If you are searching for "waterproof cordless lamp," you are almost certainly looking for the wrong thing. Here is why.
True waterproofing (IP67+) means a device can be submerged in water. Pool lights are waterproof. Dive torches are waterproof. A table lamp sitting on your patio table does not need to survive submersion — it needs to survive rain splashes, morning dew, a knocked-over drink, and humid summer air.
That level of protection is called splash resistance, and the specification you need is IP44. Understanding the difference saves you from overpaying for unnecessary protection and from buying a lamp with no protection at all.
IP Ratings Explained Simply
IP stands for Ingress Protection — an international standard (IEC 60529) that rates how well a device resists solid objects and water. The rating is two digits:
First digit (0-6): Protection against solids
| Rating | Protection |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Objects >50mm (hand) |
| 2 | Objects >12.5mm (finger) |
| 3 | Objects >2.5mm (tools) |
| 4 | Objects >1mm (wires, insects) |
| 5 | Dust-protected (limited ingress) |
| 6 | Dust-tight (complete seal) |
Second digit (0-9): Protection against water
| Rating | Protection |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Vertical dripping |
| 2 | Dripping at 15-degree tilt |
| 3 | Spraying water (60-degree angle) |
| 4 | Splashing from any direction |
| 5 | Low-pressure water jets |
| 6 | High-pressure water jets |
| 7 | Temporary submersion (30 min, 1m) |
| 8 | Continuous submersion |
What IP44 Means for a Cordless Lamp
An IP44-rated lamp is protected against:
- Solids >1mm — insects, sand, debris, and small particles cannot enter the lamp housing. Your lamp will not fill up with bugs over a summer of patio use.
- Water splash from any direction — rain splashing off the table, dew collecting overnight, a glass of wine tipping over, condensation from humidity. All within spec.
An IP44 lamp is not protected against:
- Sustained heavy rain — a downpour from directly above for extended periods exceeds the splash specification
- Water jets — a garden hose pointed at the lamp would exceed the rating
- Submersion — dropping it in a pool or bucket would damage it
In Plain Language
Use your IP44 lamp on a covered patio, a terrace, a balcony, or a garden table. If it starts to rain lightly, the lamp is fine. If a thunderstorm rolls in, bring it under cover or inside. The same common sense you would apply to your phone or a nice book.
IP44 vs IP65 vs IP67: What You Actually Need
| Rating | Protection Level | Typical Products | Need This for a Table Lamp? |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP44 | Splash-resistant | Outdoor table lamps, patio equipment | Yes — this is the right rating |
| IP54 | Dust-protected + splash | Outdoor speakers, garden tools | Overkill for a lamp |
| IP65 | Dust-tight + low-pressure jets | Outdoor wall sconces, bollard lights | Designed for permanently installed fixtures |
| IP66 | Dust-tight + high-pressure jets | Marine equipment, industrial lighting | Unnecessary for any table lamp |
| IP67 | Dust-tight + submersible (1m/30min) | Pool lights, underwater fixtures | Only if your lamp lives in a pool |
| IP68 | Dust-tight + continuous submersion | Dive lights, underwater cameras | No table lamp needs this |
The reason outdoor table lamps use IP44 rather than IP65+ is deliberate:
- Higher IP ratings require heavier sealing — gaskets, sealed ports, reinforced housings. This adds weight, limits design options, and increases cost.
- Table lamps are portable — you bring them inside when not in use. A permanently installed wall sconce that stays outside 24/7/365 needs IP65. A lamp you carry in after dinner does not.
- The USB-C port — a fully sealed (IP67+) enclosure would require a waterproof port cover that users would inevitably leave open. IP44 protects the port adequately for normal outdoor use while keeping charging convenient.
Which Serholt Lamps Are IP44 Rated?
Four models carry IP44 certification — all from the Signature Collection:
| Lamp | IP Rating | Battery | Price | Best Outdoor Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avenue | IP44 | 109 hrs | $579 | Statement patios, hotel terraces |
| Shelby | IP44 | 109 hrs | $479 | Everyday patios, restaurant terraces |
| Vega | IP44 | 109 hrs | $479 | Design-forward outdoor spaces |
| Aira | IP44 | 94 hrs | $479 | Compact balconies, bistro tables |
What About the Non-IP44 Models?
The Asteria, Cassia, and Asteria Mini carry no IP rating. They are designed for indoor use only. Can you use them on a completely covered, dry patio for an evening? Probably. But they are not tested or certified for moisture resistance, and outdoor use is not covered by the warranty.
If you plan to use a lamp outdoors regularly, choose an IP44 model. Browse all four in the outdoor table lamps collection.
Outdoor Lamp Care for Maximum Longevity
IP44 protection does not mean "leave outside permanently and forget." Here are practical care tips:
Daily Use
- Place lamps on stable, level surfaces
- After outdoor use, wipe down with a dry or damp cloth to remove moisture, pollen, or salt air (coastal areas)
- Charge indoors — keep the USB-C port dry during charging
Seasonal Care
- Spring/Summer: Normal outdoor use. Avoid direct midday sun for extended periods — heat degrades lithium-ion batteries faster than cold.
- Autumn: Continue use on dry evenings. Bring inside during frosty nights.
- Winter (cold climates): Store indoors at 50-80% charge. Lithium-ion batteries perform poorly below 0°C and can be damaged by sustained freezing temperatures.
- Winter (mild climates): Normal use continues. Wipe dew off before bringing inside.
What Damages an IP44 Lamp
- Sustained submersion (dropping in pool, leaving in standing water)
- Direct sustained stream of water (garden hose, pressure washer)
- Extended exposure to freezing temperatures
- Charging while the USB-C port is wet
What Does Not Damage an IP44 Lamp
- Rain splashes while under a patio umbrella
- Morning dew overnight
- Humidity on a summer evening
- A spilled glass of wine
- Poolside mist and splash
- Being carried through rain from patio to house
The Bottom Line
"Waterproof" is the wrong word for a cordless table lamp. What you need is splash-resistant, and the rating that provides it is IP44.
IP44 handles everything a patio lamp encounters in normal outdoor use — rain splashes, dew, humidity, and spilled drinks. Higher ratings (IP65, IP67) are designed for permanently installed fixtures and submersible equipment, not portable table lamps.
All four Serholt outdoor models are IP44 rated and designed for years of indoor/outdoor use. Browse them in the outdoor table lamps collection or read the full outdoor lamp guide for setup and seasonal care tips.
