Any outdoor luminaires you want to install in your bathroom or garden must be waterproof. IP stands for Ingress Protection, meaning nothing can get in. Exactly that is what the IP protection class states. It indicates the degree of waterproofing of a luminaire.
The IP code always has two digits. The first digit describes the degree of protection against foreign bodies and direct contact, while the second digit describes the degree of protection against water and moisture in general.
IP protection in the garden
IP 23 – LED recessed spotlights are a great choice for front doors and under porch roofs. They crate attractive general lighting around the outside of the house. Luminaires used here, should have a minimum IP protection class of 23, which means they are protected against spray water.
IP 44 – On the façade or under the roof : Any luminaires used on the outside of the house or under the roof must have IP44 splash protection. IP44 splash-proof lights require installation under a roof overhang.
IP 65 – recessed floor luminaires under a porch roof : Recessed floor luminaires installed under a porch roof should still have the IP protection class 65. That means they can withstand jets of water.
IP 67 – Outdoor luminaires : Any luminaires installed out in the open must have an IP67 rating. This protection makes them somewhat waterproof, meaning they can get wet from time to time.
IP 68 – For permanent underwater use: Devices with protection class IP68 are can be used permanently under water.
IP protection for bathroom lighting: Which protection class do I need where?
Luminaires installed near the bathtub or shower must have an IP 67 protection class. This protection makes them somewhat waterproof, meaning they can get wet from time to time.
IP65 is the right protection class for bathroom luminaires on surfaces around the shower head, bathtub or shower tray that are installed up to a height of 2.25 m. That means they can withstand jets of water.
Up to a height of 60 cm around the bathtub or shower cabin, or up to 2.25 m on the wall, your best choice will be IP44 splash protection.
