Representation Method of IP Protection Ratings
IP protection rating consists of IP followed by two digits, and the digits clearly define the protection level. The first digit indicates the range of protection of the equipment against fine dust or the degree of protection of persons against hazards, with the highest level being 6; the second digit indicates the degree of water protection of the equipment, with the highest level being 8.
First Digit After IP: Dustproof Rating
The dustproof rating ranges from 0 to 6, and the larger the number, the stronger the protection capability. The specific meanings are shown in the table below:
| Digit | Protection Scope | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection | No special protection against external persons or objects |
| 1 | Protection against ingress of solid foreign objects greater than 50 mm in diameter | Prevents accidental contact of the human body (such as the palm) with internal parts of electrical equipment, and prevents ingress of relatively large foreign objects (greater than 50 mm in diameter) |
| 2 | Protection against ingress of solid foreign objects greater than 12.5 mm in diameter | Prevents fingers from contacting internal parts of electrical equipment, and prevents ingress of medium-sized foreign objects (greater than 12.5 mm in diameter) |
| 3 | Protection against ingress of solid foreign objects greater than 2.5 mm in diameter | Prevents ingress of tools, wires, and similar small foreign objects with a diameter or thickness greater than 2.5 mm and contact with internal parts of electrical equipment |
| 4 | Protection against ingress of solid foreign objects greater than 1.0 mm in diameter | Prevents ingress of tools, wires, and similar small foreign objects with a diameter or thickness greater than 1.0 mm and contact with internal parts of electrical equipment |
| 5 | Protection against foreign objects and dust | Completely prevents ingress of foreign objects. Although dust ingress cannot be completely prevented, the amount of dust ingress will not affect the normal operation of the electrical equipment |
| 6 | Protection against foreign objects and dust | Completely prevents ingress of foreign objects and dust |
Second Digit After IP: Waterproof Rating
The waterproof rating ranges from 0 to 8, and the larger the number, the stronger the waterproof capability. The specific meanings are shown in the table below:
| Digit | Protection Scope | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection | No special protection against water or moisture |
| 1 | Protection against ingress of dripping water | Vertically falling water droplets (such as condensation) will not cause damage to the electrical equipment |
| 2 | Protection against ingress of dripping water when tilted at 15 degrees | When the electrical equipment is tilted from vertical to 15 degrees, dripping water will not cause damage to the electrical equipment |
| 3 | Protection against ingress of sprayed water | Protection against rain or water sprayed at an angle less than 60 degrees from the vertical that may enter the electrical equipment and cause damage |
| 4 | Protection against ingress of splashing water | Prevents water splashing from all directions from entering the electrical equipment and causing damage |
| 5 | Protection against ingress of jetted water | Prevents water jetted from nozzles in all directions from entering the electrical equipment and causing damage |
| 6 | Protection against ingress of heavy seas | Electrical equipment installed on decks can be protected from damage caused by heavy seas |
| 7 | Protection against ingress of water during immersion | When the electrical equipment is immersed in water for a certain period of time or under a certain standard of water pressure, it can be ensured that no damage is caused by immersion |
| 8 | Protection against ingress of water during submersion | A structure that can be completely immersed in water; the test conditions are determined by the manufacturer and the user |
Difference Between IP67 and IP68
IP67 and IP68 are common protection safety levels. IP67 means dustproof rating 6 and waterproof rating 7, that is, completely dustproof and capable of short-term immersion in water; IP68 means dustproof rating 6 and waterproof rating 8, that is, completely dustproof and capable of long-term immersion in water. During selection, it is necessary to determine according to the actual working conditions.
Common Questions
How to choose an IP protection rating?
- Indoor dry environment: IP20 or IP30 is sufficient.
- Outdoor or with splashing water: IP54 or above is recommended.
- Possible short-term immersion: choose IP67.
- Long-term underwater use: choose IP68.
What are the IP rating testing standards?
IP ratings are tested according to IEC 60529 and GB/T 4208 standards to ensure reliable protection performance.