IP44 lights are protected against splashing water and are the minimum for bathroom zones 1 and 2, while IP65 lights are also protected against water jets, so they are the safer choice above or near a shower. If a light could be hit directly by water from a shower head, choose IP65, and if it sits further away in zone 2, IP44 is the minimum you need.
Watch: IP65 waterproof LED strip
Whichever you choose, bathroom electrical work must be carried out by a qualified electrician.
What do the IP numbers mean?
IP stands for Ingress Protection. The rating has two digits, and each tells you something different.
- The first digit is protection against solid objects, such as fingers, tools and dust. The higher the number, the smaller the particles it keeps out, and a 6 means dust tight.
- The second digit is protection against water. A 4 means protected against splashing water, a 5 means protected against water jets, and a 7 means protected against temporary immersion.
So an IP44 light keeps out solid objects and splashes, and an IP65 light is dust tight and protected against jets of water.
IP44 vs IP65 at a glance
| IP44 | IP65 | |
|---|---|---|
| Protection against solids | Solid objects (4) | Dust tight (6) |
| Protection against water | Splashing water (4) | Water jets (5) |
| Meets the zone 1 minimum | Yes | Yes |
| Meets the zone 2 minimum | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Zone 2 and areas away from direct spray | Above or near the shower, and zone 1 where you want extra protection |
| Suitable for zone 0 | No | No, zone 0 needs at least IP67 |
Bathroom zones explained
Bathrooms are split into zones based on how close they are to water. The zone decides the minimum IP rating a light needs. These are the zones as set out in our bathroom zones and IP ratings guide:
- Zone 0 is inside the bath or shower itself. Lights here need a minimum of IP67 and must be low voltage, 12V maximum.
- Zone 1 is the area up to 2250mm above the bath or shower. Lights here need a minimum of IP44, and 240V fittings need a 30mA RCD.
- Zone 2 is the area 600mm outside the bath, shower, sink or water outlet. Lights here need at least IP44.
- Outside zones are anywhere beyond zone 2, where the general rules of BS 7671 apply.
Zones can be harder to judge in walk-in showers, wet rooms and sloping ceilings, which is one more reason to let your electrician confirm them on site.
When IP44 is enough
IP44 is the minimum for zones 1 and 2, so it covers lighting near a basin, over a vanity unit or on the ceiling away from the shower. It is also the rating to look for on equipment such as drivers that sit in zone 2.
For example, the Titan IP44 Bathroom LED Driver is a 24V, 30W driver rated IP44. It can go in zone 2, but not in zone 0 or zone 1, and it comes with an IP44 connection ready to plug and play with Sensio 24V lights.
When to choose IP65
Choose IP65 wherever water jets or a shower could reach the light, such as a ceiling downlight directly above a shower. Many people also choose IP65 throughout zone 1 for extra peace of mind, even though IP44 meets the minimum.
Sensio IP65 products for the bathroom include:
- TrioTone IP65 Fire Rated Downlight, a ceiling downlight that is IP65 rated for kitchen and bathroom use in zones 1 and 2. A switch on the back selects cool, natural or warm white, it is dimmable from 0 to 100%, fully tested to 30, 60 and 90 minute fire ratings, and comes with three clip-on bezels in white, chrome and brushed steel.
- Pure TrioTone Dual Power IP65 Downlight, IP65 rated for zones 1 and 2, with TrioTone colour selection, a dual power switch with 5W and 8W settings, dimming from 0 to 100% and the same 30, 60 and 90 minute fire rating testing.
- Polar X IP65, a waterproof free-cut COB LED strip in natural white (4000K), approved for zones 1 and 2. You can cut it to any length, then reseal the cut end or fit an end cap to keep the IP65 rating. Pair it with the Titan IP44 driver placed in zone 2.
See everything in our IP rated lighting collection, or go straight to downlights or bathroom LED strip lights.
Do not forget the driver
LED strip and many low voltage lights need a driver, and the driver has its own IP rating and its own rules about where it can sit. A fully waterproof strip in zone 1 still needs its driver positioned correctly, so check where it can go before you plan the run. Your electrician will also make sure the circuit has the right RCD protection.
Every Sensio product is backed by our 7 year guarantee.
More videos: watch the Bathroom lighting video playlist on YouTube, or see all our video guides.
FAQs
Is IP44 waterproof?
IP44 means protected against splashing water, not fully waterproof. It meets the minimum for bathroom zones 1 and 2, but is not designed for water jets or immersion.
Can I use IP44 lights in a shower?
Inside the bath or shower is zone 0, which needs at least IP67 and low voltage of 12V maximum. Above the shower in zone 1 the minimum is IP44, but where a shower could spray the light, IP65 is the safer choice.
What IP rating do I need for zone 2?
Zone 2 is the area 600mm outside the bath, shower, sink or water outlet, and lights there need at least IP44.
Is IP65 better than IP44 for a bathroom ceiling?
IP65 gives more protection, as it is dust tight and protected against water jets. Both meet the zone 1 and zone 2 minimum, and many people choose IP65 in zone 1 for extra protection.
Can I fit bathroom lights myself?
Bathroom electrical work must be done by a qualified electrician, who can confirm the zones, the right IP ratings and RCD protection for your room.
For more inspiration, see our bathroom lighting ideas hub.
