EN 60529 outlines an international classification system for the sealing effectiveness of enclosures of electrical equipment against the intrusion into the equipment of foreign bodies (i.e. tools, dust, fingers) and moisture. This classification system utilizes the letters "IP" (Ingress Protection) followed by two digits.
1st Digit - Protection Against Solids
The first digit of the IP code indicates the degree that persons are protected against contact with moving parts (other than smooth rotating shafts, etc.) and the degree that equipment is protected against solid foreign bodies intruding into an enclosure.
| 0 |
No special protection. |
| 1 |
Protection from a large part of the body such as a hand (but no protection from deliberate access); from solid objects greater than 50mm in diameter. |
| 2 |
Protection against fingers or other object not greater than 80mm in length and 12mm in diameter. |
| 3 |
Protection from entry by tools, wires, etc., with a diameter of thickness greater than 2.5mm. |
| 4 |
Protection from entry by solid objects with a diameter or thickness greater than 1.0mm |
| 5 |
Protection against dust. |
| 6 |
Complete protection against dust. |
2nd Digit - Protection Against Water
The second digit indicates the degree of protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against the harmful entry of various forms of moisture (e.g. dripping, spraying, submersion, etc.)
| 0 |
No special protection. |
| 1 |
Protection from dripping water. |
| 2 |
Protection from vertically dripping water. |
| 3 |
Protection from sprayed water. |
| 4 |
Protection from splashed water. |
| 5 |
Protection from water projected from a nozzle. |
| 6 |
Protection against heavy seas, or powerful jets of water. |
| 7 |
Protection against ingress of water to a depth of 1 metre. |
| 8 |
Protection against complete, continuous submersion in water. |
E.g.: IP67 would be completely protected against dust and protected against the ingress of water up to a depth of 1 metre.
Maintaining an IP Rating
- Ensure that you use sealing washers on fittings between systems to maintain the IP rating.
- Metal fittings should either be tightened with a spanner or nipped with grips to ensure integrity of the IP rating.
