How IP44 Downlights Compare to IP65 in Hospitality Lighting Projects？

Struggling between IP44 and IP65 downlights¹? Choosing wrong can lead to failed fixtures and costly replacements. I'll help you make the right call for your project.

IP44 downlights are protected against solid objects over 1mm and water splashes from any direction. IP65 downlights offer complete dust protection and can withstand low-pressure water jets. The choice depends on the specific location within a hospitality project, balancing cost and necessary protection.

Making the right choice in lighting goes beyond just lumens and color temperature. As a manufacturer, I've seen how a small detail like an IP rating² can make or break a project. Choosing an IP44 downlight for an area that needs IP65 can lead to short circuits and failures. On the other hand, over-specifying with IP65 everywhere can needlessly inflate your budget. Understanding the real-world difference is key to a successful, durable, and cost-effective lighting installation³. Let's break down exactly what you need to know to specify with confidence.

What is the difference between IP44 and IP65?

Confused by IP rating numbers? Misinterpreting them can put your project at risk. I'll break down the key differences between IP44 and IP65 simply and clearly.

The main difference lies in the level of protection. IP44 protects against solid objects >1mm and water splashes. IP65 offers total dust protection and resistance to low-pressure water jets. This makes IP65 suitable for more exposed and wet locations than IP44.

The Meaning Behind the Numbers

The IP rating, or Ingress Protection rating, is a standard that tells us how well a fixture is sealed against solids and liquids. It’s made of two numbers. The first number is for protection against solids, and the second is for protection against liquids.

Let's look at the first digit:

• A '4' (as in IP44) means the light is protected from solid objects larger than 1mm. This covers things like most wires, screws, and larger insects.
• A '6' (as in IP65) means the light is completely dust-tight. No dust can get inside. This is crucial for environments that are dusty or for ensuring the internal components stay perfectly clean for maximum performance over time.

Now, let's look at the second digit, which is often the more critical one for hospitality projects⁴:

• A '4' (as in IP44) means protection against splashing water from any direction. Think of steam in a bathroom or a gentle splash from a sink.
• A '5' (as in IP65) means protection against low-pressure jets of water from any direction. This is like being sprayed with a hose.

To make it simple, here is a table:

I remember a project with a hotel in a coastal area. The purchasing manager, much like Shaz, was very detail-oriented. He specified IP44 for the covered outdoor walkways. On paper, it seemed fine. However, the maintenance crew used pressure washers to clean the floors and walls every night. The spray was much stronger than just "splashes." Within months, several fixtures failed. We had to replace them with IP65 models. It was a lesson for us both: always consider maintenance procedures, not just the weather.

Is IP44 waterproof⁸ the same as water resistant?

The terms "waterproof" and "water-resistant" are often misused. This confusion can lead to expensive mistakes in specifying lights⁹. Let's clarify what IP44 really means for your projects.

No, IP44 is not waterproof; it is water-resistant. It can handle splashes of water from any direction, like in a typical bathroom. Waterproof implies submersion¹⁰, which IP44-rated fixtures cannot withstand. Always think of IP44 as splash-proof, not for areas with jets or heavy rain.

Understanding the Language of Water Protection

In the lighting industry, words have very specific meanings. Confusing "water-resistant" and "waterproof" is a common but dangerous mistake. As a purchasing manager, getting this right in your specifications is vital.

Water-Resistant (Splash-Proof): This is what IP44 is. It means the product can resist water to a certain degree. For an IP44 rated downlight, it’s built to stop splashes from getting inside and causing damage. It’s perfect for a location like a hotel bathroom, away from the direct path of the shower head. The steam and occasional splashes won't be a problem. However, it is not designed to handle a direct stream of water.

Waterproof (Submersible): This term implies a much higher level of protection. A truly waterproof light fixture, typically rated IP67 or IP68, can be fully submerged in water for a specific time and at a specific depth without any water getting in. These are the lights you would use inside a swimming pool or a fountain.

I often recommend IP44 downlights¹¹ for semi-outdoor applications like the ceilings of covered hotel balconies or walkways. They perform great and are a cost-effective choice. However, I always add a word of caution. One client in Northern Europe used our IP44 downlights on their hotel balconies. The water resistance was perfectly fine for the location. But they faced an unexpected issue. In the cold winters, the lights had trouble starting up. The standard drivers weren't designed for sub-zero temperatures. We had to supply new drivers rated for low-temperature operation. This experience taught me to always look at the complete environmental picture¹². The IP rating is just one part of the puzzle; temperature, humidity, and even air salinity can matter.

What are the limitations of IP65?

You might think IP65 is the ultimate solution for protection. But even this high rating has its limits. Over-specifying can be just as bad as under-specifying.

IP65's main limitation is that it is not fully waterproof. It cannot be submerged in water (that requires IP67/IP68). It is also not protected against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets, which requires an IP69K¹³ rating. It's robust, but not invincible.

Knowing When IP65 Is Not Enough

An IP65 rating is excellent, offering full dust protection and resistance to water jets. It's my go-to recommendation for many challenging locations in hospitality projects. But it's not a magic bullet. Understanding its limitations is just as important as knowing its strengths.

Here are the key limitations you must consider:

1. No Submersion: Never use an IP65-rated light underwater. If a project involves lighting for a pool, fountain, or any area that could flood, you must step up to at least IP67. IP67 ensures the fixture can be submerged up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. IP68 is for deeper or longer submersion.

2. High-Pressure Jets: The "5" in IP65 protects against low-pressure jets. Think of a standard garden hose. If an area is cleaned with industrial high-pressure washers¹⁴, an IP65 fixture can fail. For hotel kitchens or exterior areas getting intensive cleaning, you might need IP66¹⁵, which protects against powerful water jets. The most extreme rating is IP69K, designed to withstand high-pressure, high-temperature steam cleaning.

3. Cost Implications: High-quality IP65 fixtures require better gaskets, seals, and engineering. This makes them more expensive than their IP44 counterparts. Specifying IP65 for a dry, indoor hotel corridor where an IP20 or IP44 would do is a waste of money. A great purchasing manager like Shaz knows how to allocate the budget wisely, using higher-rated fixtures only where they are truly needed.

4. Heat Dissipation: This is a technical point that many overlook. The very seals that keep dust and water out can also trap heat inside the fixture. Heat is the main enemy of LEDs and their drivers. As a manufacturer, we put a lot of work into the thermal design of our IP65 lights to make sure heat can escape properly. When sourcing, you should always ask your supplier about their thermal management solutions¹⁶ for high-IP-rated fixtures. A poorly designed IP65 light might be protected from water, but it could cook itself to an early death.

Are IP65 lights waterproof?

The big question: can you call IP65 lights waterproof? A simple misunderstanding here can sink your project's budget and reputation. Let's get the definitive answer once and for all.

No, IP65 lights are not considered waterproof in the strictest sense. They are highly water-resistant¹⁷ and can withstand jets of water. However, the term "waterproof" usually implies the ability to be submerged, which IP65 lights cannot handle. Think of them as "jet-proof."

Precision in Your Specifications

Using the right terminology is not just about being technically correct; it's about clear communication that prevents costly errors. Calling an IP65 light "waterproof" creates a dangerous ambiguity. Let me give you an analogy I often use with my clients.

Think about outerwear. A high-quality rain jacket is like an IP65-rated light. It will keep you perfectly dry in a heavy rainstorm, and you can even get sprayed by a powerful hose without getting wet. It is highly resistant to water. But if you jump into a swimming pool wearing that jacket, water will get in, and you will be soaked. For jumping in the pool, you'd need a diver's drysuit, which is completely sealed. That drysuit is like an IP67 or IP68-rated light—truly waterproof and designed for submersion.

The official test for the "5" in IP65 involves spraying the fixture from all directions with a 6.3mm nozzle at a flow rate of 12.5 liters per minute for at least 3 minutes. It's a specific test for resistance to water jets, not a test for submersion.

For a purchasing professional, this distinction is critical when creating a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a purchase order. Instead of asking for "waterproof downlights," you should specify the exact minimum IP rating required for each location. For example:

• Guest Room (General Area): IP20
• Bathroom (Vanity Area): IP44
• Shower Cubicle (Ceiling): IP65
• Outdoor Soffits (Exposed to Rain): IP65
• Poolside Path Lighting (Risk of Splashing): IP65
• In-Pool Lighting: IP68

This level of detail eliminates any guesswork for the supplier. When I receive a precise RFP¹⁸ like this, I know I am dealing with a professional who understands their needs. It allows me to quote the exact right product without further questions, saving time and ensuring the project gets exactly what it needs for long-term success.

Conclusion

Choosing between IP44 and IP65 is about matching the right protection to the right location. Understand the difference to optimize your hospitality project's safety, longevity, and budget.