IP Ratings - A Guide
IP Ratings are included on many products these days.
This page explains the meaning and use of an IP Rating.
|
First Number |
Meaning |
Second Number |
Meaning |
|
Refers to protection against solids |
|
Refers to protection against liquids |
|
|
0 |
No protection |
0 |
No protection |
|
1 |
Protected against solid objects over 50mm (e.g. accidental touch by the hand) |
1 |
Protected against water falling vertically |
|
2 |
Protected against solid objects over 12mm (e.g. accidental touch by the finger) |
2 |
Protected against direct sprays from up to 15 degrees from vertical |
|
3 |
Protected against solid objects over 2.5mm (e.g tools, wires) |
3 |
Protected against direct sprays up to 60 degrees from vertical |
|
4 |
Protected against solid objects over 1mm (e.g. small wires) |
4 |
Protected against sprays from all directions. Limited ingress permitted. |
|
5 |
Protected against dust – limited ingress (no harmful deposit) |
5 |
Protected against low pressure jets of water from all directions. Limited ingress permitted. |
|
6 |
Totally protected against all dust |
6 |
Protected against strong jets of water. Limited ingress permitted. E.g. acceptable for use on shipdecks. |
