Version 1.0 Mar 2015

Explaining the difference between downlight types and IP Ratings

Authors: Chris Horridge & Kris Howes

► As one of the UK’s leading distributors of downlights we offer many different

types and styles.

► We’ve combined many of them together to improve your browsing experience.

► One of the options in our selection process is ‘Which downlight type?’ Coming

up next are all of the different downlight types we offer and an explanation

about each one.

► The most basic and popular downlight type,

fixed downlights point the light directly down.

► They are the most cost effective and have a

smaller hole size than adjustable.

► Designed to meet the demands of the

majority of rooms such as lounges, bedrooms

and kitchens.

► Rated at IP20, no resistance to water.

► Mainly used in bathrooms, IP44 downlights

can also be used in lounges and kitchens.

► Shines the light directly downwards.

► Not as water resistance as IP65 but can still

be used in bathroom zones 1 and 2 unless

you plan to clean your ceiling with a power

wash.

► Rated at IP44, reasonable resistance to

water and dust.

► Mainly used in bathrooms, IP54 downlights

can also be used in lounges and kitchens.

► Shines the light directly downwards.

► Not as water resistance as IP65 but can still

be used in bathroom zones 1 and 2 unless

you plan to clean your ceiling with a power

wash.

► Rated at IP54, reasonable resistance to

water and dust.

► Mainly used in bathrooms, IP65 downlights

can also be used in lounges and kitchens.

► Shines the light directly downwards.

► Many lighting manufactures only offer their

integrated LED downlights in IP65.

► Suitable for use in bathroom zones 1 and 2.

► Rated at IP65, high resistance to water and

dust.

► Adjustable downlights without any resistance

to water but can be used in lounges and

kitchens. They can technically also be used

in bathrooms as long as they’re not in zones

1 or 2.

► Allows the angle of light to be directed by

around 30 degrees.

► Rated at IP20, no resistance to water and

limited resistance to dust.

► Adjustable downlights that are also water

resistant can be used in lounges, kitchens or

bathrooms.

► Allows the angle of light to be directed by

around 30 degrees.

► Not as water resistance as IP65 but can still

be used in bathroom zones 1 and 2 unless

you plan to clean your ceiling with a power

wash.

► Adjustable downlights that are also water

resistant. This version is our main outdoor

downlight.

► Allows the angle of light to be directed by

around 30 degrees. Or it can be left pointing

directly down.

► Water and dust resistant enough for outdoor

use.

► Adjustable downlights that are also highly

water resistant but can also be used in

lounges, kitchens as well as bathrooms.

► Allows the angle of light to be directed by

around 30 degrees.

► Suitable for use in bathroom zones 1 and 2.

► Rated at IP65, high resistance to water and

dust.

► Offering something a little bit different to the

regular rounded look.

► Square downlights are usually adjustable but

can be left in the central position to point the

light directly down. Gives you more choice.

► Designed to meet the demands of the

majority of rooms such as lounges, bedrooms

and kitchens.

► Rated at IP20, no resistance to water.

► This is basically two square downlights in

one, making a rectangle shape.

► Both lights are adjustable allowing you to

direct each one into different directions or

point them light directly down.

► Designed to meet the demands of the

majority of rooms such as lounges, bedrooms

and kitchens.

► Rated at IP20, no resistance to water.

► This is a row of three square downlights in

one trendy looking fitting.

► Each light is adjustable allowing you to direct

them onto different areas of the room or point

any of them directly down.

► Designed to meet the demands of the

majority of rooms such as lounges, bedrooms

and kitchens.

► Rated at IP20, no resistance to water.

► Trimless downlights can be plastered in

directly into the ceilings plaster board and

provide a neater more minimal look.

► They are available in fixed and adjustable

versions.

► Designed to look modern and trendy suitable

for use in lounges, bedrooms and kitchens.

► Rated at IP20, no resistance to water. Water

resistant version are also available.

► Trimless downlights are plastered in directly

into the ceilings plaster board and provide a

neater more minimal look.

► This twin version has two adjustable lights

but they are available in fixed also.

► Designed to look modern and trendy suitable

for use in lounges, bedrooms and kitchens.

► Rated at IP20, no resistance to water. Water

resistant version are also available.