IP (Ingress Protection) ratings tell you how well electrical equipment is protected from solids (dust, fingers, tools) and liquids (water, sprays, immersion). This quick guide explains the format, meaning of each digit and the UK-specific minimums for different locations.
What does an IP rating mean?
IP stands for Ingress Protection. The format is IP followed by two digits — for example, IP65. The first digit (0–6) indicates protection against solids and dust. The second digit (0–8) indicates protection against water.
What if a digit is shown as “X”?
Sometimes you will see ratings such as IPX4 or IPX1. The “X” means that the product has not been tested for that part of the rating. For example:
- IPX4 — Not tested for solid ingress, but splash‑proof from all directions.
- IP2X — Finger protection tested, but no water‑ingress test performed.
This is common for devices like hand dryers, where water exposure is the primary concern, so manufacturers test only the liquid‑protection digit.
IP rating chart
First digit — Solids (0–6)
| Digit | Protection level |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Objects > 50 mm (hands) |
| 2 | Objects > 12 mm (fingers) |
| 3 | Objects > 2.5 mm (tools) |
| 4 | Objects > 1 mm (wires) |
| 5 | Dust protected |
| 6 | Dust tight |
Second digit — Liquids (0–8)
| Digit | Protection level |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Dripping water (vertical) |
| 2 | Dripping water (tilted 15°) |
| 3 | Spraying water (up to 60°) |
| 4 | Splashing water (all directions) |
| 5 | Water jets (low pressure) |
| 6 | Powerful water jets |
| 7 | Immersion up to 1 m |
| 8 | Continuous immersion |
Quick reference — common ratings
- IP20 — Common for indoor appliances where finger protection is needed but water exposure is unlikely.
- IP44 — Typical minimum for bathrooms and covered outdoor spaces (splash protection from all directions).
- IP65 — Frequently used outdoors for protection against dust and water jets.
- IP67 / IP68 — For temporary or continuous immersion (submersible devices / underground equipment).
UK-specific requirements
The UK follows the international standard IEC 60529 / BS EN 60529, and certain minimum IP levels are commonly applied depending on location and installation. Below are practical minimums used in UK installations (also referenced within wiring regulations such as BS 7671):
General installations
- Horizontal surfaces: Minimum
IP4X(dust protection). - Vertical surfaces: Minimum
IP2X(finger protection).
Bathrooms (BS 7671 zones)
Bathrooms are split into zones — the closer to the bath or shower, the higher the required protection:
- Zone 0 (inside bath/shower):
IP67(immersion rated). - Zone 1 (above bath/shower up to 2.25 m):
IP65(water jets). - Zone 2 (within 0.6 m of bath/shower):
IP44(splashing water). - Outside zones: Minimum
IP20, butIP44is often recommended where there is any risk of splashing.
Outdoor equipment
- Covered areas (porches, eaves):
IP44. - Exposed areas (gardens, driveways):
IP65. - Underground / submersible:
IP68.
Note: IP ratings are one part of safe electrical selection — consider mechanical strength, impact resistance (IK rating), mounting location, and compliance with current UK wiring regulations when specifying products.