IP65 Rated Lights Explained: What You Need to Know

If you’re sourcing lighting for a bathroom upgrade, outdoor space, or commercial project, choosing fixtures with the right protection is essential. IP65 rated lights offer robust defence against dust and water, making them ideal for environments where safety and durability matter most.

In this guide, we explain exactly what IP65 means, where it’s used, and what to look for when selecting IP65 waterproof lighting products for your next job.

What Is an IP Rating?

IP stands for “Ingress Protection”, an international standard that defines how well an electrical enclosure resists intrusion from solid objects and liquids. Each rating has two digits:

• The first digit indicates protection against solids like dust or dirt (rated 0 to 6).
• The second digit indicates resistance to liquids like moisture or jets of water (rated 0 to 9).
  
  

For example, an IP20 light is suitable only for dry indoor environments, while IP65 offers significantly more protection, and is widely used in commercial, outdoor, and wet-zone applications.

Understanding IP ratings helps you choose compliant lighting that’s fit for purpose and aligned with health and safety requirements.

What Does IP65 Mean Specifically?

An IP65 rating means the light is:

• Dust-tight: No dust ingress at all.
• Water-resistant: Able to withstand low-pressure water jets from any direction.
  
  

Common examples of IP65 usage:

• Bathroom lighting near basins, baths or showers.
• Outdoor lighting exposed to wind, rain, or hose water.
• Industrial lighting in dusty or damp settings such as warehouses or workshops.
  
  

Put simply, if you’re specifying lighting for use in harsh or moisture-prone environments, IP65 is a safe and durable choice.

Why Choose IP65 Rated Lights?

IP65 rated lights provide a reliable solution for a range of demanding environments, offering:

• Enhanced Product Longevity: Protected against water and particulate damage.
• Improved Safety: Suitable for use in environments with moisture or dust risk.
• Regulatory Compliance: Particularly for bathroom lighting regulations in the UK and commercial safety standards.
  
  

Common applications include:

• Garden and external building lighting
• Outdoor security lights
• Ceiling or wall lights in bathrooms
• Commercial or retail environments
  
  

If you’re stocking products for trade clients or outfitting a site, IP65 lights help meet both functional and legal requirements.

Bathrooms (UK Lighting Zones)

IP ratings are essential for bathrooms, which are divided into safety zones:

• Zone 0: Inside the bath or shower – requires IP67 minimum.
• Zone 1: Directly above bath/shower – IP65 is permissible subject to certain constraints.
• Zone 2: Within 60cm of water sources – IP44 minimum, IP65 recommended.
• Zone 3: Outside Zones 0–2 – no rating required, but IP-rated fittings offer peace of mind.
  
  

Outdoor Spaces

In gardens, patios, driveways and exterior building zones, IP65 lighting is ideal for:

• Wall-mounted fixtures
• Ground spike lights
• Decking and pathway lighting
  
  

IP65 lights handle rain, hose spray, and dust, perfect for year-round performance.

Commercial and Industrial Environments

IP65 is a popular choice in sectors where reliability and safety are critical, including:

• Warehousing and logistics
• Retail spaces
• Workshops and kitchens
• Public spaces or car parks
  
  

Dust, steam, and water spray are no match for a fully sealed IP65 fixture, making them a smart choice for specifiers and facilities managers.

How to Identify and Buy IP65 Lights

When sourcing IP65 rated lighting, look out for:

• IP marking clearly printed on packaging or datasheets
• CE and UKCA markings for safety assurance
• Reliable product data from trusted manufacturers or suppliers
  
  

Avoid products without verifiable ratings or compliance markings. You’ll find a wide selection of tested, trusted IP-rated options available on the Mercia Electrical Solutions website, complete with technical specifications for trade and wholesale customers.

FAQs about IP65 Lights

Are IP65 lights fully waterproof?
Not fully. IP65 lights are water-resistant, able to withstand low-pressure jets and heavy rain, but not suitable for submersion.

What’s the difference between IP44 and IP65?

• IP44 protects against solid objects >1mm and water splashes.

• IP65 offers full dust protection and resistance to water jets – a better option for exposed or damp areas.

Need help sourcing IP-rated lighting?

Mercia Electrical Solutions supplies a wide range of IP65 rated lighting products for domestic, commercial and industrial applications. Explore our collection online or get in touch for bulk or trade enquiries.

Contact us for product information, datasheets or custom supply options.