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IP Explanation and Ratings
EN
60529 outlines an international classification system for the
sealing effectiveness of enclosures of electrical equipment against
the intrusion into the equipment of foreign bodies (i.e. tools,
dust, fingers) and moisture.
This classification 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. |
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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 at the right 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 symbolised 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.
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