International Protection (IP) Ratings

 

The IP rating system provides a means of classifying the degrees of protection from solid objects and liquids afforded by electrical equipment and enclosures. The system is recognized in most European countries and is set out in a number of British and European standards.These include: Classification of Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures, BS (British Standards) 5490:1977; IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) 529:1976. 

Specifications for Degrees of Protection of Enclosures of Switchgear and Control Gear for voltages up to and including 1000 VAC and 1200 VDC, BS 5420:1977; and IEC 144:1963.

First number

Protection against solid objects
0	no protection
1	protected against solid objects up to 50 mm (e.g. accidental touch by hands)
5	protected against dust-limited to ingress (no harmful deposits)
6	totally protected against dust

 

Second number

Protection against liquids
0	no protection
1	protected against vertically falling drops of water (e.g. condensation)
2	protected against direct sprays of water up to 15° from the vertical
4	protected against water sprayed from all directions—limited ingress permitted
6	protected against strong jets of water—limited ingress permitted (e.g. for use on ship decks)
7	protected against the effects of immersion between 15 cm and 1 m