When planning outdoor lighting, looks are important. But function comes first. The right IP rating is what keeps your lights looking good and performing well through everything the New Zealand climate throws at them.
IP ratings tell you how well a fitting is sealed against dust and water. Whether you're lighting a covered deck, an exposed pathway, or a coastal outdoor room, matching the rating to the location protects your investment and keeps your space looking sharp year after year.
What Is an IP Rating?
IP stands for Ingress Protection. It's a two-digit number that indicates how well a light fitting resists solid particles and moisture.
| Digit | What it measures | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| First | Protection against solids (dust, debris) | 0 (none) to 6 (dust-tight) |
| Second | Protection against liquids (moisture, rain) | 0 (none) to 8 (full immersion) |
A fitting rated IP65 is dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction. That's the standard to look for in fully exposed outdoor areas.
Which IP Rating Do You Need?
It comes down to how much exposure to weather the fitting will have. Here's the straightforward version:
Product Picks by IP Rating
A classic curved glass fitting by Lighting Republic. Clean, considered, and well-suited to covered entryways and patios where the design has room to breathe.
Sleek and architectural by Design For The People. Strong lines and a refined finish make it a natural fit for contemporary NZ exteriors under cover.
A sculptural standout with extra splash resistance. The ripple texture catches light beautifully and holds its own in semi-sheltered positions where other fittings would be at risk.
Bold, modern and built for all-weather performance. One of our most popular high-protection options. Dust-tight and rated to handle direct rain and coastal conditions without compromise.
What About Lower Ratings Like IP33?
Fittings rated below IP44 should only be used in very well-sheltered outdoor spaces, or indoors. That said, there are styles customers love using in completely protected outdoor areas, like a roofed alfresco or covered dining zone.
The Luxembourg Pendant is a good example. Its open shape and vintage character make it a beautiful choice under a fully covered outdoor room. The key is making sure it has no exposure to direct moisture whatsoever, and confirming suitability with your electrician before installation.
Is IP44 OK for Outdoors in New Zealand?
Yes, in the right location. IP44 lights are designed to handle moisture and splashes, but not full exposure to rain or wind-driven water. For a covered porch, side entrance or sheltered verandah, IP44 is perfectly appropriate and gives you a wider range of design options to work with.
If you're in a coastal location or somewhere with particularly high rainfall, it's worth going to IP54 or IP65 even in nominally sheltered spots. Wind-driven rain can reach places that look protected on paper.
Browse all outdoor lightingNot Sure Which Rating You Need?
Every outdoor space is different. If you're unsure whether your location calls for IP44, IP54 or IP65, our team is happy to help you work it out before you buy.
Get in touch Browse outdoor lightsWhat does IP rating mean for outdoor lights?
IP stands for Ingress Protection. The rating is a two-digit number that tells you how well a light fitting is sealed against solid particles and moisture. The first digit relates to dust protection (0 to 6), and the second to water protection (0 to 8). For outdoor use in New Zealand, a minimum of IP44 is recommended.
What IP rating do I need for outdoor lights in NZ?
It depends on how exposed the location is. IP44 is suitable for sheltered outdoor areas such as covered verandahs and under eaves. IP54 is better for semi-exposed positions. IP65 is the right choice for fully exposed areas that face direct rain, wind or coastal conditions.
Is IP44 sufficient for outdoor use?
Yes, but only in sheltered locations. IP44 protects against splashing water from any direction, which is appropriate for covered patios, entryways and verandahs. It is not suitable for positions with direct rain exposure or coastal wind-driven moisture. When in doubt, go to IP54 or IP65 for greater peace of mind.
Is IP65 good enough for heavy rain and coastal conditions?
Yes. IP65 is considered the standard for fully exposed outdoor areas. It is dust-tight and rated to withstand low-pressure water jets from any direction, making it well suited to direct rain, wind-driven moisture and coastal environments. For most NZ outdoor applications, IP65 provides excellent long-term protection.
Can I use an indoor pendant light outside?
Only in a completely protected outdoor space with no exposure to moisture, such as a fully enclosed alfresco with a solid roof and walls. Even then, you should confirm suitability with a registered electrician before installation. For any position with potential moisture exposure, always use a fitting with the appropriate IP rating for that zone.
