IP Ratings for Outdoor Lights / Condensation
Well Protected Against Rain and Snow, Foreign Objects, and Insects
The protection rating (also called the IP code, or ingress protection code) indicates how resistant a piece of electrical equipment is to various environmental conditions, such as foreign objects and water. The IP number always consists of two digits: the first refers to protection against foreign objects, the second to protection against water. IP 44, for example, means protected against solid foreign objects 1 mm and larger, as well as against rain and splashing water from any direction. For weather-exposed walls with driving rain, IP 23 is sufficient.
Protection Ratings for Outdoor Lights: The First Digit Covers Protection Against Foreign Objects
0 = No protection 1 = Protected against solid foreign objects 50 mm in diameter and larger 2 = Protected against solid foreign objects 12.5 mm in diameter and larger 3 = Protected against solid foreign objects 2.5 mm in diameter 4 = Protected against solid foreign objects 1 mm and larger 5 = Dust-protected
Protection Ratings for Outdoor Lights: The Second Digit Indicates Protection Against Water Ingress
0 = No protection 1 = Protection against vertically falling drops of water 2 = Protection against falling drops of water when the housing is tilted up to 15° 3 = Protection against falling spray water up to 60° from vertical 4 = Protection against splashing water from any direction 5 = Protection against water jets from any angle 6 = Protection against powerful water jets under increased pressure 7 = Protection against temporary immersion (e.g., in-ground spotlights outdoors) 8 = Protection against continuous immersion (e.g., pool lighting)
Sufficient Rain Protection Even in Proven Vintage Models with a Protection Rating of IP 20
Protection ratings are not codes verified by TÜV or any other independent testing body — they simply reflect the manufacturer's own assessment of their products, an assessment the manufacturer is liable for. The protection rating also only tells you so much about whether a fixture is genuinely suitable for outdoor use: alongside so-called vintage models (for example, a number of Bolich fixtures with a protection rating of IP 20), historic lanterns whose base isn't fully enclosed for design reasons are also adequately protected against rain, and are therefore fully suitable for outdoor use without restriction.
Fixtures for Covered Outdoor Areas
Almost all the fixtures we offer can be used even on weather-exposed walls without any additional rain protection. The only exception are fixtures fitted with a flat disc shade and no glass. We flag these clearly with a note that they may only be mounted in rain-protected locations, such as covered entrances, terraces, and balconies.
Condensation During Sharp Temperature Swings — Usually in Spring and Late Summer
During periods of high humidity and sharp temperature swings — usually in spring and late summer/autumn — condensation can form inside the lantern body or cylinder glass, particularly in very tightly sealed fixtures with a high protection rating (IP 44 and above). This is not a sign of poor quality, but an unavoidable consequence of the physical properties of water. It can be remedied by leaving the fixture switched on for an extended period to dry out the condensation (see our separate article: Condensation in Outdoor Lights).
