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IP stands for IP rating or IP code, which is a way of showing the effectiveness of electrical enclosures in blocking foreign bodies such as dust, moisture, liquids, and accidental contact. The IP rating required depends on the installation site and the environmental conditions in each case. The IP rating consists of the letters IP (for Ingress Protection), followed by two digits. The first digit indicates the level of protection that the enclosure provides against the ingress of solid foreign objects, while the second digit indicates the level of protection against harmful ingress of water. The higher the number after IP, the better the protection against foreign bodies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Form | IP: Ingress Protection |
| Protection Against | Foreign objects, dust, moisture, liquids, accidental contact |
| Protection Level | 0-9, X, K, W, S, B |
| First Digit | Level of protection against ingress of solid objects |
| Second Digit | Level of protection against liquid ingress |
| IP67 | Dust resistant, protected from immersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes |
| IP68 | Protected from immersion of at least 1 meter of water for 30 minutes |
| IP69K | Highest protection, used in heavy washdown environments |
| IP54 | Minimum requirement for industrial power supplies |
| IP55 | Limited protection from dust and low-pressure water jets |
| IP22 | Protected against insertion of fingers, safe during dripping water tests |
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What You'll Learn
IP ratings and what they mean
IP stands for Ingress Protection and is a standardised system that indicates how well a device resists dust, dirt, and water. IP ratings are defined by the international standard EN 60529 (British Standard BS EN 60529:1992). This standard defines levels of sealing effectiveness against “ingress” or intrusion from foreign bodies such as tools, dirt, and liquid water.
IP ratings consist of the letters IP, which are then followed by two digits. The higher the number after IP, the better the protection against foreign bodies. The first digit indicates the level of protection against the ingress of solid foreign objects, such as dust, tools, or fingers that could be hazardous if they came into contact with electrical conductors or moving parts. The second digit rates the enclosure's protection against liquids, using a scale from 0 (no protection) to 9 (high-pressure hot water from different angles).
For example, an IP67 rating means the device is completely dust-tight (6) and can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes (7). IPX8 has no solid particle protection rating but can be continuously submerged in water beyond 1 meter. IPX9K is resistant to high-pressure, high-temperature water jets and is used in industrial applications.
IP ratings are important for electrical equipment to ensure safety and durability. For instance, a valve used outdoors should have a high level of water resistance (e.g. IP67 or IP68) to prevent electrical hazards caused by water ingress. IP-rated enclosures are also used to protect electronics or other sensitive equipment in various sectors and industries, including energy distribution and marine or chemical environments.
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How IP ratings are determined
IP or Ingress Protection ratings are determined by accounting for the environmental conditions in which the device is intended to be used. The ratings are given to certain devices to indicate how resistant they are to dust, water, and other elements. The IP rating system uses two numbers to indicate the level of protection provided by an electrical connector or other pieces of equipment against the ingress of solid particles and water. The first number indicates the level of protection an electrical enclosure gives against solids, and the second number indicates the level of protection against liquids. The higher the number, the greater the protection level.
The first digit of the IP rating indicates the level of protection against the ingress of solid foreign bodies such as dust, tools, or fingers that could be hazardous if they came into contact with electrical components. The first number in an IP rating can range from 0 to 6. The levels of protection are determined as follows: 0 – The device has no protection from foreign bodies; 1 – The device is protected against solid objects greater than 50mm, such as accidental touch by hands; 2 – The device is protected against solid objects up to 12mm, for example, it is protected against fingers; 3 – The device is protected against solid objects greater than 2.5mm, such as tools and wires; 4 – The device is protected against solid objects greater than 1mm; 5 – The device has limited protection against small amounts of dust.
The second digit of the IP rating indicates the level of protection against liquids. The second number can range from 0 to 8 or 9. An IP66-rated enclosure, for example, provides protection against high-pressure water jets. The test includes the enclosure being subjected to 100 litres per minute of water volume with a pressure of 100 kPa at a distance of 3m for at least 3 minutes. An IP68 rating means the product can survive total submersion in water. An IP67 rating means that the enclosure provides protection against immersion up to 1m. The test for this includes immersion at a depth of at least 1m for 30 minutes or more.
The specific test methods used to determine the IP rating of a piece of equipment are outlined in the International Electrotechnical Commission's (IEC) standard 60529, Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures (IP Code). This standard provides detailed guidelines for testing and rating the protection provided by enclosures against the ingress of solid particles and water.
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The importance of IP ratings
IP, or Ingress Protection, ratings are a standardised way of indicating the effectiveness of electrical enclosures in blocking foreign bodies such as dust, moisture, liquids, and accidental contact. The IP rating system is defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) under the international standard IEC 60529, which classifies and provides guidelines for the degree of protection provided by mechanical casings and electrical enclosures against intrusion, dust, accidental contact, and water. The standard aims to provide users with more detailed information than vague marketing terms such as waterproof.
IP ratings are particularly crucial for devices that will be exposed to water or humidity, such as those used outdoors or in humid environments. For instance, if a device is likely to encounter pressurised water, an IP66-rated enclosure would be necessary to provide protection against high-pressure water jets. Similarly, IP ratings are essential for devices that need to be protected from dust and other solid foreign objects.
In addition to ensuring the durability and reliability of devices, IP ratings also play a role in safety. For instance, IP22 or IP2X-rated electrical accessories are designed to prevent the insertion of fingers, reducing the risk of electric shock.
Furthermore, IP ratings are important for manufacturers and suppliers as they standardise the capabilities and limitations of their products, providing clear information to customers. This helps customers make informed decisions and ensures that products meet their specific requirements.
Overall, IP ratings are essential for ensuring the safety, functionality, and durability of electrical devices. By understanding the level of protection offered by different IP ratings, users can select the appropriate devices for their intended use, preventing potential damage and ensuring the correct functioning of electrical equipment.
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IP ratings for indoor use
IP or Ingress Protection ratings are a way of showing how effective an electrical enclosure is at blocking foreign bodies such as dust, moisture, liquids, and accidental contact. The IP rating required depends on the installation site and the environmental conditions.
IP ratings consist of the letters IP, followed by two digits. The higher the number after IP, the better the protection against foreign bodies. The first digit indicates the level of protection against the ingress of solid foreign objects, while the second digit indicates the level of protection against the ingress of water.
IP22 or IP2X are typical minimum requirements for the design of electrical accessories for indoor use. IP20-rated light fittings are often used in indoor spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, or hallways. An IP23 rating is considered more stringent than IP23S as it covers IP23M, which means 'Device is in motion during the water test'. IP23 is suitable for lighting above a bench or table where food is prepared.
IP44 and above can be used for both indoor and general outdoor use. IP54 is the minimum requirement for decentralised switch-mode power supplies. IP55 offers limited protection from dust and low-pressure water jets from any direction. IP65-rated products offer reliable protection for indoor and outdoor applications and provide protection against solid ingress from debris, dust, and high-pressure water jets.
IP67-rated enclosures offer protection from temporary submersion at a depth of up to one metre for up to 30 minutes. IP68-rated enclosures offer protection from immersion of at least one metre and up to 30 minutes.
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IP ratings for outdoor use
IP stands for Ingress Protection, which refers to the level of protection offered by an electrical enclosure or mechanical casings against solids and liquids. The IP rating for outdoor lights ranks a light fixture by how effectively it is protected from exterior elements such as liquids or solid objects. This dictates where your lights can be installed and how much moisture or external force they can safely come into contact with.
The IP rating indicates the extent to which an electrical device is protected against the penetration of foreign objects and moisture. The first digit of the IP rating indicates the level of protection against the ingress of solid foreign objects, while the second digit indicates the level of protection that the enclosure provides against the ingress of water. The higher the digits, the more protection the light source has.
The minimum IP rating for outdoor use depends on the conditions, such as whether the equipment is in a partially enclosed or covered area. IPX3 generally offers enough protection for speakers or lights in a partially enclosed or covered area. IPX4 is often used as the minimum IP rating for equipment installed in more exposed outdoor spaces, so a light or speaker with a rating of IP44 would be suitable. IPX5 will be the minimum rating if you intend to use a pressure washer to clean the equipment.
IP ratings for power supply enclosures tend to be lower (typically IP20+) to allow for breathability and heat transfer while protecting against accidental tool or finger ingress to protect users. IP22 or IP2X are typical minimum requirements for the design of electrical accessories for indoor use. IP54 is required as a minimum across all system components for industrial power supplies.
IP67 and IP68 offer protection from immersion, with the former being protected from immersion at a depth of 1 metre and for 30 minutes, and the latter being protected from immersion of at least 1 metre and up to 30 minutes. IP69K is the highest protection IP rating, providing complete protection against the ingress of dust and water jets directed at the enclosure using high temperature and pressure.
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Frequently asked questions
IP stands for Ingress Protection.
The IP rating indicates how well an electrical device is protected against foreign bodies, moisture, and liquids.
The first digit indicates the level of protection against the ingress of solid objects, and the second digit refers to the level of protection against liquid ingress.
The ideal IP rating depends on the intended use case. If you need more protection from water or foreign solid objects, move up the scale. If you don't need as much protection, you can save money by moving down the rating scale. IP65 is a common choice for outdoor enclosures as it can handle heavy rain and is dust-tight.
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