In brief
The IP rating to IEC/EN 60529 indicates how well an enclosure is protected against contact, ingress of foreign objects and water.
Contents
What is IP rating?
IP stands for International Protection and is also commonly read as Ingress Protection. The IP code is defined in the standard IEC 60529, in Europe EN 60529 (DIN EN 60529 in Germany), and describes the degree of protection provided by enclosures of electrical equipment. It can be found on motors, control cabinets, sensors, luminaires, valve coils and many other devices.
The code consists of the letters IP and two characteristic numerals. The first numeral, from 0 to 6, describes protection against access to hazardous parts and the ingress of solid foreign objects, up to dust-tightness. The second numeral describes protection against water, from vertically falling drops through splashing and jetting water to immersion. If a requirement is not specified, an X takes its place. Additional letters can provide further information.
Typical examples: IP54 means dust-protected and protected against splashing water, IP65 dust-tight and protected against water jets, IP67 dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion. Higher water protection does not automatically include all lower tests, which is why some devices carry several ratings.
In practice: maintenance and procurement
When replacing equipment, the IP rating should be at least that of the original and suit the installation situation, for example with water-jet cleaning or outdoor installation. The rating only applies if seals, cable glands and covers are correctly fitted.
Synonyms and abbreviations: IP code · ingress protection · degree of protection · IP protection class · enclosure rating
Frequently asked questions
What do the two digits of the IP rating mean?
The first digit indicates protection against contact and solid foreign objects, from 0 for unprotected to 6 for dust-tight. The second digit describes protection against water, from 0 for unprotected through dripping, splashing and jetting water to immersion. The higher the digit, the higher the respective protection.
What is the difference between IP65 and IP67?
Both ratings mean dust-tight. IP65 additionally protects against water jets from any direction, IP67 against temporary immersion under specified test conditions. An IP67 device is therefore not automatically tested against water jets; anyone who needs both should look for a dual rating such as IP65/IP67.
What does IP54 mean?
IP54 stands for dust-protected and protected against splashing water from all directions. Dust may enter in limited quantities, but not in an amount that impairs operation. This rating is common for many industrial devices in dry to moderately humid indoor areas, but is often not sufficient for wet cleaning or outdoor installation.
What does an X in the IP rating mean, for example IPX4?
The X replaces a numeral that has not been specified or tested. IPX4 therefore means that only protection against splashing water is specified, not protection against foreign objects. It cannot be concluded from this that there is no protection against foreign objects; it is simply not classified.