For outdoor lighting fixtures, the second value is the most important, as it shows how well the fixture withstands rain and splashing water.
• Lighting fixtures installed outdoors do not always need to have a very high IP rating. IP23 and IP43 can also be used outdoors if the fixture is sheltered and not installed in a place constantly exposed to water.
• For many wall lights mounted on façades, models with an IP54 or IP55 rating work well.
• For fixtures installed low to the ground or recessed into surfaces, it is better to choose a higher level of protection, such as IP65 or IP67.

What does the IP code mean and how should it be read?

The IP code indicates how well the fixture housing protects the interior against dust, dirt, and water. The first digit refers to protection against solid objects, while the second indicates resistance to moisture and water.

The first IP digit indicates protection against solid objects:

• 0 – no protection,
• 1 – protection against objects with a diameter of 50 mm or more,
• 2 – protection against objects with a diameter of 12.5 mm or more,
• 3 – protection against objects with a diameter of 2.5 mm or more,
• 4 – protection against objects with a diameter of 1 mm or more,
• 5 – dust-protected,
• 6 – completely dust-tight.

The second IP digit indicates protection against water:

• 0 – no protection,
• 1 – protection against dripping water,
• 2 – protection against dripping water when tilted slightly from vertical,
• 3 – protection against water sprayed at an angle up to 60°,
• 4 – protection against splashing water from any direction,
• 5 – protection against water jets,
• 6 – protection against powerful water jets,
• 7 – protection against temporary immersion,
• 8 – protection against continuous immersion,
• 9 – protection against high-pressure water.

For garden lighting fixtures, the most common IP ratings are IP23, IP43, IP54, IP55, IP65, and IP67.

Is IP23 or IP43 sufficient for outdoor use?

Fixtures marked with an IP23 rating provide basic protection against larger contaminants and water sprayed at an angle, making them suitable for partially sheltered areas — such as entrances protected by a canopy, gazebos, or pendant lights installed under a roof.

IP43 fixtures offer better protection against smaller solid objects and splashing water, so they work well in outdoor areas. In our range, you will find lighting fixtures made from weather-resistant materials such as aluminum, polycarbonate, and acrylic glass. Thanks to this, models with this level of protection are also suitable for illuminating functional outdoor spaces around buildings. For example, the CADIZ series with an IP43 rating is available in pendant, wall-mounted, and standing versions.

Which IP rating should you choose for outdoor wall lights?

For wall lights mounted on façades, it is usually best to choose fixtures with an IP43, IP54, or IP55 rating. This level of protection works well in outdoor conditions, as it protects the fixture against dust, dirt, and rain. It is a great choice for entrances, garages, terraces, and side walls of buildings.

An example from our range with an IP54 rating is the Adela 8001 DG. Its aluminum housing and transparent glass make the wall light a good fit for façades and modern arrangements.

Which IP rating is best for drive-over fixtures and recessed lights in the garden?

For fixtures installed low to the ground or recessed into surfaces, it is better to choose IP65 or IP67. These lights operate close to mud, dust, water, and dirt, so they require a higher level of protection than a standard wall light.

A good example of a recessed fixture is the Mur-Led M2029 with an IP65 rating. It is suitable for installation at low heights on façades, walls, and near stairs.

Drive-over fixtures often feature an even higher level of protection, as shown by the Pabla 4031 model with an IP67 rating. It has tempered glass and an approved load capacity, making it suitable for surfaces used by vehicles.

If you are wondering which IP rating to choose for outdoor use, start with the installation location.

• Under a roofed structure — such as a gazebo or pergola — IP23 is sufficient.
• To illuminate garden paths, walkways leading to the property, and all kinds of functional outdoor spaces around buildings, you can choose models with IP43, IP54, or IP55 ratings.
• For installations close to the ground, recessed applications, and in surfaces, it is better to choose IP65 or IP67

On the product pages in our store, you will find, among other things, a product data sheet and installation instructions. Thanks to our wide range of products, it is easier to match the fixture to the conditions, not just to its appearance.