The IP “Ingress Protection” categories, also known as International Protection Marking, are used to specify the degree of protection provided by an enclosure or device against the intrusion of foreign objects, such as dust and water.
The IP code consists of two digits, where the first digit indicates the level of protection against solid objects, and the second digit indicates the level of protection against liquids. Here is a summary of the IP categories:
First digit:
- 0: No protection against contact and ingress of objects.
- 1: Protection against objects larger than 50 mm in diameter, such as a hand.
- 2: Protection against objects larger than 12.5 mm in diameter, such as fingers.
- 3: Protection against objects larger than 2.5 mm in diameter, such as tools.
- 4: Protection against objects larger than 1 mm in diameter, such as wires.
- 5: Protection against dust that may harm equipment.
- 6: Dust-tight protection.
Second digit:
- 0: No protection against liquids.
- 1: Protection against vertically falling drops of water, such as rain.
- 2: Protection against water droplets falling at a 15-degree angle or less.
- 3: Protection against water spray from any direction at an angle of up to 60 degrees.
- 4: Protection against water splashes from any direction.
- 5: Protection against water jets from any direction.
- 6: Protection against powerful water jets and waves.
- 7: Protection against immersion in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.
- 8: Protection against continuous immersion in water beyond 1 meter.
- 9: Protection against high-pressure water jets and steam cleaning.
It’s important to note that the IP code only measures the level of protection against dust and water and does not provide information on other environmental factors that may affect the performance of the equipment, such as extreme temperatures or impact. Therefore, it’s essential to consult the manufacturer’s specifications and guidelines for the specific device and application before using it in harsh conditions.