IP Rating & IC Rating of LED Downlights

IP (Ingress Protection) Rating and Meaning

An IP rating consists of two digits. The two digits represent different forms of environmental influence:

  • 1st digit - protection against ingress of solids.
  • 2nd digit - protection against ingress of liquids.

The larger the value of each digit, the greater the protection. Here are the details which are related to downlights:

IP..1st digit (solids)2nd digit (liquids)
0No protectionNo protection
1Protected against solid objects over 50mmProtected against vertically falling drops of water or condensation.
2Protected against solid objects over 12.5mmProtection against direct sprays of water up to 15 degrees from vertical
3Protected against solid objects over 2.5mmProtection against direct sprays of water up to 60 degrees from vertical
4Protected against solid objects over 1.0mmProtected against splash water from any direction.
5Limited protection against dust ingress.
(no harmful deposit)
Protected against low pressure water jets from any direction. Limited ingress permitted.
6Totally protected against dust ingress.Protected against high pressure water jets from any direction. Limited ingress permitted.
7N/AProtected against short periods of immersion in water.

IP (Ingress Protection) Rating Requirements

There are 4 common combinations for downlights and other residential lights - IP20, IP44, IP65, IP67

  • IP20 - suitable for interior using at dry areas.
  • IP44 - suitable for interior using at wet areas, like bathroom. Also suitable for external use in soffits and porches etc. Our 10w dimmable LED downlights and 13w dimmable LED downlights are all meet this rate.
  • IP65 - suitable for interior and exterior using (non-immersion)
  • IP67 - suitable for interior and exterior using, the same rating as iPhone 7

IC (Insulation Contact) Rating and Meaning

IC (Insulation Contact) rating is required for downlight classifications as described AS/NZS60598.2.2 Amendment A. There are 5 classifications listed belew and IC-F is the highest insulation rating available. Our 10w dimmable LED downlights and 13w dimmable LED downlights are all meet the IC-F rate.

ClassificationIconMeaning
NON-ICNot allowed to have any insulation within 100mm and cannot be installed in residential buildings
CA135CA135Type CA 135, closed abutted, recessed luminaire where fixed, building insu-lating material that can safely be exposed continuously to temperatures up to 150°C must not cover but may closely abut the sides of the luminaire.
CA80CA80Type CA 80, closed abutted, recessed luminaire where fixed, building insulat-ing material that can safely be exposed continuously to temperatures up to 90°C must not cover but may closely abut the sides of the luminaire.
ICICType IC recessed luminaire where building insulation that can safely be ex-posed continuously to temperatures up to 90°C may abut and cover the lu-minaire.
IC-FIC-FType IC-F recessed luminaire where building insulation that can safely be exposed continuously to 90°C may abut or cover the luminaire. Resistant to ingress of external matter.