Ingress Protection Classification

Ingress protection classification is most commonly known as the IP code (IEC 529). Even though it is intuitive to believe that the abbreviation means ingress protection, International Protection is the actual meaning. Products tested for ingress protection are labeled with the product's attained IP rating, which is a two digit number: IPxy. The first digit after the letters, here the x, specifies the device's protection against the ingress of forreign boddies. Hereunder sorts everything from sand and dust til small animals and insects. The second digit, here the y, specifies the device's protection against the ingression of water, moisture and other liquids capable of harming the device.

First numeral:

• IP 1Y: The largest opening in the device's enclosure will not let a ball of 50 mm diameter ingress. This corresponds approximately to the ingression of a hand.

• IP 2Y: The device's enclosure must have smaller holes, and the test probe used is 12,5 mm. The enclosure is also tested with the jointed "test finger". This finger must not be able to come in contact with harmful parts within the enclosure.

• IP 3Y: The enclosure must not allow the ingress of foreign bodies with a diameter of 2,5 mm.

• IP 4Y: The enclosure must not allow the ingress of foreign bodies with a diameter of 1,0 mm.

• IP 5Y: The numerical 5 describes that the enclosure protects the device from dust. Some dust are allowed to ingress, but only in places where it can be considered as not harmful for the device.

• IP 6Y: The device is fully protected against the ingression of dust. No dust is allowed to enter.

Second numeral:

• IP X1: The device is protected against vertical water drops to which indoor equipment can be exposed due to water leaks or condensation in the ceiling.

• IP X2: The device is protected against vertical water drops, but with larger flow and an angle up to 15 degrees. It is for instance the case of indoor equipment on ships.

• IP X3: The device is protected against rain. The maximum spray angle is 60 degrees from vertical. The base of the enclosure may be open.

• IP X4: The device is protected against heavy rain and splashes. The spray angle is as large as 180 degrees from vertical.

• IP X5: The device is protected against water-jets and heavy sea.

• IP X6: As for 5, but with even harder preassure and more water.

• IP X7: The device is protected against transient immersions in water.

• IP X8: The device is protected against permanent water submersion.