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189
Technical
information
Lighting
Ingress protection system
EN 60529
The resistive performance of fittings to solids and liquids is indicated by the IP (Ingress Protection) prefix followed by two numbers. The first
number indicates the measure of protection against the ingress of solids.
The second number indicates the measure of protection against the ingress of liquids.
Protection against the ingress of solids
First identification number
Number
Measure of protection
Test
IP2X
Against foreign bodies > 12mm Ø
Ball 12mm Ø and finger test
IP3X
Against foreign bodies > 2.5mm Ø
Steel wire 2.5mm Ø
IP4X
Against foreign bodies > 1.0mm Ø
Steel wire 1.0mm Ø
IP5X
Against harmful dust deposits (dust proof)
Talcum powder – particles 1 μm Ø
IP6X
Against any entry of dust (dust light)
Talcum powder – particles 1 μm Ø
Protection against the ingress of liquids
Second identification number
Number
Measure of protection
Test
IPX1
Against falling drops of water
Water falling vertically
IPX2
Against falling drops of water
Water falling up to 15º from vertical
IPX3
Against falling drops of water (rain proof)
Water falling up to 60º from vertical
IPX4
Against splashed water (splash proof)
Water from all directions
IPX5
Against jets of water (jet proof)
Water from all directions projected by a nozzle
IPX6
Against heavy seas or powerful water jets
Water from all directions projected by a nozzle
IPX7
Against prolonged immersion effects, but not for
continuous underwater application
Immersion in water > 1m for 30 minutes
IPX8
Against prolonged submersion
Immersion in water > 1m max for 30 minutes –
max. depth tested indicated after symbol (pressure
water-tight)
These illustrations and the advice opposite are based
on BS 7671:2008 the IEE Wiring Regulations 17th
Edition, Section 701. For full details please look in
this document. For lighting installed in Zone 1 and 2
all luminaires must be at least IPX4, or IPX5 if water
jets are used for cleaning. All circuits for current-using
equipment and accessories must be protected by
RCD’s of 30mA rating. SELV (12V ac) luminaires must
have the SELV source (transformer) outside the zones
e.g. in the ceiling void.
Current-using equipment and accessories in locations containing a bath or
shower