What is IP rating?

The Ingress Protection (IP) rating is a standard classification used to indicate the level of protection provided by an enclosure against various particles and liquids, such as dust and water. It is a globally recognized standard that ensures consumers have a clear understanding of the degree of protection offered by a device.

Understanding the IP rating system

The IP rating is composed of two digits. The first digit represents the level of protection against solid particles, while the second digit represents the level of protection against liquids. The higher the digit, the greater the protection. Let's delve into each digit in detail:

Solid particle protection - the first digit

The first digit of the IP rating indicates the degree of protection against solid objects. It ranges from 0 to 6, with 0 meaning no protection and 6 indicating complete protection against dust and other solid particles. Here's what each digit means:

0: No protection. The device is not safeguarded against any amount of solid ingress.

1: Protection against objects larger than 50 mm in size, like a human hand or large tools.

2: Protection against medium-sized objects larger than 12.5 mm, like fingers.

3: Protection against small objects larger than 2.5 mm, such as tools and thick wires.

4: Protection against objects larger than 1 mm, like most small screws.

5: Dust-protected. The ingress of dust is not entirely prevented, but it won't negatively affect the device's performance.

6: Completely dustproof. No dust can penetrate the enclosure.

Liquid protection - the second digit

The second digit of the IP rating specifies the device's protection against liquids. It ranges from 0 to 9, with 0 indicating no protection and 9 denoting complete waterproofing capabilities. Let's explore the different levels:

0: No protection. The device is not safeguarded against any liquid ingress.

1-3: Protection against dripping water or vertically falling water droplets at various angles.

4: Protection against splashing water from any direction.

5: Protection against low-pressure water jets from any direction.

6: Protection against high-pressure water jets or powerful waves.

7: Immersion protection, allowing the device to be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for a specified duration without damage.

8: Protection against continuous immersion beyond 1 meter, usually specified by the manufacturer.

9: Protection against high-pressure and high-temperature water jets, often used in industrial settings.

It's important to note that an IP rating with a higher first digit does not necessarily mean it provides better liquid protection. Both digits should be considered together to determine a device's comprehensive protection level.