The IP code always consists of the letters IP (Ingress Protection) followed by two digits and an optional letter. The two digits and the last letter indicate the classified protection below.
First digit in IP code: Solids protection
The first digit in the IP rating code indicates the level of protection against solid foreign objects and accidental contact with hazardous components, such as electrical conductors. This ensures the enclosure meets safety standards by preventing access to dangerous parts and protecting against dust and debris.
Level Object size protected against Effective against
X - X means no data available to specify a protection rating
O Not protected No protection against contact and ingress of objects
1 >50mm in diameter Any large surface of the body
No protection against deliberate contact
2 >12.5mm in diameter Fingers or similar objects
3 >2.5mm in diameter Tools, thick wires, etc.
4 >1mm in diameter Most wires, screws, etc.
5 Dust protected Ingress of dust sufficient to cause damage inside the equipment operation
Complete protection against contact
6 Dust tight No ingress of dust
Complete protection against contact
Second digit in IP code: Liquids protection
The second digit in the IP rating indicates the degree of protection against water ingress. It distinguishes between resistance to low pressure water jets, high pressure water jets, and water tests, thus ensuring comprehensive safeguarding against water-related hazards.
Level
Object size protected against Effective against
X - X means there is no data available to specify a protection rating
O Not protected No protection against water ingress
1 Dripping water Vertically falling water drops
2 Dripping water when tilted < 15º Vertically falling water drops when enclosure is tilted < 15º
3 Spraying water Water sprayed at an angle < 60º from the vertical position
4 Splashing water Water splashing against the enclosure from any direction
5 Water jets Water projected by a nozzle (6.3mm) against the enclosure from any direction
6 Powerful water jets Water projected in powerful jets (12.5mm nozzle) against the enclosure from any direction
7 Immersion up to 1m Ingress of water when temporarily immersed (up to 1m of submersion)
8 Immersion beyond 1m Ingress of water when continuously immersed (beyond 1m of submersion)
9K* Powerful high temperature water jets Close-range, high pressure and high temperature spray downs
*Identified as IPx9 in standard IEC 60529. All tests with the letter ‘K’ are defined by standard ISO 20653