CloseIngress Protection (IP) Code
Ingress Protection (IP) ratings define the level of protection provided by enclosures to prevent the ingress of foreign objects (dust) and liquid into the electrical equipment.
International Standard IEC 60529 outlines an international classification system that describes the sealing characteristics of electrical equipment.
The classification system uses the “IP” code, or “Ingress Protection” code, to define the level of seal.
An IP number contains two numbers (i.e. IP67) in most instances which relate to the level of protection provided by an enclosure or housing.
Either number may be shown as “X” (i.e. IPX6 / IP7X) to indicate the “X” part is not tested.
Degrees of Solid Particle Protection – 1st Digit
| IP6x | No ingress of dust; complete protection against contact. (Dust tight) |
|---|---|
| IP5x | Protected from the amount of dust that would interfere with normal operation. (Dust protected) |
Degrees of Liquid Ingress Protection – 2nd Digit
| IPx8 | Protected against continuous immersion in water. Depth and duration specified by model. |
|---|---|
| IPx7 | Protected against temporary immersion in water for 1 m (3.3 ft) for 30 minutes |
| IPx6 | Protected against water projected by powerful jets from any direction. 100 L per minute by a powerful jets (12.5 mm) for 3 minutes. |
| IPx5 | Protected against water projected by jets from any direction. 12.5 L per minute by a nozzle (6.3 mm) for 3 minutes. |
| IPx4 | Protected against water splashed against the equipment from any direction |
