What are IP Ratings? A Guide to Protecting Your Products

So, I suppose the first question that needs to be answered is…

What Is an IP Rating?

An IP (Ingress Protection) rating is a handy guide that tells you how resistant an item is to elements like dust and water. It’s not just any old number; it’s a two-digit code that details the level of protection a product offers against external intrusions, which could be anything from dust particles to moisture.

Why Are IP Ratings Important?

IP ratings are there to give you peace of mind. Whether it’s protecting users from mechanical parts or ensuring that internal components are safe from environmental factors, these ratings provide a clear and standardised indication of a product’s durability and safety. They help cut through vague marketing terms like ‘waterproof’, offering precise information on how well a product can resist different types of ingress.

How Are IP Ratings Structured?

The first digit indicates protection against solid particles (like dust), and the second digit details moisture resistance. This system helps manufacturers and customers alike understand the specific protections an enclosure provides.

Global Standards for IP Ratings

While you may find slight regional differences, IP ratings generally follow the same standards globally. In the UK, they adhere to BS EN 60529:1992. This consistency across borders ensures that no matter where you buy your product, you understand exactly what level of protection you’re getting.

Understanding IP Ratings: What Do They Measure?

IP ratings are crucial for assessing how well an item can protect against external elements like dust and water. Here’s a closer look:

What Does Each Digit in an IP Rating Represent?

• First Digit: This number (0-6) tells you about the item’s ability to block out solids like dust and dirt.
• Second Digit: This number (0-9) indicates how effectively the item resists moisture, from light splashes to full submersion.

Occasional Additional Letters

Sometimes, you’ll see a letter at the end of an IP rating, like ‘IP67M’. This denotes special resistances, like oil or specific testing conditions, although it’s less common in everyday items.

Decoding the Digits

The first digit’s scale shows how protective the item is against solid objects, and the second digit describes the moisture resistance level, ensuring you know exactly what your product can handle in its intended environment.

This structured format helps to explain each component of the IP rating system, making it easier for users to understand and apply when selecting products.

IP Ratings Chart and Table

The following IP ratings chart is a straightforward guide that clarifies what each number or letter in the IP code represents. By referring to this table, you can quickly understand the level of protection a product offers against physical and moisture ingress.

It’s an essential tool for assessing how well an item’s mechanical or electrical components are shielded against various environmental threats, and to what degree they can withstand those conditions.

Solid

Level	Effective Against (less than Xmm)	Description
X	No data
0	No protection
1	50mm	Large body parts
2	12.5mm	Fingers
3	2.5mm	Tools / thick wires
4	1mm	Most wires
5	Dust protected	Not entirely protected from dust but not enough to hamper functionality
6	Dust tight	Complete protection from dust

Liquid

Level	Effective Against	Description
0	No Protection
1	Dripping water	No harmful effect on the object from dripping water falling vertically while being rotated on a turntable (1rpm)
2	Dripping water tilted 15deg	Vertically dropping water has no effect on the enclosure tilted at 15 degrees, 4 positions tested
3	Water spray	Water falling as a spray at any angle up to 60deg has no effect
4	Water splash	Water splashing against the enclosure from any direction has no effect.
5	Water jets	Water projected by a 6mm nozzle has no effect
6	Powerful water jets	Water projected by a 12mm nozzle has no effect
6K	Powerful jets high pressure	Water projected by a 6mm nozzle at high pressure has no effect
7	Immersion (1m)	Ingress of water at harmful quantity not possible immersed at 1m
8	Immersion (1m<)	Suitable for continuous immersion under manufacturer specified test greater than those of 7
9K	Powerful high temp jets of water	Protected against close range high temperature and high pressure spray at 4 specific angles and tested freehand

Let’s use Samsung’s Galaxy phone as an example. The device’s IP rating is IP68. From this we can see that their phone is rated:

• 6: Dust tight
• 8: Immersion greater than 1m

This means that its dust-tight but also waterproof as well, we would refer you back to the table description to say that the 8 rating is set by a manufacturer dictated test, so even if it’s only slightly more rigorous than a 7 rating, it still qualifies.

When choosing to build a custom enclosure it’s important to determine what level of IP rating that your product realistically needs, as attaining a more comprehensive and protected rating will obviously incur more costs which are not always necessary.

Another example would be security systems. More often than not aspects of these devices will be outdoors, so will need protecting from certain weather elements. Producing an electrical enclosure that has an IP65 rating means it will be waterproof.

On top of the two tables scaling there are also additional attainable ratings for specific protection:

Letter	Meaning
D	Wire
F	Oil resistant
H	High voltage
M	Moving during water test
S	Standing still during water test
W	Weather resistant

Explaining IPX Ratings: What You Need to Know

Sometimes, you might come across an IP rating like ‘IPX7’ or ‘IP5X’. Here’s the lowdown: the ‘X’ simply means that the product hasn’t been rated for one type of protection—either solids or liquids.

For example, ‘IPX7’ indicates that the product has a solid moisture resistance rating of 7, but it hasn’t been rated for dust and solid object protection. On the other hand, ‘IP5X’ means it’s rated 5 against solids like dust, but it doesn’t have a moisture resistance rating.

This approach keeps things clear, especially when shopping for devices that need specific protection, like electronics that are used near water or in dusty environments.

Types of IP Rated Products

The great thing about IP ratings is that they standardise how products are rated across different scenarios, which helps everyone from consumers to manufacturers understand what a device can handle.

This section dives into the common types of IP-rated items you might encounter daily, such as mobile phones, Bluetooth speakers, and even outdoor lighting setups.

Weatherproof & Waterproof IP Ratings Explained

Understanding the specifics of ‘waterproof’ or ‘weatherproof’ ratings is crucial. Terms like ‘waterproof’ are often used broadly, but IP ratings specify the exact conditions a product can withstand.

For example, while IP65, IP66, and IP67 are generally seen as suitable for waterproof applications, it’s a misconception that higher numbers always correlate with better water resistance for outdoor use.

IP ratings also detail how well a product can resist water in specific positions and pressures, distinguishing between protection against spraying water and submersion.

Exploring IP Rated Enclosures

IP-rated enclosures vary widely and are crucial for protecting electronic and mechanical components in both domestic and industrial environments. These enclosures, which can range from mobile phone cases to heavy-duty industrial cabinets, are designed to meet diverse and demanding conditions, ensuring devices stay safe from environmental threats.

Each section of this guide helps clarify how IP ratings apply to various products and settings, making it easier for you to choose the right protection level for your needs.

Accessorising Your IP Rated Enclosures

When it comes to outfitting your enclosures and system housings, the world’s your oyster! There’s a wide range of IP-rated enclosure accessories and fittings on the market designed to complement the specific IP rating of your enclosure.

Whether you need specialised brackets, extra panels, or even robust security features like locks and keypads, these add-ons ensure your enclosure is perfectly suited to your particular needs.

What’s Inside an IP Rated Floor Standing Enclosure?

Think of an IP-rated floor-standing enclosure as a knight’s armour for your electronic gear. Starting from IP43, which keeps out small tools and splashes of water, these enclosures are sturdy shields, often crafted from metal to house and protect sensitive equipment. Whether it’s for energy distribution or industrial controls, these enclosures ensure everything stays clean and dry, no matter the environment.

Exploring General Purpose IP Rated Enclosures

General purpose enclosures are all about flexibility. Often mounted on walls and adaptable for a plethora of applications, these units—frequently seen as junction boxes—are equipped to handle anything from electronics to delicate instruments. With IP ratings like IP65, they’re ready for general outdoor use, ensuring your equipment remains protected against the elements.

These sections add a personal touch while clearly outlining the use and benefits of different types of IP rated enclosures, helping you make informed decisions about protecting your valuable equipment.

Handheld Enclosures: Tailored for Mobility and Protection

Handheld enclosures safeguard devices like controllers and electronic instruments, commonly seen in tools such as volt-meters and flow readers. These enclosures often feature clear acrylic windows for displays and are made from lightweight aluminium to ensure they’re easy to carry.

They are designed to protect both the device and the user from accidental contact, with IP ratings typically at IP65 or above, highlighting strong water resistance.

Instrument Cases: Versatile Protection for Everyday Electronics

Instrument cases are essential for protecting everyday electrical items from dust, dirt, and moisture. Starting at IP40, these cases offer resistance to particulates and can go up to IP67 for full immersion protection.

Available in various builds, they accommodate needs from robust industrial use to lightweight, portable designs.

Power Supply Cases: Robust and Safety-Focused

Power supply cases need to be sturdy, housing critical components like transformers and PSUs while allowing for heat transfer and breathability. These typically start with lower IP ratings such as IP20, focusing on preventing accidental contact while ensuring effective operation.

IP Rated Wall Boxes and Lighting Considerations

Wall boxes, used for both household and industrial settings, protect sensitive components like fuse boxes and usually have robust locking mechanisms. With ratings like IP67, they’re built for harsh environments, including outdoor or marine use.

Lighting, especially in moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms, must also consider IP ratings to ensure safety and functionality.

IP Ratings for Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting must be tough enough to handle everything from rain to strong winds. Here’s what you need to know:

• IPX3 offers protection against spraying water, ideal for covered areas.
• IPX4 is preferred for exposed outdoor areas.
• IPX5 or higher is necessary if lights will be cleaned with pressure jets.
• IPX7 is required for lights in water up to 1m deep, like in ponds or pools, with IPX8 needed for deeper immersion.

IP Ratings in Bathrooms

Bathroom lighting is classified into zones based on proximity to water sources:

• Zone 0: Inside the bath or shower, needing at least IP67 to handle full immersion.
• Zone 1: Directly above showers or baths, where IP65 is commonly used despite IP45 being the minimum.
• Zone 2: Around the bath or shower, requiring a minimum of IP44 to protect against splashes.

These guidelines help ensure that your lighting solutions are both safe and suitable for their intended environments, providing clarity and confidence in their installation and use.

So…there you have it!

You should make sure that when you’re developing a product in its conceptual design phase that you identify the specific IP rating you’re looking to achieve. You should do this during this phase, as it will influence the materials that your product will be made from, and the organisation of the internal components within the enclosure.

 

Do you have any more questions?