IP numbers table - details on what the different IP numbers mean.
| 1st Digit | protection from solid objects | 2nd Digit | protection from moisture |
| 0 | no protection | 0 | no protection |
| 1 | protection against solid objects with diameter greater than 50mm | 1 | protection from dripping water |
| 2 | protection against solid objects with diameter greater then 12mm | 2 | protection from dripping water when tilted upto 15 degrees |
| 3 | protection against solid objects with diameter greater than 2.5mm | 3 | protection from spraying water (rain) |
| 4 | protection against solid objects with diameter greater than 1mm | 4 | protection from splashing water |
| 5 | dust protected | 5 | protection from water jets |
| 6 | dust tight | 6 | protection from heavy seas |
| 7 | protection from immersion in water | ||
| 8 | protection from continuous submersion in water |
What is an IP number and why is it used?
Electrical equipment may be given a number to signify its protection against solids and/or liquids. This rating is known as “Ingress Protection” and appears as “IP” followed by 2 or 3 digits.
The first digit of the rating indicates the level of protection against accessing harmful parts and the degree that equipment is protected against solid foreign bodies, such as tools, dust or fingers.
The second digit indicates the level of protection from moisture.
on occasion a number would be omitted and replaced with “x”. This means it has not been tested or testing is not relevant.
The higher the number, the better the protection.
If a piece of equipment does not have an IP number it must not be used in bathroom zones 0, 1 or 2, or anywhere else with a wet or damp environment.
For more details about specific IP ratings, see our IP numbers table.
What kind of electrical equipment has an IP number?
Extractor fans, lights, heaters, electrical shower units and shower pumps would all have an IP rating.
Shaver power points are not IP rated. If they comply with BS EN 60742 chapter 2 section 1, they can be located in bathroom zone 2 or beyond, providing they are not likely to be directly sprayed from any shower head.
How do I find out a products IP rating?
Within all-lit-up.co.uk a products IP number is given on the product page.
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bathroom lighting
lighting regulations
Information about the legal requirements regarding lighting within your home.
| bathroom zones | - diagram and explanation of bathroom lighting zones. |
| building regulations | - information on regulation for wiring your home and Part P |
| childrens lights | - information about the regulations affecting children's lights |
| IP numbers table | - details on what the different IP numbers mean. |
lighting tools
Information about the different types of light and the many ways in which it can be manipulated.
| central lights | - an explanation of central and hanging light fittings |
| colour | - |
| decorative lights | - an explanation of decorative lights |
| downlighters | - an explanation of down light fittings |
| floor lamps | - an explanation of floor lamps |
| reading lights | - an explanation of desk or reading lights |
| spotlights | - an explanation of spotlight fittings |
| switches and controls | - an explanation of the range of options |
| table lamps | - an explanation of table lamp fittings |
| track lighting | - an explanation of the different types of track lighting |
| types of light | - information about the 3 main types of light |
| uplighters | - an explanation of uplighter fittings |
| voltages | - the differences between mains & low voltage products |
| wall lights | - an explanation of wall light fittings |
light bulbs
Information about the wide range of bulbs out there, including energy saving options.
| choosing a light source | - information on the different light sources |
| compact fluorescent | - information on compact fluorescent, known as energy saving lamps |
| energy saving wattages | - chart of energy saving equivalent wattages |
| fluorescent lamps | - information on fluorescent lighting |
| LED lights | - LED lighting information |
| Light Bulb Caps | - Light bulb cap information |
| low voltage halogen | - low voltage halogen lighting information |
| mains voltage halogen | - mains voltage halogen lighting information |
| tungsten lamps | - Tungsten lighting information |
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