The IP protection class, also known as the IP code, indicates the resistance of a product to the ingress of liquids and dust. IP Code stands for ‘International Protection Code (international protection code)’ or ‘Ingress Protection Code (entry protection code)’. The standard defined by IEC / EN 60529 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission.
The IP Code was created to standardize protection ratings and correctly classify products for durability.
A 2-digit system is used for the IP rating; the meanings of these steps
First step, protection against solids
Second step, protection against liquids
The following tables show the degrees of protection.
Digit 1, which indicates the degree of dust protection, ranges from 0 to 6.
| Degree of Protection | Protection |
|
0 |
Unprotected |
|
1 |
Protection against solid objects greater than 50 mm in diameter |
|
2 |
Protection against solid objects greater than 12.5 mm in diameter |
|
3 |
Protection against solid objects greater than 2.5 mm in diameter |
|
4 |
Protection against solid objects greater than 1 mm in diameter |
|
5 |
Dust protected |
|
6 |
Dustproof |
- Digit 2, which indicates protection against water, ranges from 0 to 8.
| Degree of Protection | Protection |
|
0 |
Unprotected |
|
1 |
Protected against vertically falling water drops |
|
2 |
Protected against drops of water falling at an angle of 15 degrees |
|
3 |
Protected against water spray (up to 60° angle) |
|
4 |
Protected against splashing water |
|
5 |
Protected against splashing water |
|
6 |
Protected against strong jets of water |
|
7 |
Protected against immersion in water (1 meter deep) for less than 30 minutes |
|
8 |
Protected against continuous immersion in water (3 meters depth) |
For example; The LED lighting fixture with IP65 protection class is dustproof and resistant to splashing water and can be used outdoors. But when immersed in water, it can get water inside. A luminaire with an IP67 rating is dustproof and can be immersed in water at a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.
