If you are buying a socket or a switch for outside your house, or perhaps for a bathroom you will see an IP number on the product. This is what it means -

What Are IP Ratings?

IP ratings, which stands for ingress protection ratings, are numerical codes given to devices to state the level of protection they have against solids or liquids. You’ll find IP ratings on devices such as outdoor sockets, electric showers, CCTV and lighting.

What Do Different IP Ratings Mean?

IP ratings have two digits, the first represents the level of protection against solids such as fingers or dust and ranges between 0 and 6. The second digit represents the protection against liquids, ranging from 0 to 9. The higher the number, the greater the protection.

Let me give you an example - I recently was asked to replace an outside garage light switch. In my trade catalogue I found two options. One was rated IP54 and the other IP66. The IP66 switch will stop all dust from getting in (the first digit), and will stop high pressure water getting in (the second digit). The IP54 would stop grit from getting in, but not dust. It would only stop water splashes from getting in. So the IP54 would be suitable in a garage, under a porch or in a sheltered area. The IP66 would be suitable for a switch that might get a blast from the hosepipe while I'm washing the car.

The IP66 switch was twice the price of the IP54 switch. It is obviously constructed to a higher and more demanding standard.

Having said all this - something to note. An experienced electrician will have a few tricks up their sleeve to make sure that when they fit the switch they maximise its potential. They will have knowledge on where to site it, sealants to use, correct glands to use etc. A poorly fitted IP66 switch will probably allow water in and will fail.

If you're planning on fitting an outside light, switch or socket give me a call for a free no obligation quote.