IP Protection Rating Overview | Classification Standards

In industrial production, especially for electronic devices suitable for outdoor use, varying levels of dust and water resistance are required. The IP protection rating (Ingress Protection Code) for the casing of automation equipment is a crucial metric to ensure the device operates reliably and safely. It is especially important to consider the IP rating when selecting and installing instrument products, as it directly impacts their suitability and durability. Here, we provide a detailed overview of the IP protection rating system.

What is an IP Protection Rating?

The EN60529 standard is widely adopted internationally to define the sealing performance of electrical equipment, such as coding machines. This standard quantifies different protection levels primarily against the entry of solid objects (including tools, fingers, or dust) and water (whether through condensation, splashes, or immersion).

The two digits following "IP" denote the casing's protection level against the intrusion of solids and water. The first digit represents the level of dust protection, while the second indicates water resistance. A higher number signifies a greater level of protection.

Example: The protection rating "IP54" consists of "IP" as the identifying letters, "5" as the first digit (indicating solid particle protection), and "4" as the second (indicating water resistance).

Below is a table detailing the meaning of each digit:

IP – First Digit: Dust Protection Level

- 0: No protection – No specific protection against external objects or dust.

- 1: Protection against objects > 50mm – Prevents accidental contact with internal parts by large objects (e.g., hands).

- 2: Protection against objects > 12.5mm – Prevents contact by fingers and medium-sized objects.

- 3: Protection against objects > 2.5mm – Shields from small tools and wires.

- 4: Protection against objects > 1.0mm – Shields from smaller tools and wires.

- 5: Protection against dust – Limited dust ingress that won’t interfere with normal operation.

- 6: Dust-tight – Complete protection against dust.

IP – Second Digit: Water Protection Level

- 0: No protection – No specific water protection.

- 1: Protection against vertically falling water – No damage from vertical drips.

- 2: Protection against water dripping at 15° – No damage when tilted at 15°.

- 3: Protection against sprayed water – Resists water sprayed at angles up to 60°.

- 4: Protection against splashed water – Prevents water damage from splashes from any direction.

- 5: Protection against water jets – Shields from water jets from any direction.

- 6: Protection against powerful water jets – Suitable for shipboard equipment.

- 7: Protection against immersion up to 1m – Safe in shallow water.

- 8: Protection against prolonged immersion – Suitable for continuous submersion.

Additional Symbols and Letters: If extra protection is required beyond these classifications, an additional letter may be added after the first two digits.

Detailed IPX Waterproof Rating Tests

The following levels, referencing IEC60529, GB4208, GB/T10485-2007, DIN40050-9, ISO20653, and ISO16750 standards, outline waterproofing requirements:

Scope

The waterproof tests cover second characteristic digits 1–8, corresponding to IPX1–IPX8 protection levels.

Detailed Testing Descriptions

- IPX1: Vertical Drip Test

  - Equipment: Drip test apparatus.

  - Conditions: 1.0mm/min drip rate for 10 minutes.

- IPX2: Tilted Drip Test (15°)

  - Equipment: Drip test apparatus.

  - Conditions: 3.0mm/min drip rate for 10 minutes.

- IPX3: Spray Test

  - a. Oscillating Tube

    - Equipment: Oscillating spray tube.

    - Conditions: 0.07L/min per nozzle, 10 minutes.

  - b. Spray Nozzle Test

    - Equipment: Handheld spray nozzle.

    - Conditions: 10L/min water flow for at least 5 minutes.

- IPX4: Splash Test

  - a. Oscillating Tube

    - Equipment: Oscillating tube with 0.07L/min per nozzle.

    - Conditions: 10-minute spray.

  - b. Spray Nozzle Test

    - Equipment: Handheld spray nozzle.

    - Conditions: 10L/min water flow for at least 5 minutes.

- IPX4K: Pressurized Oscillating Tube Test

  - Equipment: Oscillating tube with higher flow rate (0.6L/min per nozzle).

  - Conditions: 5 minutes.

- IPX5: Water Jet Test

  - Equipment: 6.3mm diameter nozzle.

  - Conditions: 12.5L/min water flow for at least 3 minutes.

- IPX6: Powerful Water Jet Test

  - Equipment: 12.5mm diameter nozzle.

  - Conditions: 100L/min water flow for at least 3 minutes.

- IPX7: Short-Term Immersion Test

  - Equipment: Water tank.

  - Conditions: 1m depth for 30 minutes.

- IPX8: Continuous Immersion Test

  - Conditions: Prolonged submersion as agreed between supplier and customer.

- IPX9K: High-Pressure Test

  - Equipment: Nozzle with 12.5mm diameter.

  - Conditions: 80±5°C water at 8000–10000kPa.

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