How to Choose the Right IP-Rated Lighting for Wet and Damp Locations
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How to Choose the Right IP-Rated Lighting for Wet and Damp Locations

When choosing lighting for wet or damp areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or outdoor spaces, safety is key. Using the wrong light fixture could cause electrical hazards or damage the light. But how do you know which lighting will stand up to moisture and still keep your home safe?

The answer lies in something called an IP rating. An IP rating is a standardized code that tells you how protected a light fixture is against dust and water. In this guide, we’ll explain what IP ratings mean, how to pick the right ones for different spaces, and where to find this info on our website.

What are IP Ratings?

IP stands for Ingress Protection. It’s a code that tells you how well a fixture is sealed against elements like water and dust.

An IP rating has two numbers:

  • First number: How well the fixture is protected against solid objects and dust (scale from 0 to 6).

  • Second number: How well it protects against water (scale from 0 to 9).

For example:

Why IP Ratings Matter in Wet and Damp Areas

Moisture is the enemy of most electronics, so when water gets inside, it can cause:

  • Electric shocks or short circuits

  • Rust or corrosion that damages the fixture

  • Early failure or expensive repairs

Plus, many building codes require certain IP ratings in bathrooms, kitchens, or outdoor areas. Choosing the right IP rating keeps your home safe and your lighting working well for years.

Recommended IP Ratings by Location

Bathrooms

Bathrooms have zones that tell you how close a fixture is to water sources.

  • Zone 0 (inside the bath or shower): IP67 or higher required.

  • Zone 1 (above bath/shower up to 2.25 m height): Minimum IP44 for protection from water splashes.

  • Zone 2 (0.6 m outside zone 1): Minimum IP44, can handle splashes but less intense.

Kitchens

When selecting lighting for kitchens, it's essential to consider areas that are frequently exposed to moisture, such as near sinks, stoves, or cooktops. In these zones, light fixtures should have a minimum IP44 rating to ensure adequate protection against steam, splashes of water, and general humidity. This rating helps maintain safety and preserves the longevity of your fixtures in a high-moisture environment.

Outdoor Areas

  • Covered patios or porches: For lighting installed in semi-sheltered outdoor spaces like covered patios, verandas, or porches, a minimum IP44 rating is recommended. This provides protection from rain splashes, condensation, and occasional exposure to the elements while maintaining safe and reliable performance.

  • Open gardens, pathways, or exposed walls: In fully exposed outdoor environments where fixtures are directly subjected to weather, opt for lights with an IP65 rating or higher. These fixtures are sealed to prevent dust and are protected against strong jets of water, making them durable enough to handle varying weather conditions.

  • In-ground or submerged lights: For outdoor lighting such as in-ground uplights, pond lights, or fixtures placed in water features, an IP67 or IP68 rating is necessary. These ratings ensure the fixtures are waterproof and can withstand temporary or continuous immersion in water, depending on the depth and duration specified. This level of protection is vital for maintaining both functionality and safety in wet or submerged conditions.

Other Damp Areas

Basements, laundry rooms, and garages are often exposed to higher humidity, condensation, or occasional water splashes. To ensure safety and durability, lighting in these areas should have an IP44 rating or higher, depending on how much moisture is present. This helps protect fixtures from internal damage and ensures consistent performance over time.

Where to Find IP Rating Info on Casa Di Luce’s Website

On each product page, navigate to the “Details” section and look for the “Location Rating” to find the IP rating. If an IP rating isn’t listed, it may instead indicate “Wet” or “Damp.” A “Wet” rating is roughly equivalent to IP65 or higher, while “Damp” corresponds to around IP44.

Products with a Wet/Damp Rating

The Reeds Outdoor LED Floor Lamp by Artemide features an IP67 rating, ensuring durability against dust and water for reliable outdoor use. Made with transparent polycarbonate and stainless steel, it delivers ambient LED light through seven PMMA rods that mimic natural reeds.

The Bowman 12 LED Outdoor Pendant by Visual Comfort Modern features an IP65 rating for reliable protection against dust and water in outdoor and commercial settings. Its die-cast aluminum body, marine-grade powder coating, and stainless steel hardware ensure long-lasting durability, with LED options in 2700K, 3000K, and 4000K.

The Tolomeo Mega Outdoor Floor Lamp by Artemide has an IP65 rating, offering strong protection against dust and water for outdoor use. Its adjustable aluminum body and transparent shade combine classic design with durable functionality.

The Uma Sound Lantern by Pablo is a sleek outdoor lamp and Bluetooth speaker in one. With warm dimmable LED light, 360º sound, and durable weather-resistant design, it's perfect for stylish, high-tech ambiance in any outdoor setting.

The Take A Way Portable Table Lamp by Forestier combines elegant bamboo craftsmanship with diffused LED lighting. Its IP66 wet rating ensures durability and reliability for outdoor use, while the USB rechargeable battery offers convenient portability.

The Estes Outdoor Wall Light by Kuzco features a scroll-inspired design with a warm LED glow and opal glass diffuser for soft, ambient light. Wet-rated and durable, it’s ideal for patios, entryways, and all-weather outdoor elegance.

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Picking the right IP-rated lighting fixture is essential to keeping your wet and damp spaces safe, stylish, and long-lasting. 

Explore our lighting collections on our website and let us help you brighten your home the right way! Contact one of our experts if you need any assistance.

Call +1 (877) 577-9426 or email sales@casadiluce.ca