You might see ‘IP44’ and panic, thinking ‘how am I already this confused?’.
You’re not the only one. You’d be shocked to know how many people end up on the ValueLights website asking the same question.
So, long story short, there’s an international code system that was developed to prevent confusion about how waterproof lighting is. It stands for International Protection Marking (some websites refer to IP as Ingress Protection, it's the same thing). The short of it is:
More specifically, the IP code is used to identify the type of sealing strength around electrical items. The higher the number that follows the higher the protection against elements, like water, dust, pressure, that can be harmful to your beautiful lights and the wiring that makes them glow.
The first number tells you about protection from solid objects and dust. This could mean protection from accidental touching from an animal or insect, or even prevent children from tampering with a light (especially if the bulb is encased). You never know with your pets or kids, they’ll mess around with anything, and the dangers with lighting are much more severe than just making a bit of a mess.
The second number tells you about protection from liquids, which is probably more important to you, the main liquid being water. The dangerous combination of water and electricity probably isn’t a shock to you. When installing lighting in gardens, bathrooms or kitchens you’ve got to be acutely aware of the IP rating so that you know that a) your lighting will withstand the environment you’ve put it in and last and b) there are no nasty accidents.
We’re not telling you what to do, the choice is yours. What’s important is to keep in mind what your needs are when buying new lighting. If you’re looking for garden lights then it’s worth considering how an IP rated garden light will have greater longevity in the wild terrain of your back garden. Especially in the UK where downpour is a constant threat.
Consider it like this; a streetlight or boat would have lighting with an IP rating of IP66/IP67. 
This is ultra durable, but probably a little more durable than you’ll need for your guest bathroom (or is it? We’re not here to judge.)
IP44 bathroom lights are a common rating, they provide a great amount of protection for an everyday use bathroom space, they offer protection from solid objects with a diameter greater than 1mm and splashing water.
Why not have a little wander around our bathroom lights to get acquainted with the IP rating systems. It doesn’t hurt that we have some pretty stellar stuff on there that will inspire the bathroom makeover you didn’t know was possible.
Just because our lighting is such good value doesn’t mean it’s not great quality, after all, value is about the quality that you get for the budget friendly price you’re looking for.
So, unless you’re planning on hosing down your lighting (which we strongly discourage), it’ll be fine in the bathroom and fair pretty well in the garden.
Of course, if you’re living in a particularly dusty area then your outdoor lights might benefit from being a little more protected against dust, sand or various other grainy threats.
In the garden you’re looking for IP44 lights or higher, really. Although, it depends on what you’re needs are, what type of outdoor light you’re looking for. Is it for decking or is it for security?
For your standard garden setting you probably won’t need to opt for lighting rated as high as IP66, but if you’re planning on lighting up your new garden fountain or pond then we’d suggest bumping that rating up to an IP47.
Bathrooms and gardens are areas of the home we most associate with IP ratings. They’re where the elements are most likely to catch you. But kitchen lighting is another one that benefits from that protection. When you think about the amount of steam and smoke that hangs out in the kitchen you can quickly see why it’s so important to make sure your lighting is well protected. Because if your lighting is well protected, your electrics will be and you will be.
Our products IP ratings are clearly listed, so you won’t have any nasty shocks when unboxing your exciting new bathroom or garden lighting fixtures.
