The IP Code outlines a system of classification for the protection of electrical enclosures against the intrusion of foreign bodies ( i.e. tools, fingers, dust, etc. ) and moisture. The system of classification was specified by the International Electrotechnical Commission and is officially designated as IEC 60529.

The rating is specified by the letters IP followed by two digits i.e. IP25, IP68, etc.

IP ratings (International Protection Ratings) are covered in Australian Standard AS1939.

• This system uses a two digit code to specify the degree of particle and water resistance of a luminaire.
• The first digit indicates the degree of protection of the interior from the ingress of solid foreign objects.
• The second digit indicates the degree of protection of the interior from the ingress of water.

First Number - Degree of ingress protection
The first number of the IP code indicates the degree of protection against contact with moving parts and the degree that the equipment is protected against solid foreign bodies intruding into an enclosure.

0 - No protection provided.
1 - Protection against entry of objects larger than 50 square mm.
2 - Protection against entry of objects larger than 12 square mm.
3 - Protection against entry of objects larger than 2.5 square mm.
4 - Protection against entry of objects larger than 1.0 square mm.
5 - Protection against entry of dust in sufficient quantity to prevent satisfactory operation.
6 - Complete protection against entry of dust.

Second number - Degree of moisture protection
The second number indicates the degree of protection for the equipment inside the enclosure against the harmful entry of various forms of moisture (e.g. dripping, spraying, submersion, etc.)

0 - No protection provided.
1 - Protection against drops of water falling vertically.
2 - Protection against drops of water falling vertically when the luminaire istilted up to 15 degrees
3 - Protection from entry of water spray from angle of up to 60 degrees from vertical.
4 - Protection from entry of water splashes or spray from any direction.
5 - Protection from a low pressure jet of water in any direction.
6 - Protection against heavy seas or a strong jet of water in any direction.
7 - Protection against immersion up to 1 metre.
8 - Protection against submersion over 1 metre.

For example IP65 means:
Complete protection against entry of dust & protection from a low pressure jet of
water in any direction.