When you’re investing in garden lighting, it’s easy to get caught up in the design, the shape of the fittings, the colour of the finish, or how the lights will look at night. But there’s a technical detail that’s just as important: the IP rating.
IP ratings determine how well a light fitting resists dust, moisture, and the elements. In New Zealand, with its unique climate ranging from high UV exposure to heavy rain and salty coastal air, choosing the right IP rating ensures your garden lights will keep working reliably year after year. Two of the most common ratings you’ll come across are IP55 and IP67. While they might look like a jumble of numbers, understanding the difference can make or break the long-term performance of your outdoor lighting system.
What Does an IP Rating Mean?
IP stands for Ingress Protection. The rating is made up of two numbers. The first number indicates how resistant the fitting is to dust and solid objects, while the second shows how resistant it is to water. The higher the number, the greater the protection.
For example, an IP55 light has a good level of dust protection and is resistant to jets of water. An IP67 light has an even higher level of dust resistance and can withstand temporary immersion in water. Neither rating makes a light completely waterproof forever, but they are designed to handle different levels of exposure depending on where they’re installed.
With regards specifically to garden lighting, the first number which measures the dust protection is not relevant, as dust will not damage most fittings.. Therefore, often garden lights can be rated IPX5 through to IPX8.
IP55: The Everyday Garden Workhorse
IP55 fittings are designed to cope with most garden environments. They resist dust and are protected against water jets, which means they can handle heavy rain or the occasional hosing down. For most general-purpose garden applications, such as pathway lights or uplights in less exposed areas, IP55 fittings perform reliably.
The advantage of IP55 fittings is that they offer strong protection without adding unnecessary cost. In sheltered gardens, covered patios, or inland properties with moderate weather conditions, IP55 is more than sufficient. These fittings are also easier to design into discreet lighting schemes because they don’t always need heavy casings.
IP67: Built for Extreme Conditions
If your property is in a location where weather is harsh or unpredictable, IP67 is the safer choice. These fittings are dust-tight and designed to withstand immersion in water up to one metre for short periods. That doesn’t mean they should be placed permanently underwater, but it does mean they can handle flooding, heavy downpours, or areas where water tends to pool.
In coastal New Zealand, where salt air and storms are common, IP67 provides extra reassurance. They’re also ideal for gardens with water features, exposed driveways, or installations close to the ground where water run-off is likely. While IP67 fittings are usually more expensive, they often pay for themselves in longevity and reliability.
IP68: Built for Full immersion.
When you see IP68 on a light fitting, the “8” tells you how well it keeps water out. In simple terms, it means the light is fully waterproof and suitable for use in areas where it’s permanently under water, typically up to one to three metres deep, depending on the manufacturer’s specifications. This makes it perfect for ponds and water features, where the depth is usually less than a metre, and the fitting will remain completely watertight. However, one important detail that’s often overlooked is the cable connection, even the best IP68 light can fail if the join isn’t properly protected. Wherever possible, the connection should be made outside the pond or water area, or if that’s not practical, it must be a fully waterproof connection designed for permanent submersion.
Why the Difference Matters in New Zealand
New Zealand’s outdoor environments are particularly tough on lighting. Inland properties might only have to deal with frosts and seasonal rain, but coastal gardens are exposed to constant salt air, strong winds, and sometimes torrential weather. In these conditions, a lower IP rating may struggle to last.
Think of it like this: an IP55 light is like a good raincoat, perfectly suitable for showers and windy days. An IP67 light is more like heavy-duty wet weather gear, designed for the most extreme conditions. Both will keep you dry, but the second one is built to handle the worst the environment can throw at it.
Choosing the Right Rating for Your Garden
So, should you always go for IP67? Not necessarily. The right choice depends on where the fittings will be placed and how exposed they are. For example, a bollard light on a sheltered pathway inland may not need the higher rating, while an in-ground uplight installed near a coastal driveway absolutely does.
This is where professional guidance makes all the difference. A lighting specialist will consider not only the environment but also how the lights are angled, how they’re cabled, and whether the design allows for drainage and ventilation. The rating is one part of a bigger picture, and getting it right ensures your system is both safe and long-lasting.
The Role of Quality Manufacturing
It’s important to remember that not all IP55 or IP67 fittings are created equal. The quality of the manufacturing and the materials used matter just as much as the number stamped on the box. A poorly made fitting with an IP67 label may still fail in New Zealand’s conditions if it hasn’t been designed with durability in mind.
That’s why NZ-made fittings are such a strong choice. They’re engineered specifically for local conditions, with features like UV-resistant coatings, marine-grade materials, and robust seals. When combined with a high IP rating, these design details make for a lighting system you can trust to perform over the long term.
IP ratings might seem like a technical detail, but they play a crucial role in the durability, safety, and performance of your outdoor lighting. IP55 is a strong choice for most sheltered gardens, while IP67 is essential for exposed, coastal, or high-risk environments.
By choosing the right rating and pairing it with high-quality, NZ-made fittings and professional installation, you’re not just protecting your investment. You’re ensuring your outdoor lighting continues to perform beautifully for years to come, no matter what the weather throws at it.
Ready to choose the right lights for your garden? Book a consultation today and let our team design a system that’s built to last in New Zealand conditions.
FAQs:
What does IP55 actually protect against?
IP55 fittings are resistant to dust and jets of water, making them ideal for most outdoor uses where the fittings won’t be submerged or in constant contact with water.
Is IP67 completely waterproof?
No fitting is completely waterproof, but IP67 can handle temporary immersion, making it one of the best options for areas with heavy rain, water features, or coastal exposure.
Can I use IP55 lights in coastal areas?
It’s possible, but IP67 is a better option for peace of mind. Salt air and storms can shorten the lifespan of lower-rated fittings.
Do higher IP ratings cost more?
Yes, fittings with higher ratings are generally more expensive, but they also offer longer lifespans and reduce replacement costs over time.
Do I need professional installation for IP-rated lights?
Yes. Even the highest-rated fitting won’t last if it’s poorly installed. Professionals ensure fittings are sealed correctly, cables are buried safely, and drainage is considered.