The degree of protection (IP)

The degree of protection, also known as Ingress Protection (IP) rating, is a standard that classifies and rates the level of protection provided by electrical enclosures and casings against the intrusion of solid objects (like dust) and liquids (such as water). The IP rating is defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard IEC 60529. The IP rating consists of two digits, and in some cases, it may also include a letter to indicate additional protection features.

The IP rating format is as follows:

IPXY

• X: The first digit (ranging from 0 to 6) indicates the level of protection against solid objects, dust, and foreign particles.
• Y: The second digit (ranging from 0 to 9) indicates the level of protection against water and liquids.

Here's what each digit represents:

First Digit (Protection against solid objects):

• 0: No protection against solid objects (no protection against contact and ingress of objects).
• 1: Protection against solid objects larger than 50mm (e.g., a hand).
• 2: Protection against solid objects larger than 12.5mm (e.g., fingers).
• 3: Protection against solid objects larger than 2.5mm (e.g., tools and wires).
• 4: Protection against solid objects larger than 1mm (e.g., small wires).
• 5: Limited protection against dust ingress (some dust may enter, but it does not affect the proper functioning).
• 6: Complete protection against dust ingress (dust-tight).

Second Digit (Protection against water and liquids):

• 0: No protection against water (no protection against water ingress).
• 1: Protection against vertically falling water droplets (e.g., condensation).
• 2: Protection against water droplets when the enclosure is tilted up to 15 degrees from its normal position.
• 3: Protection against spraying water at an angle up to 60 degrees from vertical.
• 4: Protection against splashing water from any direction.
• 5: Protection against water jets from any direction.
• 6: Protection against powerful water jets or heavy seas.
• 7: Protection against temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter depth for 30 minutes.
• 8: Protection against continuous immersion in water beyond 1 meter depth (specific depth and duration specified by the manufacturer).

In some cases, a letter may follow the two-digit IP rating to indicate additional protection features, such as protection against oil or corrosive substances.

The IP rating is essential in various industries, especially when choosing equipment for outdoor or harsh environments, where protection against dust, moisture, and water is crucial to ensure the proper functioning and longevity of the devices.