Your garage is more than a place to park the car. It's often a workshop, storage space and hobby room all in one. That calls for lighting that can handle moisture, cold and dust. But which IP rating do you really need, and how much light? In this guide you'll choose the right garage lighting in three steps.
In short
- Dry, heated garage: IP20 is fine, but only if condensation never forms.
- Most garages: IP44, resistant to moisture and a wet car.
- Unheated, dusty or washing the car: choose IP65, such as a tri-proof fitting.
- Light colour: 4000K cool white and around 300 to 500 lux on the floor.
Already know what you're looking for? Jump straight to the right products:
Which IP rating suits your garage?
The IP code has two digits: the first for dust, the second for water. You'll find more explanation in IP rating explained. For the garage it comes down to this:
🏠 IP20 · dry, heated garage
Only if the garage is dry and you never park the car inside wet. As soon as condensation forms, IP20 is too low. In practice I rarely recommend it for garages.
💧 IP44 · most garages
Splash-proof and resistant to moisture and condensation. Perfect if you drive in with a wet car or don't heat the garage.
🧹 IP54 · workshop with dust
Dust-protected and splash-proof. Handy if you saw, sand or tinker in the garage.
🌧️ IP65 · wet, cold or dusty
Completely dust-tight and resistant to water jets. The safe choice if you wash the car in the garage or if it's damp and cold in there.
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Heated garage, just parking the car | IP20 (IP44 if you're unsure) |
| Unheated garage, wet car | IP44 |
| Garage as a workshop (dust) | IP54 or higher |
| Washing the car, pressure washer | IP65 |
| Carport or open shelter | IP44 to IP65 |
Matching products:
Tri-proof fitting 120 cm · IP655400 lumens, 4000K, linkableView ›
Tri-proof fitting 150 cm · IP659000 lumens, 4000K, linkableView ›
How much light do you need in the garage?
For just parking and grabbing things, around 300 lux is enough. If you tinker or do DIY jobs there, count on 500 lux. Here's how to calculate it: lux × m² ÷ 0.6 = lumens needed.
| Garage | Parking only (300 lux) | DIY jobs (500 lux) |
|---|---|---|
| Single garage 3 × 6 m | 9,000 lm · 2 fittings of 120 cm | 15,000 lm · 4 fittings of 120 cm |
| Double garage 6 × 6 m | 18,000 lm · 3 fittings of 150 cm | 30,000 lm · 5 fittings of 150 cm |
Calculated with tri-proof fittings of 4500 lumens (120 cm) and 6300 lumens (150 cm), rounded up. You'll find the detailed calculator in LED lighting in the workshop.
Tip: hang the fittings in rows beside the car instead of directly above it. That way the light also falls along the sides and the wheels, where you usually need to be.
📩 Handy overview?
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Practical tips for garage lighting
- Choose 4000K cool white. Bright, functional light in which you can see details and colours clearly. More in colour temperature explained.
- Extra light above the workbench. A short 60 cm fitting directly above the worktop prevents shadows.
- A switch by the door, or choose a fitting with a motion sensor: then the light comes on by itself when you walk in with your hands full. Read more about lighting with a sensor.
- Linkable fittings save on wiring: you hang a whole row from one power supply.
- Combine with a separate work light for jobs under the car or in the engine bay.
- Old fluorescent fittings? Often you can just replace the tube, see the step-by-step guide to replacing fluorescent tubes with LED.
Handy to have with it:
Tri-proof 150 cm with sensor · IP65Light on as soon as you walk inView ›
Tri-proof fitting 60 cm · IP652790 lumens, above the workbenchView ›
Floodlight 10W · IP65For the driveway or garage doorView ›
Work light on stand · IP44900 lumens, with plugView ›
Why LED in the garage?
⚡ Full light instantly
Even in frost. An old fluorescent tube flickers in a cold garage and only becomes bright after minutes.
💶 Economical
LED uses up to half as much as fluorescent. You'll find worked examples in LED vs incandescent, halogen and energy-saving bulbs.
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Frequently asked questions
Which IP rating do I need for a garage?
Is IP20 enough for a garage?
How many lumens do I need for a garage?
Which light colour is best for the garage?
Does LED lighting work in a cold garage?
What does IK08 mean on a fitting?
Kind regards,
Bas / LEDPLANET.NL