A guide to IP protection classes for electrical devices
In the world of electronics and electrical engineering, IP protection classes play a crucial role, especially when it comes to protecting devices from external influences such as dust and water. In this blog post, we will take an in-depth look at the various IP protection classes and explain each digit in a clear table.
What are IP protection classes?
IP stands for "International Protection". These classification systems are used to define the degree of protection that electrical devices offer against the ingress of foreign bodies such as dust and water. IP codes consist of two digits: The first digit indicates the degree of protection against solid foreign bodies, while the second digit indicates the degree of protection against water.
IP55: Important protection class for outdoor electrical appliances
IP55 is a protection class that is used for devices that are to be used outdoors. This protection class means that the device is protected against dust and water jets from any direction. More on the topic of IP55.
What does IPXX stand for?
The first digit stands for protection against solid foreign bodies. The second digit stands for protection against the ingress of water.
The explanation of each IP digit
|
Level
|
First digit: Solid particle protection
|
Second digit: Liquid ingress protection
|
|---|---|---|
|
0
|
No protection against contact and ingress of objects
|
No protection (no protection against water)
|
|
1
|
Protection against solid foreign bodies with a diameter > 50 mm
|
Protection against vertically falling drops
|
|
2
|
Protection against solid objects with a diameter > 12.5 mm
|
Protection against dripping water when the housing is inclined up to 15°
|
|
3
|
Protection against solid objects with a diameter > 2.5 mm
|
Protection against falling spray water up to 60° against the vertical
|
|
4
|
Protection against solid objects with a diameterr > 1 mm
|
Protection against splash water from all directions
|
|
5
|
Complete protection against dust deposits
|
Protection against water jets (from a nozzle) from any direction
|
|
6
|
Dust-tight (no ingress of dust possible)
|
Protection against strong water jets (from a nozzle) from any direction
|
|
7
|
|
Protection against temporary submersion up to 1 metre deep
|
|
8
|
|
Protection against permanent submersion under defined conditions
|
Practical application and conclusion
Knowledge of the IP protection classes is crucial to ensure that electrical devices can withstand the environmental conditions in which they are used. For example, a device with a higher IP rating is better suited for use in humid or dusty environments.
With this knowledge, you can make informed decisions and ensure that your electrical installations provide the necessary protection. For further information and advice, please do not hesitate to contact us at MAX HAURI.