Quick answer: For a covered balcony or veranda, IP44 is usually enough. For any wall, gate or garden light exposed to direct rain, choose IP65 or higher. For in-ground and path lights where water collects, choose IP67.
Outdoor lights in Bangladesh have to survive heavy monsoon rain, humidity and dust. The IP rating printed on a fitting tells you how well it is sealed. Understanding it will save you from replacing lights after one rainy season.
How to read an IP rating
IP stands for Ingress Protection. It is followed by two digits. The first digit (0 to 6) is protection against solids such as dust. The second digit (0 to 8) is protection against water. Higher numbers mean better protection.
Common ratings and where to use them
- IP20: indoor use only. No protection against water.
- IP44: protected against splashing water. Suitable for covered balconies, verandas and sheltered porches.
- IP54: better dust protection and splash resistance. A step up for semi-exposed areas.
- IP65: dust tight and protected against water jets. The practical minimum for fully exposed walls, gates, gardens and facades.
- IP67: can withstand temporary immersion. Used for in-ground lights and areas that may flood.
- IP68: designed for continuous immersion, such as fountains and pools.
Which rating do you need?
For a covered balcony, IP44 is usually enough. For any wall or post that takes direct rain, choose IP65 or higher. For ground-recessed fittings and garden paths where water collects, look for IP67.
The rating is not the whole story
- Body material: die-cast aluminium and stainless steel last longer than thin painted steel.
- Gaskets and cable glands: water usually gets in where the cable enters. A proper gland matters.
- Installation: an IP65 fitting installed with an open cable entry is no longer IP65.
- Warranty: check what is covered for outdoor use.
Planning outdoor lighting
Use wall lights at entrances, low-level lights along paths, and floodlights only where you need them for security. Warm white is more welcoming for homes and hospitality. See our outdoor lights for current products.
IP rating chart
| Rating | Protection | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| IP20 | No water protection | Dry indoor rooms |
| IP44 | Splashing water | Covered balconies, bathrooms away from the shower |
| IP54 | Dust and splashes | Semi-exposed areas |
| IP65 | Dust tight, water jets | Exposed walls, gates, gardens, facades |
| IP67 | Temporary immersion | In-ground and path lights |
| IP68 | Continuous immersion | Pools and fountains |
IP ratings in the bathroom
Bathrooms are damp even where water does not splash directly. Use IP44 or above for general bathroom lighting and IP65 for fittings inside or directly above a shower area.
Coastal and high-humidity areas
Near the coast, salt in the air corrodes metal quickly. Choose fittings with marine-grade or powder-coated aluminium, or stainless steel, and rinse them occasionally with fresh water.
Outdoor lighting ideas for homes
- Up/down wall lights on either side of the main door
- Low bollards or spike lights along the driveway and garden path
- Step lights on outdoor stairs
- A warm wall wash on a textured boundary wall
- Sensor floodlights at the back and sides for security
If you need a particular IP rating or finish that is not in stock, we can source or import it. See also our guide to LED light prices in Bangladesh.
Frequently asked questions
Is IP44 enough for outdoor lights?
Only in sheltered locations such as covered balconies and porches. For lights exposed to direct monsoon rain, use IP65 or higher.
What is the difference between IP65 and IP67?
Both are dust tight. IP65 resists water jets from any direction. IP67 can also survive temporary immersion in water.
Can outdoor lights be used indoors?
Yes. A higher IP rating does no harm indoors, and it is useful in bathrooms and kitchens.
Related guides
- LED Light Price in Bangladesh: What Affects the Cost
- How to Choose the Right LED Downlight
- How to Import Lighting from China to Bangladesh
Need help choosing?
Browse the Nabulax shop for genuine products with warranty and delivery across Bangladesh, or request a quote and send us a photo, design or BOQ. If the product is not available locally, we can import it for you.
