WHAT IS AN IP RATING?
An International Protection Marking also referred to as IP Rating/Code, is
the rating of a product’s ability to face up to liquid and mud intrusion.
This standard was developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission
and is recognized all over the world.
This IP scoring system uses a 2-digit system to define its protection
rating for all products. The first digit represents protection against
solids and therefore the second against liquids. The IP Code was introduced
to standardize protection ratings and limit misinterpretation of a product's
protection durability. It classifies the degrees of protection against solid
objects, dust, accidental contact, and water in electrical enclosures.
Nowadays these terms are mainly used in
Smartphones
and
Smartwatches
to certify that they are water and dust-resistant.
|
| Source: Google |
WHAT DO THE IP RATING NUMBERS MEAN?
First Digit
The dust protection (first digit) can have a worth from 1 to six. As this
number increases in the code, the product's ability to withstand foreign
objects like liquid and dust increases. where ever an object with a rating
of IP6X is dust-tight. “X” is employed to designate a selected area where
the merchandise has not been tested.
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Second Digit
The liquid protection (second digit) follows an equivalent format but can
have a value from 1 to eight. As the number increases, protection from
liquid ingress increases. Units with an IPX4 rating can withstand a
traditional water spray for endless 5-8 minutes. There are specific angles,
pressures, and volume requirements that has got to be followed during the
test.
Extra Letters
Sometimes, there could be a letter at the top of the code IPXX. This is an
additional letter, and it can be used to denote the extra information from
the product standard and quality. Please check out the chart taken from
google below for more information:
IP Rating Marking Scheme:
|
| Source: Google |
What is the difference between IP65, IP67 & IP68?
The differences between commonly sold IP65, IP67, & IP68 strips are
slight but very important. Using the above chart as a guide, we will see
that each strip is protected at the very best level from solids and mud.
The variations come with protection against liquids.
IP65 = Water resistant. “Protected against water jets from any angle” *Do
NOT submerge IP65 LED lights, these aren't waterproof.
IP67 = Water-resistant plus. “Protected against the events of temporary
submersion (10 minutes)”*Do NOT submerge IP67 LED lights for extended
periods, these are not waterproof.
IP68 = Waterproof “Protected against the events of permanent submersion
up to three meters”
The higher the number in each digit, the better the protection.
Sometimes a number is replaced by X, which means that the enclosure is
not rated for that specification. For example, IPX4 means that the
enclosure is protected against water splashes from any direction but is not
rated for solid objects.
The table below summarizes the meaning of each digit in an IP rating:
|
First Digit
|
Protection from Solids
|
Second Digit
|
Protection from Liquids
|
Third Digit (Optional)
|
Protection from Impacts
|
|
0
|
No protection
|
0
|
No protection
|
0
|
No protection
|
|
1
|
Protected from objects over 50 mm (e.g., hands)
|
1
|
Protected from vertical drips (e.g., condensation)
|
1
|
Protected from impacts of 0.225 joules (e.g., small hammer)
|
|
2
|
Protected from objects over 12 mm (e.g., fingers)
|
2
|
Protected from sprays up to 15 degrees from vertical
|
2
|
Protected from impacts of 0.375 joules
|
|
3
|
Protected from objects over 2.5 mm (e.g., tools)
|
3
|
Protected from sprays up to 60 degrees from vertical
|
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does IP stand for?
IP stands for Ingress Protection, which is a system that classifies the
degree of protection provided by an enclosure for electrical equipment
against environmental conditions.
- How do I read an IP rating?
An IP rating consists of two or three digits, preceded by the letters IP.
The first digit indicates the level of protection against solid objects or
materials, such as dust or tools. The second digit indicates the level of
protection against liquids (water), such as drips or jets. The third digit
(optional) indicates the level of protection against mechanical impacts,
such as drops or knocks.
- What is the difference between IP67 and IP68?
Both IP67 and IP68 ratings mean that the enclosure is dust-tight and can
resist water ingress. However, IP67 means that the enclosure can withstand
immersion in water up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) for up to 30 minutes, while
IP68 means that the enclosure can withstand immersion in water deeper than
1 meter (3.3 feet) for a longer duration, depending on the manufacturer's
specifications.
- What does X mean in an IP rating?
X means that the enclosure is not rated for that specification. For
example, IPX4 means that the enclosure is protected against water splashes
from any direction but is not rated for solid objects.
- What are some common applications of IP ratings?
IP ratings are useful for customers who want to know how well an
electrical item can resist various types of unwanted intrusions, such as
dust, water, or impact. Some common applications of IP ratings are
smartphones, cameras, speakers, headphones, outdoor lighting fixtures,
industrial equipment, etc.
