IP ratings, also known as Ingress Protection ratings, are a standard classification system used to measure the degree of protection provided by an enclosure against solids and liquids. IP ratings are commonly used to describe the waterproof and dustproof capabilities of electronic devices, lighting fixtures, and other products.
The IP rating consists of two digits, each having its own significance:
- The first digit represents protection against solid objects such as dust and particles. It ranges from 0 to 6, with higher numbers indicating greater protection:
- 0: No protection against solid objects.
- 1: Protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm (e.g., a hand).
- 2: Protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm (e.g., fingers).
- 3: Protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm (e.g., tools and thick wires).
- 4: Protection against solid objects larger than 1 mm (e.g., small wires).
- 5: Dust protected (limited ingress, but not completely dust-tight).
- 6: Dust-tight (no ingress of dust).
- The second digit represents protection against liquids. It ranges from 0 to 9, with higher numbers indicating greater protection:
- 0: No protection against liquids.
- 1: Protection against vertically falling water drops.
- 2: Protection against vertically falling water drops when tilted up to 15 degrees.
- 3: Protection against spraying water at an angle up to 60 degrees from vertical.
- 4: Protection against splashing water from any direction.
- 5: Protection against water jets from any direction (limited ingress permitted).
- 6: Protection against powerful water jets or heavy seas (limited ingress permitted).
- 7: Protection against temporary immersion in water (up to 1 meter depth for 30 minutes).
- 8: Protection against continuous immersion in water under specified conditions.
- 9: Protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets and steam cleaning.
For example, an IP67 rating means the device is completely dust-tight (6) and can withstand temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter depth for 30 minutes (7).
It's important to note that while higher IP ratings generally indicate better protection, the specific requirements of a particular application should be considered to ensure the product is suitable for its intended environment.