Protection against environmental factors - what does IP20, IP21, IP40, IP65, etc. mean?

oh the ideal house it is the one in which the beauty of the decor, the functionality of the objects found in each room and safety come together harmoniously, the result being a welcoming space where anyone can find peace. Lighting fixtures are also part of the decorative objects category, which are generally chosen according to the first criterion, namely the pleasant appearance from a visual point of view.

However, their choice should not only be limited to this feature, but also to protection class that defines them, so that the use of each lighting fixture is safe in the long term, without unpleasant incidents or that may endanger your health.

The name "IP" is derived from the term "ingress protection", found in the English language, which means "protection against penetration". Usually this abbreviation comes together with others two digits, the merging of all resulting the resistance indicator of the lighting body. And because it is important to know the meaning of each number, in order to make the right choice in terms of interior lighting, we will present you some details that will help you to know this notion much better and to purchase the ideal products for your home!

1. The first digit

The first number in the indicator specifies the degree of protection of the lighting fixture against any contact with solid objects, but also against their penetration into the structure. Also, when the figure is higher and higher, the protection is much higher.

0 - There is no adequate protection
1 - Protection against solid objects with a diameter greater than 50 mm (in this situation, a good example can be an accidental touch with the hand).
2 - Protection against solid objects with a diameter greater than 12 mm (in this situation, a good example can be touching with the fingers).
3 - Protection against solid objects with a diameter greater than 2.5 mm
4 - Protection against solid objects larger than 1 mm in diameter
5 – Partial protection against dust particles
6 - Complete protection against dust particles

2. The second digit

The second number found in the indicator represents the degree of protection against water penetration into the structure of the lighting fixture. As in the case of the first number, we apply the same principle: when the number is higher and higher, the protection is much higher.

0 - There is no adequate protection
1 - Protection against water drops with a vertical fall (this phenomenon is also known as "condensation").
2 - Protection against water drops in the conditions of 15 degree inclination of the lighting body compared to the vertical position

3 - Protection against water drops in conditions of 60 degree inclination of the lighting body compared to the vertical position

4 – Protection against water sprayed from all directions
5 - Protection against low-pressure water jets from all directions
6 – Protection against temporary flooding of the lighting fixture
7 - Protection in the event of a temporary immersion in water (from 15 cm to 1 meter deep)
8 - Protection in conditions of immersion in water for a long period
9 - Protection against steam or high pressure washing

Some of the most frequently encountered protection classes when discussing lighting fixtures are IP.20, IP.44 or IP.65.

• IP.20 represents the degree of protection of the lighting body in the conditions of infiltration of solid bodies in its structure (which have a diameter greater than 12 mm), but also against possible touches with fingers.

• IP.44 represents the degree of protection of the lighting body in the conditions of infiltration of solid bodies in its structure (which have a diameter greater than 1 mm), but also against water splashing from all directions. 

• IP.65 represents the high degree of protection of the lighting body against dust particles, but also against low-pressure water jets from all directions.

Therefore, considering that your safety comes first, we suggest you choose the right lighting fixtures for each type of room in the house, taking into account not only the aesthetic aspect, but also the protection classes that should not be treated with indifference. Alessandro Design offers you a diverse range of lighting fixtures, easy to place in any room in your house, starting from the kitchen, living room and up to the bathroom or bedroom.