Overview
An IP rating describes how well an enclosure resists solid objects (including dust) and water. "IP" stands for Ingress Protection. The rating is written as the letters IP followed by two digits, for example IP65. The standard behind the system is IEC 60529.
The first digit covers solids. The second digit covers water. Each is read on its own.
The first digit: solids
The first digit runs from 0 to 6. A higher number means protection against smaller objects.
Digit | Protection |
|---|---|
0 | No protection |
1 | Objects larger than 50 mm, such as the back of a hand |
2 | Objects larger than 12.5 mm, such as a finger |
3 | Objects larger than 2.5 mm, such as tools and thick wires |
4 | Objects larger than 1 mm, such as small wires |
5 | Dust protected: some dust may enter, but not enough to interfere with operation |
6 | Dust tight: no dust enters |
The second digit: water
The second digit runs from 0 to 9.
Digit | Protection |
|---|---|
0 | No protection |
1 | Vertically dripping water |
2 | Dripping water with the enclosure tilted up to 15° |
3 | Spraying water up to 60° from vertical |
4 | Splashing water from any direction |
5 | Water jets from a nozzle |
6 | Powerful water jets from a larger nozzle |
7 | Temporary immersion in water |
8 | Continuous immersion, under conditions set by the manufacturer |
9 | High-pressure, high-temperature water jets |
Reading the ratings
Digits are not cumulative at the top of the water scale
A rating of 7 or 8 covers immersion. It does not automatically cover water jets. A product that is tested for both immersion and jets is usually marked with both ratings, for example IP66/IP67.
A letter X means "not rated"
If a digit is replaced by the letter X, that category has not been rated. IPX4 means the enclosure has a water rating of 4 and no solids rating is claimed. IP5X means the opposite.
Examples
IP20: protected against objects larger than 12.5 mm, with no water protection. This is typical of equipment intended for dry indoor use.
IP54: dust protected and protected against splashing water.
IP65: dust tight and protected against water jets.
IP67: dust tight and protected against temporary immersion.
What an IP rating does not tell you
It does not describe resistance to corrosion, salt, chemicals, or UV exposure.
It does not describe resistance to impact, vibration, or extreme temperatures.
It does not say anything about the effect of fog or haze fluid residue on a fixture.
A rating applies to the product in the condition and configuration in which it was tested. Open covers, missing seals, damaged gaskets, or unsuitable cables and connectors can reduce real-world protection.