IP Rating
IP Rating
1- What is an IP44 rating and what rating do my lights need to have in my desired location?
The IP code is an International Protection marking which indicates a standard of protection against particle ingress, amongst other factors. An IP44 marking specifically indicates protection from the intrusion of particles. Lights which are IP44 rated are designed for use in bathrooms and other environments where water spray is a risk factor. Not all bathroom lights are at risk of water intrusion and therefore may not need to be IP44 rated.
For the purposes of installing electrical equipment, a bathroom is divided into zones. The criteria for each zone is based on the risk of electric shock. The zones relate to the IP rating of products and where they can be safely installed.
Zone 0 - the interior of the bath or shower that can hold water. Requires electrical products to be low voltage (max 12V) and rated IPX7.
Zone 0 - Hector Finch does not sell or manufacture any zone 0 lights.
Zone 1 - the area directly above zone 0, limited to a height of 2.25m above the bath or shower. Requires electrical products to have an IPX4 or better. Products should use safety extra low voltage (SELV) with the transformer located in zone 3 or beyond.
Zone 2 - the area beyond zones 0 and 1, stretching 0.6m horizontally and up to 2.25m vertically. This also includes the recessed area of a window with a sill next to the bath. Requires electrical products to have an IPX4 or better. SELV with the transformer located in zone 3 or beyond.
Zone 3 - the area beyond zone 2, stretching 2.4m horizontally and up to 2.25m vertically. There is not a specified IP number for this zone, although some products are marked as not for bathroom use. SELV or shaver units are permitted, all other portable electrical equipment is not.
**The Ingress Protection (IP) Code is defined in IEC standard 60529 which classifies and rates the degree of protection provided by mechanical casings and electrical enclosures against intrusion, dust, accidental contact, and water. The equivalent European standard is EN 60529.
IP44 vs IP65:
It can often be confusing to choose the right IP rated product for your home or workplace, but this can be easily overcome by understanding the exact purpose that you have for your lighting. If you choose the wrong fittings, you risk damaging your fixtures which could lead to you spending unnecessarily on repairs.
When purchasing a product for your bathroom, it is important to consider the four IP Rating zones which are determined depending on the location of the fitting in relation to your water sources. IP65 lighting is recommended to be installed in Zone 1, as it may be exposed to accidental sprays from the shower or bath.
However, IP44 bathroom lights are generally used in Zone 2 of the bathroom as it can withhold a short burst of water spray as opposed to IP65 products, which are protected from low pressure water jets and dust.
If you are planning on installing IP44 lights outdoors, you should take into consideration the climate of your region, as the "4" liquid protection rating does not cover heavy rainfall or similar adverse weather conditions.
The IP code is an International Protection marking which indicates a standard of protection against particle ingress, amongst other factors. An IP44 marking specifically indicates protection from the intrusion of particles. Lights which are IP44 rated are designed for use in bathrooms and other environments where water spray is a risk factor. Not all bathroom lights are at risk of water intrusion and therefore may not need to be IP44 rated.
For the purposes of installing electrical equipment, a bathroom is divided into zones. The criteria for each zone is based on the risk of electric shock. The zones relate to the IP rating of products and where they can be safely installed.**