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IP RATINGS
l
The IP (International Protection) rating given to an enclosure states the degree of protection it offers by means of two
digits. A summary of these is shown below; for a more detailed definition, see IEC 529: 1989, BS EN 60529: 1992.
The letter X can be used in place of the first or second digit to indicate that tests have either not been made or are not applicable.
N0TE
In the event of additional holes being drilled/pierced or knockouts removed, suitable measures should be taken to restore the products to the original ratings.
IEC 529, BS EN 60529 does not apply to protection against the risk of explosion or conditions such as humidity, corrosive gases, fungi or vermin.
In certain cases equipment designed to be mounted in an enclosure will contribute towards the stated IP rating (eg pushbuttons mounted in an enclosure).
Different parts of enclosures can have different degrees of protection and still conform to the standard (eg enclosures with pre-drilled conduit entry).
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FIRST DIGIT
Protection against solid foreign objects and access to hazardous parts
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The first digit covers protection against penetration by solid objects, which
includes hands and tools such as screwdrivers. At the lowest of seven levels,
0, no protection is offered, either of the equipment itself from damage by
intrusion or of a person contacting live or moving parts. At the highest, 6,
there shall be no entry of dust.
SECOND DIGIT
Protection against ingress of water
l
The second digit covers the degree of protection against the entry of water,
on a progressive scale. For example, number 1 indicates that dripping water
shall have no harmful effect, and number 6, that water projected in powerful
jets against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.
Protected against solid objects
up to 50mm
eg accidental touch by hands
Protected against solid objects
up to 12mm
eg fingers
Protected against solid objects
over 2.5mm
eg tools and wires
Protected against solid objects
over 1mm
eg tools, wires and small wires
Protected against dust
– limited ingress, no harmful deposits
No protection
Protected against vertically falling
drops of water
eg condensation
Protected against direct sprays of
water up to 15° from the vertical
Protected against sprays of water
up to 60° from the vertical
Protected against water splashed from
all directions
– limited ingress permitted
Protected against low pressure jets
of water from all directions
– limited ingress permitted
Protected against strong jets of water
eg for use on ship decks
– limited ingress permitted
No protection
1
2
3
4
5
IP
1
2
3
4
5
6
IP
0
0
Totally protected against dust
6
TECHN I CAL DATA
I P RAT I NGS