Ingress Protection (IP) , also known as the IP code , is an international standard that specifies the protection of an electrical enclosure or device against dust and water . The IP code consists of two digits that describe the degree of protection a device provides against the ingress of foreign particles (such as dust) and liquids (such as water).
Structure of the IP code:
The IP code consists of two digits:
- The first number indicates protection against solid particles (such as dust, sand, dirt, etc.).
- The second digit indicates protection against liquids (such as water).
First digit (protection against solids):
- 0 : No protection.
- 1 : Protected against objects larger than 50 mm (e.g. the hand).
- 2 : Protected against objects larger than 12.5 mm (e.g. fingers).
- 3 : Protected against objects larger than 2.5 mm (e.g. tools).
- 4 : Protected against objects larger than 1 mm (e.g. wire).
- 5 : Protected against dust (dust ingress is not completely excluded, but no damage should occur).
- 6 : Completely dustproof (no dust can enter the device).
Second digit (water protection):
- 0 : No protection.
- 1 : Protected against drops of water falling (e.g. rainfall).
- 2 : Protected against drops of water when the appliance is tilted up to 15°.
- 3 : Protected against drops of water at an angle of up to 60°.
- 4 : Protected against splashes of water from all directions.
- 5 : Protected against water jets from all directions.
- 6 : Protected against powerful jets of water (e.g. from a fire hose).
- 7 : Protected against immersion in water to a depth of 1 metre for 30 minutes.
- 8 : Protected against prolonged immersion in water (deeper than 1 meter, such as when used underwater).
- 9K : Protected against high pressure and high temperature water jets (for example in a car wash).
Examples of IP codes:
- IP65 : The device is dust-tight and protected against jet water (for example a waterproof outdoor lamp).
- IP67 : The device is dustproof and protected against immersion in water up to 1 meter deep (for example, a waterproof telephone).
- IP68 : The device is dustproof and protected against prolonged immersion in water (e.g. an underwater camera).
- IP44 : The device is protected against splashes of water and objects larger than 1 mm (e.g. outdoor lighting).
Summary:
The IP code indicates a device's resistance to dust and water. The higher the numbers in the IP code, the better the device is protected against environmental influences. When choosing lighting or equipment for outdoor use or for humid environments, it's important to choose a suitable IP rating to ensure the device can withstand the conditions it will be exposed to.