Environmental protection - what does IP20, IP21, IP40, IP65, etc. mean?

An ideal home is 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 in which anyone can find peace. The category of decorative objects also includes lighting fixtures, which are generally chosen according to the first criterion, namely the visually pleasing appearance.

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

The name "IP" is derived from the term "ingress protection", found in English, which means "protection against penetration". Usually, this abbreviation comes together with two other numbers , the combination of all of which results in the resistance indicator of the lighting fixture . 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 with some details that will help you to know this concept much better and to purchase the ideal products for your home!

1. First digit

The first digit in the indicator specifies the degree of protection of the luminaire against any contact with solid objects, but also against their penetration into the structure. Also, when the number is increasingly 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 could 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 could be touching with fingers).
3 – Protection against solid objects with a diameter greater than 2.5 mm
4 – Protection against solid objects with a diameter greater than 1 mm
5 – Partial protection against dust particles
6 – Complete protection against dust particles

2. Second digit

The second digit in the indicator represents the degree of protection against water penetration into the structure of the luminaire. As with the first digit, we apply the same principle: when the digit is higher and higher, the protection is much higher.

0 – There is no adequate protection
1 – Protection against vertically falling water droplets (this phenomenon is also known as "condensation").
2 – Protection against water droplets when the luminaire is tilted 15 degrees from the vertical position

3 – Protection against water droplets when the luminaire is tilted 60 degrees from 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 luminaire
7 – Protection against temporary immersion in water (from 15 cm to 1 meter deep)
8 – Protection against prolonged immersion in water
9 – Protection against steam or high pressure washing

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

• IP.20 represents the degree of protection of the lighting fixture against the infiltration of solid objects into its structure (with a diameter greater than 12 mm), but also against possible finger touches.

• IP.44 represents the degree of protection of the lighting fixture against the infiltration of solid objects into its structure (with a diameter greater than 1 mm), but also against water splashes from all directions. 

• IP.65 represents the high degree of protection of the lighting fixture 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 appearance, 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 ending with the bathroom or bedroom.