What do different IP classes mean?
For electrical or electronic equipment in demanding environments, it is important to have good enclosure protection that can reduce the risks of electric shock, fire, and explosion.
IP Rating
To indicate the level of protection an electrical item has against dust and water, they are marked with an IP rating. The IP rating consists of the letters “IP” followed by two digits, where the first describes the accessibility of live parts and the second describes the water protection.
An item marked with IP 54 is:
First digit: dust-protected
Second digit: protected against splashing water from all angles.
1st digit – degree of protection against contact and penetration of solid objects.
0 – No protection.
1 – Protection against penetration of solid objects larger than 50 millimeters.
2 – Protection against penetration of solid objects larger than 12 millimeters.
3 – Protection against penetration of solid objects larger than 2.5 millimeters.
4 – Protection against penetration of solid objects larger than 1 millimeter.
5 – Dust-protected (Some dust may penetrate without compromising function or safety).
6 – Dust-tight (No dust penetrates).
2nd digit – degree of protection against water penetration.
0 – No protection.
1 – Protected against dripping water.
2 – Protected against dripping water. The device must not tilt more than 15° from the normal angle.
3 – Protected against spraying water. Maximum angle 60°.
4 – Protected against splashing water from all angles.
5 – Protected against water jets from a nozzle.
6 – Protected against powerful water jets.
7 – Can be temporarily immersed in water without damage.
8 – Suitable for prolonged immersion in water, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
9 – Resistant to high-pressure hot water jets.