Ingress Protection (IP) ratings are a globally recognized classification system that describes the degree of protection provided by mechanical casings and electrical enclosures against solids, liquids, and accidental contact. This guide explains the components of an IP rating, their importance, and applications across various industries, with clear examples and test details.
What Are IP Ratings?
IP ratings consist of two digits following the letters IP. The first digit indicates protection against solids, while the second digit describes protection against liquids. This standard ensures consistent information about a product's durability and suitability for specific environments.
Example: IP67
- 6: Dust-tight; no ingress of dust.
- 7: Protected against immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
Why Are IP Ratings Important?
IP ratings provide reliable, standardized information, eliminating ambiguity from terms like "waterproof" or "dustproof." They allow industries and consumers to select products that meet specific requirements, ensuring safety, functionality, and longevity.
IP67 Flanged Heavy Duty Enclosures by Altınkaya.
Components of an IP Rating
Each digit in an IP rating corresponds to a specific type of protection. The following tables outline the levels of protection and the associated test conditions.
First Digit: Protection Against Solids
Digit | Protection Levels | Test Details |
0 | No protection. | Not tested for solid ingress. |
1 | Objects >50mm. | Large surfaces like hands (no deliberate contact). |
2 | Objects >12.5mm. | Fingers or similar objects. |
3 | Objects >2.5mm. | Tools, thick wires, etc. |
4 | Objects >1mm. | Fine tools, nails, and small objects. |
5 | Partial dust protection. | Limited ingress allowed, but no interference with device operation. |
6 | Dust-tight. | No ingress allowed, tested under vacuum for up to 8 hours. |
Second Digit: Protection Against Liquids
Digit | Protection Levels | Test Details |
0 | No protection. | Not tested for liquid ingress. |
1 | Vertical dripping water. | Test duration: 10 minutes. Equivalent to 1mm rainfall per minute. |
2 | Dripping water at 15°. | Test duration: 2.5 minutes per tilt (10 minutes total). |
3 | Spraying water at 60°. | Test duration: 1 minute per m² for 5 minutes. Water pressure: 50-150 kPa. |
4 | Splashing water from all directions. | Test duration: 10 minutes. |
5 | Low-pressure water jets. | Test duration: 1 minute per m² for 3 minutes. Water flow: 12.5 L/min. |
6 | High-pressure water jets. | Test duration: 3 minutes. Water flow: 100 L/min at 100 kPa pressure. |
7 | Temporary immersion. | Test duration: 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter. |
8 | Continuous immersion. | Parameters set by the manufacturer (depth >1 meter). |
9K | High-pressure, high-temperature jets. | Test duration: 30 seconds per angle for 4 angles (2 minutes total). |
Seals are usually used to ensure waterproofing.
Common IP Ratings and Applications
IP65: Dust-Tight and Resistant to Water Jets
- Protection: Full protection against dust and low-pressure water jets.
- Applications: Outdoor control boxes, factory equipment, and lighting enclosures.
IP67: Dust-Tight and Temporary Immersion Resistant
- Protection: Fully dust-tight; protected against water immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
- Applications: Outdoor sensors, agricultural equipment, and industrial controllers.
IP68: Dust-Tight and Continuous Immersion Resistant
- Protection: Fully dust-tight; suitable for continuous immersion in water beyond 1 meter (manufacturer-specified conditions).
- Applications: Marine-grade electronics, underwater systems, and harsh industrial environments.
Choosing the Right IP Rating
When selecting an enclosure or product, consider:
- Environment: Dusty, wet, or both.
- Exposure Type: Continuous or temporary contact with harmful elements.
- Application: Specialized needs like jet cleaning, submersion, or high-temperature exposure.
Conclusion
IP ratings are crucial for ensuring product performance and durability in challenging environments. Whether it's protecting electronics in industrial settings or ensuring safety in underwater applications, understanding IP ratings allows users to make informed decisions. By adhering to these standardized codes, manufacturers and consumers alike can enhance safety, reliability, and longevity.
At Altınkaya, we offer a wide range of IP Waterproof Enclosures suitable for diverse applications. Additionally, we specialize in custom production, tailoring our enclosures to meet the unique requirements of your projects. Contact us to learn how we can support your specific needs with our durable and versatile solutions.