What Is an IP Rating?
An IP (Ingress Protection) rating is a two-digit code that measures how well an electrical fitting is sealed against solids and water — the higher each number, the greater the protection. For sockets, switches, and outdoor electrics, IP ratings determine what's safe to install in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces.
How does an IP rating work?
An IP rating always has two digits. The first rates protection against solid objects and dust; the second rates protection against water. A higher number means greater protection in that category.
First number — protection against solids
0 – No protection
1 – Protected against solid objects up to 50mm (e.g. a hand)
2 – Protected against solid objects up to 12mm (e.g. a finger)
3 – Protected against solid objects up to 2.5mm (e.g. a tool)
4 – Protected against solid objects up to 1mm (e.g. wire)
5 – Limited protection against dust
6 – Total protection against dust
Second number — protection against water
0 – No protection
1 – Protected against vertically falling drops
2 – Protected against sprays up to 15° from vertical
3 – Protected against sprays up to 60° from vertical
4 – Protected against splashing from all directions
5 – Protected against low-pressure water jets
6 – Protected against powerful jets or heavy seas
7 – Protected against short-term immersion (15cm–1m, up to 30 minutes)
8 – Protected against long-term immersion
What IP rating do I need for a bathroom?
Bathrooms are divided into zones, and the minimum IP rating required depends on which zone a fitting sits in:
Zone 0: Inside the bath or shower itself. Fittings must be low voltage (max 12V) and rated at least IP67.
Zone 1: The area above the bath or shower, up to 2.25m high and within 1.2m of the water outlet. Minimum IP44, though IP65 is common in practice.
Zone 2: The area 0.6m beyond Zone 1, and typically also around a wash basin within 0.6m of the taps. Minimum IP44.
Zone 3: The area 2.4m beyond Zone 2. No IP rating is required unless the area is cleaned with water jets.
As covered in our shaver sockets and bathroom electrical legislation guide, standard sockets and switches are not permitted in bathroom zones at all — only shaver sockets and specific IP-rated fittings designed for those zones.
What IP rating do outdoor sockets and switches need?
For outdoor sockets and switches, we'd recommend IP66 as standard — suitable for most outdoor locations, including direct exposure to rain and powerful water jets from any direction. This is the rating to look for if you're fitting an outdoor socket for garden power tools, lighting, or similar equipment.
What IP rating do I need for kitchen lighting?
Standard ceiling lighting in a kitchen doesn't usually need an IP rating, but it's worth considering for fittings near sinks, hobs, or steam — cabinet lighting in particular. IP20 is a sensible minimum for these locations.
Consult a qualified electrician
It's a legal requirement for a qualified electrician to carry out electrical installation work in bathrooms and most outdoor locations in the UK. If you're ever unsure which IP rating applies to a specific location, consult a qualified electrician before purchasing or installing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an IP rating mean?
An IP (Ingress Protection) rating is a two-digit code showing how well a fitting is protected against solid objects and water. The first digit covers solids and dust; the second covers water. Higher numbers mean greater protection.
What IP rating do I need for a bathroom socket or switch?
Standard sockets and switches aren't permitted in bathroom zones. Only shaver sockets and specific IP-rated fittings designed for bathroom zones can be installed, with the required rating depending on the zone — up to IP67 in Zone 0.
What IP rating should an outdoor socket have?
We'd recommend IP66 as standard for outdoor sockets and switches, which provides protection suitable for most outdoor conditions including rain and water jets.
Can I install IP-rated electrics myself?
It's a legal requirement for a qualified electrician to install electrics in bathrooms and most outdoor locations in the UK. Always consult a qualified electrician if you're unsure.
Related guide: shaver sockets and bathroom electrical legislation.
