1. Version 1.0 Mar 2015
Explaining the difference between downlight types and IP Ratings
Authors: Chris Horridge & Kris Howes
2. ► 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.
3. ► 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.
4. ► 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.
5. ► 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.
6. ► 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.
7. ► 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.
8. ► 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.
9. ► 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.
10. ► 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.
11. ► 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.
12. ► 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.
13. ► 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.
14. ► 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.
15. ► 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.