IP Ratings
IP ratings are an international standard that indicates how much protection electronic enclosures and mechanical housings provide against dust, liquids, and external factors. In this guide, we explain what IP ratings are, why they are important, and their different application areas with examples.
What Does an IP Rating Mean?
IP codes consist of the letters IP followed by two digits. The first digit indicates the device's resistance to solid objects, while the second digit indicates the level of protection against liquids. This system provides clear and consistent information about a product's durability.
Example: IP67
- 6: Fully protected against dust.
- 7: Resistant to water at 1 meter depth for up to 30 minutes.
Why Are IP Ratings Important?
IP codes provide clear and measurable information about a product's durability, replacing vague terms like "waterproof" or "dustproof." This allows users to choose the most suitable enclosure or housing for their needs.
IP67 Mounting Foot Sealed Enclosures from Solidshell
What Do the Digits in an IP Rating Mean?
Each digit in the IP code represents a specific level of protection. The tables below explain these levels and related test details.
First Digit: Protection Against Solid Objects
| Digit | Protection Level | Test Details |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection. | Not tested against solid object ingress. |
| 1 | Objects >50mm. | Protection against large surfaces (e.g., accidental contact with a hand). |
| 2 | Objects >12.5mm. | Protection against fingers or similar objects. |
| 3 | Objects >2.5mm. | Tools, wires, etc. |
| 4 | Objects >1mm. | Nails, fine tools, and small objects. |
| 5 | Partial protection against dust. | Small particles may enter but do not affect device operation. |
| 6 | Full protection against dust. | Tested under vacuum. Fully resistant to dust ingress. |
Second Digit: Protection Against Liquids
| Digit | Protection Level | Test Details |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection. | Not tested against liquid ingress. |
| 1 | Vertically dripping water. | 10 minutes of testing, equivalent to 1 mm rainfall per minute. |
| 2 | Dripping water at 15° tilt. | 2.5 minutes in each direction, 10 minutes total. |
| 3 | Spraying water at 60° angle. | 5 minutes of water spraying. Pressure: 50-150 kPa. |
| 4 | Splashing water from all directions. | Protection against water splashing for 10 minutes. |
| 5 | Low-pressure water jets. | 3 minutes of testing, 12.5 L/min water flow. |
| 6 | High-pressure water jets. | 3 minutes of testing, 100 L/min water flow and 100 kPa pressure. |
| 7 | Temporary water immersion. | 30 minutes of immersion at 1 meter depth. |
| 8 | Continuous water immersion. | Protection according to depth and duration specified by manufacturer. |
| 9K | High-temperature pressurized water. | 30 seconds in each direction, 2 minutes total. |
Seals are generally used to ensure water resistance.
Common IP Ratings and Application Areas
IP65: Dust and Water Jet Resistant
- Protection: Full protection against dust; resistant to low-pressure water jets.
- Application Areas: Outdoor control boxes, factory equipment, and lighting devices.
IP67: Dust and Temporary Water Resistant
- Protection: Full protection against dust; resistant to water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
- Application Areas: Agricultural equipment, outdoor sensors, and industrial control devices.
IP68: Dust and Continuous Water Resistant
- Protection: Full protection against dust; continuous resistance to water beyond 1 meter.
- Application Areas: Marine electronics, underwater devices, and demanding industrial environments.
How to Choose the Right IP Rating?
When selecting an enclosure or product, answer these questions:
- Environment: Will the device be used in dusty, wet, or both conditions?
- Exposure Duration: Will contact be continuous or temporary?
- Application Area: Special requirements, such as water immersion or high-pressure cleaning.
Conclusion
IP ratings are critically important for ensuring that devices are safe and long-lasting in harsh environments.
At Solidshell, we offer IP Waterproof Enclosures specially designed for various industries.
We are also here for you with our custom manufacturing services to meet the needs of your projects. Contact us for more information and discover our solutions!