IP Ratings
EN 60529 outlines an international classifi cation system for the sealing eff ectiveness of enclosures of electrical equipment against the intrusion into the equipment of foreign bodies (i.e. tools, dust, fingers) and moisture. This classifi cation system utilizes the letters "IP" ("Ingress Protection") followed by two or three digits. (A third digit is sometimes used. An "x" is used for one of the digits if there is only one class of protection; i.e. IPX4 which addresses moisture resistance only.)
Degrees of Protection - First Digit
The first digit of the IP code indicates the degree that persons are protected against contact with moving parts (other than smooth rotating shafts, etc.) and the degree that equipment is protected against solid foreign bodies intruding into an enclosure.
| 0 | No special protection. |
| 1 | Protection from a large part of the body such as a hand (but no protection from deliberate access); from solid objects greater than 50mm in diameter. |
| 2 | Protection against fingers or other object not greater than 80mm in length and 12mm in diameter. |
| 3 | Protection from entry by tools, wires, etc., with a diameter of thickness greater than 1.0mm. |
| 4 | Protection from entry by solid objects with a diameter or thickness greater than 1.0mm |
| 5 | Protection from the amount of dust that would interfere with the operation of the equipment. |
| 6 | Dust tight. |
Degrees of Protection - Second Digit
The second digit indicates the degree of protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against the harmful entry of various forms of moisture (e.g. dripping, spraying, submersion, etc.)
| 0 | No special protection. |
| 1 | Protection from dripping water. |
| 2 | Protection from vertically dripping water. |
| 3 | Protection from sprayed water. |
| 4 | Protection from splashed water. |
| 5 | Protection from water projected from a nozzle. |
| 6 | Protection against heavy seas, or powerful jets of water. |
| 7 | Protection against immersion. |
| 8 | Protection against complete, continuous submersion in water. Submersion depth and time must be specified by the end user. The requirement must be more onerous than IP67. |
The IP Code Symbols
The chart below illustrates the use of special symbols in the IP classification system. In the "1st digit" column, not the grid-like symbols net to numbers 5 and 6. In the "2nd digit" column numbers 3-8 are symbolized by teardrop shaped symbols, sometimes enclosed in a box or a triangle, sometimes unenclosed (#7-8). These symbols can be placed on equipment to illustrate the IP protection provided.
IP68 = IP Letter Code __________________ IP
1st Digit _________________________ 6
2nd Digit _________________________ 8
|
| 1st Digit | Protection From Solid Objects | 2nd Digit | Protection From Moisture |
| 0 | Non Protected | 0 | Non Protected |
| 1 | 
Protected against solid objects greater than 50mm
| 1 | 
Protected against dripping water
|
| 2 | 
Protected against solid objects greater than 12mm
| 2 | 
Protected against dripping water when tilted up to 15°
|
| 3 | 
Protected against solid objects greater than 2.5mm
| 3 | 
Protected against spraying water
|
| 4 | 
Protected against solid objects greater than 1.0mm
| 4 | 
Protected against splashing water
|
| 5 | 
Dust protected
| 5 | 
Protected against water jets
|
| 6 | 
Dust tight
| 6 | 
Protected against heavy seas
|
Note: EN 60529 does not specify sealing
effectiveness against the following: mechanical
damage of the equipment; the risk of explosions;
certain types of moisture conditions, e.g. those that
are produced by condensation; corrosive vapors;
fungus; vermin
| 7 | 
Protected against the effects of immersion
|
| 8 | 
Protected against submersion (See Note)
|
