The IP (Ingress Protection) rating system, defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60529 standard, quantifies the protection offered by enclosures against dust, water, and other potentially harmful substances. This system is applicable to a wide range of industrial components, from circuit boxes to connectors and motion system parts.
The Two-Digit IP Code
First Digit (Solid Protection): Indicates protection against solid objects, ranging from 0 (no protection) to 6 (complete dust-tight).
|
Digit |
Protection Level |
|
0 |
No protection |
|
1 |
Protection against objects larger than 50 mm (e.g., accidental touch by hands) |
|
2 |
Protection against objects larger than 12.5 mm (e.g., fingers) |
|
3 |
Protection against objects larger than 2.5 mm (e.g., tools and thick wires) |
|
4 |
Protection against objects larger than 1 mm (e.g., most wires, screws) |
|
5 |
Protection against limited dust ingress |
|
6 |
Complete protection against dust ingress |
Second Digit (Liquid Protection): Indicates protection against liquids, ranging from 0 (no protection) to 9 (protection against high-pressure and high-temperature water jets).
|
Digit |
Protection Level |
|
0 |
No protection |
|
1 |
Protection against vertically dripping water |
|
2 |
Protection against vertically dripping water when tilted up to 15° |
|
3 |
Protection against spraying water at angles up to 60° |
|
4 |
Protection against splashing water from any direction |
|
5 |
Protection against water jets from any direction |
|
6 |
Protection against powerful water jets |
|
7 |
Protection against temporary immersion in water |
|
8 |
Protection against continuous immersion in water |
|
9 |
Protection against high-pressure and high-temperature water jets |
Additional Letters in IP Ratings
An IP rating consists of two digits, each representing a different type of protection:
Occasionally, an IP rating includes a third character, often a letter, indicating additional protection characteristics. For instance:
- F: Oil-resistant
- H: High-voltage device
- M: Device moving during water test
- S: Device standing still during water test
- W: Weather conditions
IP69K Rating
The IP69K rating, based on the German standard DIN 40050-9, extends the IEC 60529 system. It indicates enclosures that are both dust-tight (IP6x) and resistant to high-pressure, high-temperature washdowns. This rating is critical for industries like food processing, where rigorous hygiene standards are necessary.
Choosing the Right IP Rating
Selecting the appropriate IP rating for your industrial equipment is vital for ensuring optimal performance and longevity. For example, an industrial computer with an IP65 rating is protected against dust and low-pressure water jets, making it suitable for general industrial environments. On the other hand, an IP69K-rated computer is necessary for settings requiring frequent high-pressure cleaning.
Common IP Ratings for Industrial Computers
- IP55: Limited dust ingress, protection against water jets.
- IP65: Complete dust ingress protection, protection against low-pressure water jets.
- IP66: Complete dust ingress protection, protection against powerful water jets.
- IP67: Complete dust ingress protection, protection against temporary immersion.
- IP68: Complete dust ingress protection, protection against continuous immersion.
- IP69K: Complete dust ingress protection, protection against high-pressure, high temperature washdowns.
Understanding IP ratings ensures that you choose the right protection level for your industrial applications, minimizing equipment downtime and maximizing efficiency. Properly rated enclosures can significantly impact the performance, safety, and service life of your equipment.
