Some small workshops claim IP44 or IP65 on their LED downlight housing listings without providing any testing documentation. Independent testing data suggests that over 60% of such claims from unverified sources fail when subjected to standard ingress protection tests [1].
Published: September 4, 2026 | Last Updated: September 4, 2026 | Reading Time: 4 min
Author: ECOLEDKIT Technical Team
Related: What Does IP20 Mean for LED Downlight Housings? | COB Downlight Housings
If you specify IP44 housings for a bathroom project and receive units that actually perform at IP20, the liability falls on you — not the factory that printed the label.
What IP Ratings Actually Mean for Housings
| IP Rating | Protected Against | Typical Application | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP20 | Solid objects >12.5mm | Indoor dry areas only | Finger probe, no water test |
| IP44 | Splashing water + solid objects >1mm | Bathrooms, covered outdoor | Splash nozzle test |
| IP65 | Water jets + dust-tight | Exposed outdoor, tropical | Jet nozzle (6.3mm) test |
Each digit has a specific, testable definition under IEC 60529 [1]. There is no grey area — a housing either passes the test or it doesn’t.
Why Unverified Claims Fail
Most unverified IP claims fail for one of three reasons:
- No gasket design. IP44+ requires molded gasket grooves in the die-casting. Many “IP44” housings are simply IP20 housings with no structural sealing.
- No sealed cable entry. Water enters through the open cable hole, which is the most common failure point in splash testing.
- No test equipment. The supplier has never actually performed an IEC 60529 test. They copied the rating from a competitor’s listing.
How to Verify
Ask for the IP test report. A legitimate report must include:
- Test standard: IEC 60529
- Specific test method for each digit (e.g., finger probe for digit 2, splash nozzle for digit 4)
- Test conditions and pass/fail results
- Issuing laboratory name and accreditation
If the supplier claims IP44+ but cannot produce this report, assume IP20 and adjust your project specification accordingly.
Note: ECOLEDKIT’s entire product line is IP20-only. Every housing ships with the same verified IP20 rating — we do not claim ratings we have not tested.
Key Takeaway
A verified IP20 housing is safer than an unverified IP44 claim. Always demand the test report.
Standards and official sources
A verifiable IP claim must be based on testing to IEC 60529, not on visual inspection or supplier declarations alone.
References
Related reading: component vs luminaire classification.