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Everybody knows the meaning of IP codes. Do you really know it?
This post will explain it a bit more in detail.
IP is the abbreviation for: International Protection.
The code is starting with the two letters IP followed by two numerals.
Optional it ends with one or two more letters but in this post we will concentrate
us on the two numerals.
At first you have to understand that IP65 is not IP sixty-five.
Each numeral must be seen as an individual number with its own meaning.
Knowing this IP65 is IP six five.
In this example the first number is six and the second number is five.
The first number has two meanings:
1. Protection of electrical equipment against foreign objects including dust and
2. Protection of persons against access.
The second number has only one meaning: Protection of electrical equipment against water.
The degree of protection is given by the numeric value. As written in the DIN EN 60529:2014-09
the first number can be between 0 to 6 and the second number between 0 to 9.
First number:
| IP |
Meaning for the protection of electrical equipment against foreign objects: |
Meaning for the protection of persons against access: |
| 0 | - not protected | - not protected |
| 1 | - with diameter >= 50mm | - with back of hand |
| 2 | - with diameter >= 12,5mm | - with finger |
| 3 | - with diameter >= 2,5mm | - with tool |
| 4 | - with diameter >= 1,0mm | - with wire |
| 5 | - dust-protected | - with wire |
| 6 | - dust-tight | - with wire |
Keep in mind: The indication of a degree of protection against access and foreign objects includes the preceding degrees of protection!
Second number:
| IP |
Meaning for the protection of electrical equipment against water: |
| 0 | - not protected |
| 1 | - vertical water drips |
| 2 | - water drips (15° inclination) |
| 3 | - water spray |
| 4 | - splash water |
| 5 | - high-velocity water |
| 6 | - strong high-velocity water |
| 7 | - temporary immersion |
| 8 | - continuous submersion |
| 9 | - high pressure and high temperature |
Keep in mind: Up to and including degree of protection 6 for the protection against water, the designation implies compliance also with the requirements for all lower degrees of protection. For degrees of protection against water 7, 8 and 9, lower degrees of protection up to and including 6 are not covered by the designation. In such case where a lower degree of protection up to and including 6 is required in addition to protection against water 7, 8 or 9, it shall be indicated separately.
Sometimes you will see an IP code like this: IPX5. The X indicates to omit the first number.
Also this is possible: IP6X. In this case the X indicates to omit the second number.
At the end: This was just a short overview. For details take a look into the related standard.
