IP rating explained
Electrical material is classified with a numerical code that describes the degrees of protection for enclosures and casings - a so-called IP rating.
The meaning of an IP rating
IP (Ingress Protection) is an international classification that shows how protected an electronic device is against the ingress of solid objects and water. For all electrical or electronic equipment in demanding environments, for example where dust, corrosive substances, moisture and water can penetrate, it is very important to have a good enclosure. All to reduce the risks of electric shock, fire and explosion.
Requirements for IP rating
The minimum requirements are today found in installation- and product standards for electrical safety and explosion protection. Enclosure requirements are also placed on all electrical material with high requirements on reliability and where penetrating dust can cause disturbances.
Different IP ratings
The IP rating consists of a two-digit number.
The first number indicates the level of protection against penetration of solid objects such as dust and gravel. The value is given from 0 to 6, where 0 means it is completely unprotected while 6 means it is dustproof.
The second number tells how well the device resists water. The value is given from 0 to 9, where 0 means no protection against water and 8 that it can be submerged in water without taking damage or becoming dangerous. 9 means that it also has the same protection as 8 even in hot water.
IP rating explained
Electrical material is classified with a numerical code that describes the degrees of protection for enclosures and casings - a so-called IP rating.
The meaning of an IP rating
IP (Ingress Protection) is an international classification that shows how protected an electronic device is against the ingress of solid objects and water. For all electrical or electronic equipment in demanding environments, for example where dust, corrosive substances, moisture and water can penetrate, it is very important to have a good enclosure. All to reduce the risks of electric shock, fire and explosion.
Requirements for IP rating
The minimum requirements are today found in installation- and product standards for electrical safety and explosion protection. Enclosure requirements are also placed on all electrical material with high requirements on reliability and where penetrating dust can cause disturbances.
Different IP ratings
The IP rating consists of a two-digit number.
The first number indicates the level of protection against penetration of solid objects such as dust and gravel. The value is given from 0 to 6, where 0 means it is completely unprotected while 6 means it is dustproof.
The second number tells how well the device resists water. The value is given from 0 to 9, where 0 means no protection against water and 8 that it can be submerged in water without taking damage or becoming dangerous. 9 means that it also has the same protection as 8 even in hot water.
IP rating summarized
- IP is an international classification that shows how protected an electronic device is.
- The mini requirements are found in installation- and product standards for electrical safety.
- IP rating consists of two digits. The first refers to the protection against solid objects such as dust and dirt. The second digit indicates how well the device resists water.
- The value of the digits indicates how well the product is encapsulated. 0 means that it is completely unprotected and the last digits 6 and 9 mean that it has maximum protection.
IP rating summarized
- IP is an international classification that shows how protected an electronic device is.
- The mini requirements are found in installation- and product standards for electrical safety.
- IP rating consists of two digits. The first refers to the protection against solid objects such as dust and dirt. The second digit indicates how well the device resists water.
- The value of the digits indicates how well the product is encapsulated. 0 means that it is completely unprotected and the last digits 6 and 9 mean that it has maximum protection.