Why IP44 LED Downlights Are Considered Splashproof, Not Waterproof?

Feeling confused by lighting terms? You need a light for a damp area but don't know if IP44¹ is safe. I'll explain the difference between splashproof² and waterproof³ simply.

An IP44 rating means the light is protected against solid objects larger than 1mm and water splashes from any direction. It can't handle powerful water jets or being submerged, which is why it is considered splashproof, not fully waterproof.

Understanding this small difference is very important for safety and the life of your light. Many people get this wrong. It leads to practical questions. Can you use these lights in the rain? Are they safe for every part of the bathroom? Let's break down these common questions so you can choose the right light with confidence. Getting this right saves you money and keeps you safe.

Is IP44 safe in the rain?

Planning an outdoor lighting⁴ project? You might worry if your lights will survive a downpour. Let’s see if IP44 is the right choice for you to use outdoors.

IP44 lights can handle light rain or splashes. They are not designed for heavy, driving rain or powerful water jets⁵. For fully exposed outdoor areas, you need a higher IP rating like IP65⁶ for safety and reliability.

The "4" for water protection in IP44 means the fixture is tested against water splashing from all directions. This test mimics light rain or water bouncing off a surface. It does not simulate heavy, wind-driven rain or the direct stream from a hose or pressure washer⁷. In my years of manufacturing, I've seen many clients use IP44 lights in completely exposed locations. They often come back to me within a year needing replacements because of water damage⁸. It is always better to invest in the correct rating from the start.

For areas that are sheltered from direct rainfall, like a covered porch or under the eaves of a roof, IP44 is often perfectly fine. But for garden lights, pathway lights, or any fixture exposed to the open sky, you must use something stronger.

Here is a simple table to help you compare:

Is IP44 waterproof good enough?

You see "IP44" on a product and think it is protected from water. But is it enough for your project? Let's clarify what "good enough" really means for this rating.

"Good enough" completely depends on the location. For areas with steam and potential splashing, like most parts of a bathroom, IP44 is sufficient. For areas with direct water jets or possible submersion, it is not good enough.

Choosing the right IP rating is about finding the perfect fit for the job. You don't always need the highest number. Using a super-high IP68 rating in a dry bedroom is a waste of money. The key is to match the protection level to the environmental risk. An IP44 rating is specifically designed to handle moderate moisture. As a manufacturer, I can tell you that we build these lights with seals and gaskets that stop splashes from getting to the electronics inside. We test them by spraying water on them from all angles. We do not test them by shooting a pressure washer⁷ at them or dunking them in a tank of water. That is the fundamental difference.

Here is a quick guide to help you decide:

Where IP44 Works Well:

• Bathrooms: Perfect for ceilings and walls outside the immediate shower or bath area (Zone 2). It easily handles the steam and occasional splashes.
• Kitchens: Good for general ceiling lighting, where condensation¹⁰ from cooking can occur.
• Covered Outdoor Areas: Ideal for porches, balconies, and under eaves where the fixture is protected from direct, heavy rain.

Where IP44 Is Not Enough:

• Inside a Shower: The direct spray from the showerhead is like a water jet, which requires at least an IP65 rating.
• Garden Lighting: Lights in the garden will be hit by sprinklers and heavy rain, so IP65 or IP67 is necessary.
• Areas Cleaned with a Hose: For commercial kitchens or outdoor patios that are hosed down, you need a higher rating to prevent damage.

Are IP44 lights safe for all bathroom zones?

Installing bathroom lights can be tricky. You worry about safety with water and electricity so close together. Let me explain the bathroom zones¹¹ and where IP44 lights fit safely.

No, IP44 lights are not safe for all bathroom zones. They are designed for Zone 2¹² and the unzoned area. They are not safe for Zone 0¹³ (inside the bath) or Zone 1¹⁴ (directly above the bath), which require higher IP ratings.

Bathrooms are divided into zones based on how much water is likely to be present. These zones have strict rules about what kind of electrical equipment can be installed. This is a critical safety matter. From my experience helping clients with projects, following these zone regulations is the most important part of planning bathroom lighting. I always tell my clients to avoid putting lights directly over where a person will stand in the shower. Even with a high IP rating, the constant hot splashes and steam can cause problems over time, and the direct downward light can create uncomfortable glare. It's much better to place the lights just outside the main water stream.

Here is a breakdown of the zones to make it clear:

Understanding Bathroom Electrical Zones

• Zone 0: This is the area inside the bathtub or shower basin. Any fitting here must be low voltage (max 12V) and rated at least IP67, which means it's protected against full immersion.
• Zone 1: This is the area directly above the bath or shower, up to a height of 2.25 meters from the floor. Fixtures in this zone must have a rating of at least IP65.
• Zone 2: This is the area that extends 0.6 meters outside the perimeter of the bath or shower. This zone requires a rating of at least IP44. This is the perfect place for most IP44 downlights.
• Outside Zones: This is any area outside of Zones 0, 1, and 2. There is no specific IP requirement, but using IP44 lights is a good practice to protect against general condensation.

How to know if LED lights are waterproof?

Buying LED lights¹⁵ can be very confusing. You see many claims, but how do you really know if a light is truly waterproof? I will show you exactly what to look for.

Look for the IP rating. Truly "waterproof" lights have a rating of IP65 or higher. IP65 and IP66 protect against water jets, while IP67 and IP68 allow for temporary or continuous submersion in water. Always check this rating.

The term "waterproof" can be used loosely in marketing. The Ingress Protection¹⁶ (IP) rating is the official technical standard that tells you the real level of protection. You should always trust the IP rating, not the marketing claims. The second number in the rating is the most important for water protection. A higher number means better protection. I once worked with a purchasing manager, Shaz from the UAE, who was sourcing lights for a large outdoor fountain. He initially considered IP65 lights. I had to explain that because the lights would be fully underwater, he needed a minimum of IP68. This small detail made a huge difference in the safety and success of his project. We ended up developing a custom IP68 solution just for him.

If a supplier cannot provide a clear IP rating with a test report to prove it, you should not buy from them. In my factory, every single batch of IP-rated lights undergoes strict water testing to make sure they meet the standard.

Decoding the Water Protection Digit

Here is what the second number means for water:

• IPX4: Protected against splashing water. This is splashproof.
• IPX5: Protected against low-pressure water jets.
• IPX6: Protected against high-pressure water jets.
• IPX7: Protected against temporary immersion in water (up to 1 meter for 30 mins). This is waterproof.
• IPX8: Protected against continuous submersion in water. This is submersible.

Conclusion

IP44 means splashproof, not waterproof. You should always match the IP rating to the environment, especially in bathrooms and outdoors. This ensures safety and gives your lights a long life.