When shopping for outdoor fairy lights, you'll encounter specifications like "IP44" or "IP65" that indicate the product's protection level against environmental elements. Understanding what these ratings mean is crucial for choosing lights that will last in Australian conditions. This guide breaks down the IP rating system in practical terms, helping you select the right protection level for your specific application.
What Does IP Stand For?
IP stands for "Ingress Protection" and is an international standard (IEC 60529) that classifies how well an electrical enclosure protects against the intrusion of solid objects and liquids. The rating system applies to all kinds of electrical devices, from mobile phones to industrial equipment—including fairy lights.
An IP rating consists of the letters "IP" followed by two digits. The first digit indicates protection against solid particles (like dust), and the second indicates protection against liquids (like water). Higher numbers mean better protection in each category.
Breaking Down the First Digit: Solid Protection
The first digit ranges from 0 to 6, indicating protection against solid objects:
- 0: No protection
- 1: Protection against objects larger than 50mm (like a hand)
- 2: Protection against objects larger than 12.5mm (like a finger)
- 3: Protection against objects larger than 2.5mm (like tools and wires)
- 4: Protection against objects larger than 1mm (like small wires)
- 5: Dust protected—limited dust ingress permitted, not enough to interfere with operation
- 6: Dust tight—complete protection against dust ingress
For fairy lights, a rating of 4 or higher is typical for outdoor products. The distinction between 5 (dust protected) and 6 (dust tight) matters primarily in very dusty environments or for lights installed at ground level where fine particles may accumulate.
Breaking Down the Second Digit: Liquid Protection
The second digit ranges from 0 to 9, indicating protection against water:
- 0: No protection
- 1: Protection against vertically dripping water
- 2: Protection against dripping water when tilted up to 15 degrees
- 3: Protection against spraying water at angles up to 60 degrees
- 4: Protection against splashing water from any direction
- 5: Protection against water jets (6.3mm nozzle) from any direction
- 6: Protection against powerful water jets (12.5mm nozzle)
- 7: Protection against temporary immersion in water (up to 1 metre for 30 minutes)
- 8: Protection against continuous immersion in water beyond 1 metre
- 9: Protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets
Key Takeaway
For outdoor fairy lights in Australia, the second digit (water protection) is the more critical number. Our weather brings rain, humidity, and morning dew—all forms of water exposure that can damage inadequately protected lights.
Common IP Ratings for Fairy Lights
IP44: Splash Resistant
IP44 is the minimum rating typically labelled as "outdoor" on fairy lights. The 4 in the second position means protection against splashing water from any direction. In practical terms, this handles light rain and incidental moisture, but is not designed for heavy downpours or prolonged wet exposure.
Best for: Covered outdoor areas like patios, verandahs, pergolas with roofing, or temporary outdoor use during good weather. Suitable for locations where lights are protected from direct rain but exposed to humidity and occasional splashes.
IP54: Enhanced Splash Resistance with Dust Protection
IP54 adds meaningful dust protection (the 5 in the first position) while maintaining the same water resistance as IP44. The dust protection can extend product life in environments with airborne particles.
Best for: Semi-protected outdoor areas in dusty environments. Rural properties, homes near construction sites, or regions with dry, dusty conditions benefit from this enhanced protection.
IP65: Water Jet Resistant
IP65 is the sweet spot for most Australian outdoor fairy light applications. The 5 in the second position means protection against water jets from any direction—effectively handling heavy rain, garden sprinkler overspray, and even pressure from cleaning nearby surfaces. The 6 in the first position provides complete dust protection.
Best for: Exposed outdoor installations. Tree wrapping, fence lines, garden features, and any location where lights will be directly exposed to Australian weather conditions including summer storms and winter rain.
IP67: Submersible
IP67 adds temporary submersion capability—the product can survive being underwater up to 1 metre for 30 minutes. This provides peace of mind against flooding events, heavy pooling of water, or accidental immersion.
Best for: Ground-level installations, areas prone to flooding, or applications near water features. Also suitable for regions with extreme rainfall events where water pooling might occur.
IP68: Continuous Submersion
IP68 is designed for continuous underwater use and is typically found in specialty products like pond lights or pool lighting. Few standard fairy lights carry this rating as it's beyond what decorative string lights typically require.
Best for: Underwater applications, fountains, and pool features. Not necessary for typical garden or patio lighting.
Australian Conditions Recommendation
For most Australian outdoor fairy light installations, we recommend IP65 as the baseline. Our summer storms can deliver intense rainfall, and IP65 ensures your lights survive these conditions reliably. IP44 is acceptable only for fully covered areas like roofed patios.
What IP Ratings Don't Tell You
While IP ratings are valuable, they have limitations you should understand:
UV Resistance
IP ratings say nothing about UV resistance. Australian sunlight is notoriously harsh on plastics, causing discolouration and brittleness over time. An IP65-rated product can still fail prematurely if its materials can't handle UV exposure. Look for products specifically marketed for Australian conditions or that mention UV-resistant materials.
Temperature Tolerance
IP ratings don't indicate how well a product handles temperature extremes. Australian conditions can range from below freezing in southern highlands to over 45°C in summer across much of the country. Check product specifications for operating temperature ranges if you live in areas with extreme conditions.
Long-Term Durability
IP testing is performed on new products. It doesn't account for how seals and gaskets may degrade over time with UV exposure, temperature cycling, and general wear. Quality construction and materials matter as much as the IP rating itself.
Where to Find IP Ratings
IP ratings should be clearly stated in product descriptions, on packaging, or in product specifications. If a product doesn't display an IP rating, be cautious—particularly for items marketed as "outdoor." Legitimate outdoor products should have verifiable IP ratings from the manufacturer.
Some budget products may display unverified IP ratings. While there's no easy way to independently verify claims, sticking with reputable brands and retailers reduces the risk of misleading specifications.
Practical Application Guide
Here's a quick reference for choosing the right IP rating based on your installation location:
- Indoor only: No IP rating required (but look for "indoor use only" labelling)
- Covered patio or verandah: IP44 minimum, IP54 preferred
- Open pergola (no roof): IP65 recommended
- Garden trees and plants: IP65 recommended
- Fence lines: IP65 recommended
- Ground-level installations: IP67 recommended
- Near pools or water features: IP67 minimum, IP68 for underwater
- Coastal areas (salt spray): IP65 minimum plus corrosion-resistant materials
Understanding IP ratings empowers you to make informed choices about outdoor fairy lights. By matching the protection level to your installation environment, you'll enjoy beautiful, reliable lighting that lasts through Australian seasons for years to come.