Almost every outdoor light listing says waterproof. The IP rating and the wet or damp location listing tell you what that actually means. This guide explains both so you can match a light to where it will sit on your patio.

What an IP Rating Is

IP stands for ingress protection, defined in the international standard IEC 60529. The first digit (0 to 6) rates protection against solids such as dust; the second digit (0 to 8) rates protection against water. Higher is more protection. An X in place of a digit means that part was not rated.

Common Ratings on Patio Lights

  • IP44: protected against solid objects over 1 mm (about 0.04 inch) and splashing water from any direction. Best under a roof or in sheltered spots.
  • IP54 and IP55: limited dust protection, plus splashing (IP54) or low-pressure water jets (IP55).
  • IP64: dust-tight, with splash protection.
  • IP65: dust-tight and protected against water jets. A common rating for lights that sit out in the rain.
  • IP66: dust-tight and protected against powerful water jets.
  • IP67: dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion, up to 1 meter (about 3.3 feet) for 30 minutes under the conditions the standard sets.
  • IP68: dust-tight and protected against continuous immersion under conditions the maker specifies, which are stricter than IP67.

Wet and Damp Location Listings

In the United States, fixtures listed by labs such as UL, ETL or CSA are also marked for location. A wet location listing means water can fall directly on the fixture, such as an exposed wall. A damp location listing is for places that get moisture but not direct rain, such as a covered porch. This matters most for hardwired fixtures and plug-in strands, because it is part of the electrical safety listing.

Reading Waterproof Claims

IP ratings on many patio lights are the maker’s own statement, and listings sometimes contradict themselves, giving one rating in the title and another in the text. When the two differ, plan around the lower one. Check that the rating covers the whole product, including the solar panel, battery box or transformer, not only the light head.

No rating covers everything. Plugs and connectors on string lights should stay off the ground and out of puddles, charging ports should be dry before charging, and makers of many solar and battery lights advise bringing them in during severe weather.

Matching a Rating to the Spot

  • Covered porch or under an umbrella: IP44 or a damp location listing is often enough.
  • Open patio, fence or wall in the rain: IP65 or higher, or a wet location listing.
  • In the ground or where water pools: IP67 or IP68, as the maker states.

FAQ

Is IP65 waterproof?

IP65 means protected against water jets, which covers rain. It is not rated for immersion; that starts at IP67.

What is the difference between IP65 and IP67?

Both are dust-tight. IP65 resists water jets; IP67 also resists temporary immersion under the standard’s conditions.

Does a higher IP rating mean a better light?

Only for water and dust protection. It says nothing about brightness, battery life or build quality.

For product picks, see our guides to Best Outdoor String Lights and Best Solar Pathway Lights, or browse the Outdoor Lighting category.