IP Ratings Explained: Choosing the Right Water Protection for Your Torch or Headlamp

3 min read
IP Ratings Explained: Choosing the Right Water Protection for Your Torch or Headlamp

When buying a torch or headlamp, you will often see something called an IP rating listed in the specifications. If you are new to lighting gear, this might look confusing, but it is actually a simple way to understand how well a torch is protected from dust and water.

This guide will explain what IP ratings mean, how they work, and which one you should choose depending on how you plan to use your torch or headlamp.

What Does an IP Rating Mean?

IP stands for Ingress Protection. It is an international standard used to show how well a device is protected from dust and water entering the body of the product.

An IP rating always has two numbers, for example:

IP68

The two numbers mean different things:

Position What it Protects Against Example
First Number Protection from dust and solid particles Dirt, sand, dust
Second Number Protection from water Rain, splashes, immersion

The higher the number, the stronger the protection.

How the IP Rating System Works

Dust Protection (First Number)

Rating Protection Level
IP0X No protection
IP4X Protected against most small objects
IP5X Dust protected (limited dust may enter)
IP6X Completely dustproof

For torches and headlamps, IP6X is ideal, especially for outdoor use like hunting, hiking, or camping.

Water Protection (Second Number)

Rating Protection Level Example Use
IPX4 Splash resistant Light rain
IPX5 Water jets Heavy rain
IPX6 Strong water jets Storm conditions
IPX7 Submersible up to 1 metre Dropping it in a puddle
IPX8 Submersible beyond 1 metre Extended underwater use

Many high-quality torches today use IP68, which means they are fully dustproof and can be submerged in water.

Common Torch IP Ratings

IP Rating Dust Protection Water Protection Typical Use
IP54 Limited dust protection Splash resistant Indoor or light outdoor use
IP65 Dust protected Heavy rain resistant General outdoor use
IP66 Dust tight Powerful water jets Work environments
IP67 Dust tight Temporary immersion Camping & hiking
IP68 Dust tight Continuous immersion Professional outdoor use

Which IP Rating Do You Need?

Choosing the right IP rating depends on how you plan to use your torch.

Everyday Carry (EDC)

If you mainly use your torch around the house, car, or walking at night, an IPX4 or IP65 rating is usually enough.

Typical uses:

  • Dog walking

  • Power cuts

  • Car glovebox torch

Outdoor Activities

For hiking, camping, or trail running, a minimum of IP67 or IP68 is recommended.

Why?

Outdoor environments often involve:

  • Rain

  • Mud

  • Dropping your torch in water

A higher rating ensures the light keeps working in rough conditions.

Hunting and Marine Use

In New Zealand, many people use torches for hunting, boating, or fishing. These activities benefit from IP68 rated lights.

Reasons include:

  • Wet environments

  • Heavy rain

  • River crossings

  • Salt spray on boats

Professional or Trade Work

Builders, mechanics, and tradespeople often work in dusty or wet environments.

For this type of work, look for:

IP66 or IP68

This ensures protection from:

  • Dust

  • Water spray

  • Drops into puddles or mud

Important Thing to Remember

An IP rating does not mean a torch is a dive light.

Even if a torch is IP68, it may only be tested for shallow immersion. Proper dive torches are built specifically for underwater pressure.

Final Thoughts

IP ratings are one of the easiest ways to judge how tough a torch or headlamp is.

As a general rule:

  • IP65–IP66 → Good for most outdoor use

  • IP67–IP68 → Ideal for serious outdoor, hunting, and marine environments

If you plan to rely on your torch in tough conditions, choosing a higher IP rating ensures it keeps working when you need it most.

At Flashlights NZ, we recommend checking IP ratings when choosing a torch so you know it will handle the conditions you plan to use it in.