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IP RATINGS

IP ratings were established by the International Electromechanical Commission as defined in international standard IEC 60529. These are sometimes interpreted as (Ingress Protection Ratings or International Protection Rating) The ratings consist of the letters IP followed by two digits (characteristic numerals) sometimes an optional letter is used. 


The first digit indicates the level of protection against penetration that the enclosure provides against solid objects (including body parts, like fingers and hands) accessing hazardous parts, the second describes the protection against the ingress of water or liquids. 

This rating standard aims to provide users with more detailed information than just vague marketing terms such as waterproof or water resistant.Below is an easy to follow reference chart to help you decide which IP rating you will need


IP No.

First digit = Ingress of solid objects

Second digit = Ingress of liquids


0

No protection

No protection


1

Protected against solid objects over 50mm e.g. hands, large tools.

Protected against falling drops of water, if the case is disposed up to 15 from vertical.


2

Protected against solid objects over 12.5mm e.g. hands, large tools.

Protected against falling drops of water, if the case is disposed up to 15 from vertical.


3

Protected against solid objects over 2.5mm e.g. wire, small tools.

Protected against sprays of water from any direction, even if the case is disposed up to 60from vertical.


4

Protected against solid objects over 1.0mm e.g. wires.

Protected against splash water from any direction.


5

Limited protection against dust ingress.(no harmful deposit) 

Protected against low pressure water jets from any direction. Limited ingress permitted.


6

Totally protected against dust ingress.

Protected against high pressure water jets from any direction. Limited ingress permitted


7

N/A

Protected against short periods of immersion in water.


8

N/A

Protected against long, durable periods of immersion in water.


9k

N/A

Protected against close-range high pressure, high temperature spray downs.