Key Takeaways
Planning an outdoor event in the UK means preparing for unpredictable weather. Understanding IP ratings on festoon lighting helps you choose string lights that remain safe and reliable whether conditions stay dry or turn wet.
IP ratings such as IP44 and IP65 indicate how well festoon lighting is protected against rain, splashes and dust using a standardised two-digit system
IP44 festoon lighting is suitable for sheltered areas such as covered patios, pergolas and marquees
IP54 festoon lighting is suitable for more exposed outdoor environments where additional protection from rain and wind is required, while IP44 remains the industry standard for most UK outdoor events
Selecting the correct IP rating reduces the risk of electric shock, power trips and equipment failure
Higher IP ratings may cost more initially but usually offer better durability and fewer failures over time
What Is an IP Rating on Festoon Lighting?
What Is an IP Rating on Festoon Lighting?
IP ratings are a recognised international standard that describe how well electrical equipment resists the ingress of solid objects and moisture. The system was established by the International Electrotechnical Commission under IEC 60529 and is used worldwide to compare equipment suitability in different environments.
For festoon lighting used outdoors in the UK, the IP rating matters because weather conditions can change quickly. Rain, wind and damp ground can all affect electrical equipment. Festoon lights that are not rated appropriately for outdoor spaces can fail, trip RCD protection or create safety risks.
At London Festoon Hire, IP rating is one of the first technical checks made when specifying festoon lighting for outdoor use. Choosing the correct rating helps ensure lighting remains functional throughout an event rather than becoming a weak point if conditions deteriorate.
How IP Ratings Work: First and Second Digits Explained
The First Digit: Protection Against Solid Objects
The first digit ranges from 0 to 6 and indicates how well the fixture resists solid particles such as fingers, tools and dust.
| First Digit | Protection Level |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection |
| 2 | Protected against fingers and objects larger than 12.5mm |
| 4 | Protected against wires and small tools larger than 1mm |
| 5 | Dust protected (limited ingress allowed) |
| 6 | Fully dust tight |
For outdoor festoon lighting, ratings of 4, 5 or 6 are most common.
The Second Digit: Protection Against Moisture
| Second Digit | Protection Level |
|---|---|
| 0 | No water protection |
| 3 | Spray up to 60 degrees from vertical |
| 4 | Splashing water from any direction |
| 5 | Low-pressure water jets |
| 6 | Powerful water jets |
| 7 | Temporary immersion |
| 8 | Prolonged immersion |
For most outdoor events, the second digit is the most critical factor.
Practical IP Ratings for Festoon Lighting
The most common IP ratings seen on festoon lighting are:
IP20 – Indoor use only. Not suitable for outdoor conditions and unprotected sockets
IP44 – Protected against splashes and light rain. Suitable for sheltered outdoor use
IP65 – Resistant to heavy rain and water jets. Suitable for exposed outdoor locations
Checking both digits is important. A product rated IP44 offers limited moisture protection, while IP65 provides a much higher margin of safety in poor weather.
IP44 Festoon Lights: When Are They Enough?
IP44 festoon lighting is protected against splashing water from any direction and against solid objects larger than 1mm. Testing simulates light rain and incidental spray rather than prolonged exposure.
Whether using traditional incandescent bulbs or modern LED bulbs, festoon lighting is designed to safely illuminate outdoor spaces while keeping electrical components protected from the elements.
Suitable Uses for IP44
IP44 festoon lights are appropriate for:
Covered patios and verandas
Pergolas with solid or waterproof roofing
Inside marquees and tents with sides fitted
Courtyards with overhead awnings
For locations where festoon runs are shielded from direct rainfall, IP44 is often sufficient.
While many people search for festoon lights waterproof, most professional setups use LED festoon systems with defined IP ratings rather than fully sealed decorative string lights.
Limitations of IP44
IP44 is not suitable for:
Fully exposed gardens or open lawns
Areas prone to pooling water
Installations where lampholders face upwards
Multi-day events with uncertain weather
London Festoon Hire generally recommends IP44 festoon lighting only where protection from direct rainfall is clearly present.
IP54 Festoon Lights: When Are They the Better Choice?
IP54 festoon lighting offers increased protection against dust ingress and water spray compared to IP44, making it more suitable for exposed outdoor environments and less predictable weather conditions. The additional sealing around lampholders and connections reduces the risk of moisture ingress during wind driven rain or prolonged outdoor use.
In real world hire scenarios, IP54 festoon lighting typically costs close to twice as much as IP44 due to heavier construction, upgraded components and lower availability. For this reason, IP54 is generally specified only where installations are fully exposed, runs are longer, or events span multiple days with no reliable shelter.
Unlike sensitive electronic equipment such as dimmers or controllers, festoon lighting used for outdoor lighting is designed to be fully protected against the elements while still delivering bright, practical illumination for events.
IP44 vs IP54 Festoon Lighting: What’s the Difference?
IP44 and IP54 festoon lighting differ primarily in their level of protection against dust and water ingress. IP44 is designed to withstand splashing water and incidental exposure, while IP54 adds improved resistance to dust and increased protection against water spray.
The choice between IP44 and IP54 depends on how exposed the installation is, the duration of the event and the likelihood of sustained adverse weather conditions.
IP65 Festoon Lighting: Understanding Where It Is Typically Used
IP65-rated lighting is designed for fully sealed electrical units where protection from dust and water jets is required. In practice, IP65 is rarely used for traditional festoon lighting, as the rating is typically achieved through sealed housings rather than open lampholder systems.
Where IP65 ratings are specified, they are most commonly found in sealed fixtures such as LED floodlights, architectural fittings or moving head luminaires, rather than festoon strings with replaceable bulbs.
In these systems, lamps or bulbs are typically sold separately, as the sealed housing and specifications determine compatibility rather than interchangeable decorative fittings.
Festoon lighting is commonly installed along walkways or wrapped through trees, using durable rubber or PVC cable specified to suit outdoor conditions and installation requirements.
When IP65 Lighting Is Recommended
IP65 festoon lighting is well suited to:
Open gardens without overhead cover
Pub beer gardens and rooftop terraces
Wedding venues with festoons over lawns or courtyards
Outdoor sites where lighting remains in place overnight
For events where weather exposure cannot be controlled, IP65 provides significantly greater reliability.
What IP65 Does Not Mean
IP65 does not mean waterproof in all circumstances. It does not allow for permanent submersion or immersion in standing water. It is designed to withstand heavy rain, not underwater use.
IP44 vs IP65 Festoon Lighting: Quick Comparison
| Factor | IP44 | IP65 |
|---|---|---|
| Dust protection | Objects >1mm | Dust protected |
| Water protection | Splashes | Heavy rain and jets |
| Best for | Sheltered outdoor areas | Exposed outdoor sites |
| Typical lifespan | Shorter outdoors | Longer in UK conditions |
| Relative cost | Lower | Higher |
Choosing the correct rating reduces the likelihood of power interruptions, equipment damage and safety issues during an event.
Are Festoon Lights Really Waterproof?
The term “waterproof” is often used loosely. In practice, festoon lights are water-resistant to a defined IP rating rather than fully waterproof in all conditions.
IP44 festoons tolerate rain but not immersion
IP65 festoons handle heavy rain but not submersion
True immersion ratings (IP67/IP68) are rarely necessary for event lighting
Always check that the stated IP rating applies to the cable, lampholders and connectors, not just one component.
Installation and Handling Considerations
Correct handling helps maintain the stated IP rating.
Best Practice
Keep lampholders facing downwards where possible
Support longer runs with catenary wire
Keep connectors off the ground and away from standing water
Replace failed bulbs promptly to avoid open sockets
Avoid damaging insulation with staples or sharp fixings
Even high-rated festoon lighting can fail if installed or handled poorly.
Choosing the Right IP Rating
When deciding between IP44 and IP65, consider:
Is the area fully exposed or sheltered?
How long will the lighting remain installed?
Is the event domestic or commercial?
What is the time of year and weather forecast?
If there is any doubt, a higher IP rating offers a safer margin.
Frequently Asked Questions
IP44 is not designed for permanent exposure to UK weather. IP65 is better suited to long-term or repeated outdoor use.
If the area is exposed and weather is uncertain, IP65 is usually the safer choice.
Yes. Moisture can still damage control units and connectors regardless of power source.
Summary
Understanding IP ratings is essential when choosing festoon lighting for outdoor use in the UK. IP44 suits sheltered spaces, while IP65 is the safer option for exposed environments. Selecting the correct rating reduces risk, improves reliability and helps ensure lighting remains consistent throughout an event.