Introduction:
Ingress Protection (IP) rating is a system that classifies and rates the degree of protection provided by an enclosure against the intrusion of foreign objects, such as dust and water. The IP rating system is used to indicate the level of protection provided by electrical and electronic equipment in various applications, including industrial, commercial, and residential settings. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to the IP rating system, including its history, how it works, and the different IP ratings and their meanings.
The History of Ingress Protection Ratings:
The IP rating system was first introduced in Europe in the late 1970s as a way to standardize the level of protection provided by enclosures against the intrusion of foreign objects. The system was developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), an organization that sets international standards for electrical and electronic equipment. The IP rating system gained popularity in the 1980s and is now widely used in various industries around the world.
How the Ingress Protection Rating System Works:
The IP rating system is a two-digit code that indicates the level of protection provided by an enclosure against the intrusion of foreign objects. The first digit in the code indicates the level of protection against solid objects, while the second digit indicates the level of protection against liquids.
Solid Particle Protection:
The first digit of the IP rating system ranges from 0 to 6 and indicates the level of protection against solid objects. The following table summarizes the levels of protection provided by the first digit of the IP rating system.
| IP Rating | Protection Against | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection | No protection against solid objects |
| 1 | >50mm | Protection against solid objects larger than 50mm in diameter |
| 2 | >12.5mm | Protection against solid objects larger than 12.5mm in diameter |
| 3 | >2.5mm | Protection against solid objects larger than 2.5mm in diameter |
| 4 | >1mm | Protection against solid objects larger than 1mm in diameter |
| 5 | Dust protected | Protection against dust that may harm the equipment |
| 6 | Dust tight | Total protection against dust |
Liquid Protection:
The second digit of the IP rating system ranges from 0 to 9 and indicates the level of protection against liquids. The following table summarizes the levels of protection provided by the second digit of the IP rating system.
| IP Rating | Protection Against | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection | No protection against liquids |
| 1 | Dripping water | Protection against vertically falling droplets of water |
| 2 | Dripping water when tilted | Protection against dripping water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15 degrees |
| 3 | Spraying water | Protection against water sprayed at an angle up to 60 degrees from vertical |
| 4 | Splashing water | Protection against water splashed from any direction |
| 5 | Water jets | Protection against water jets from any direction |
| 6 | Powerful water jets | Protection against powerful water jets from any direction |
| 7 | Immersion up to 1m | Protection against immersion in water up to 1m deep |
| 8 | Immersion beyond 1m | Protection against long-term immersion in water beyond 1m deep |
| 9 | High-pressure water jets | Protection against high-pressure water jets and steam cleaning |
Interpretation of the IP Rating:
When an enclosure is tested and rated for its level of protection according to the IP rating system, the IP rating is typically displayed on the enclosure or in its documentation. For example, an enclosure with an IP rating of IP67 provides complete protection against dust and can be immersed in water up to a depth of 1m for a period of up to 30 minutes. It’s important to note that the IP rating of an enclosure only applies to the enclosure itself and not to any internal components or connections.
Applications of the IP Rating System:
The IP rating system is used in a wide range of applications to ensure that electrical and electronic equipment is protected against the intrusion of foreign objects. Some common applications of the IP rating system include:
- Outdoor lighting fixtures: IP65 or higher rated fixtures are commonly used in outdoor applications to ensure that they are protected against dust and water.
- Industrial equipment: Equipment used in industrial settings, such as manufacturing plants or chemical processing facilities, may require a high level of protection against dust and water to ensure safe and reliable operation.
- Consumer electronics: Portable electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, may be rated for their level of protection against dust and water to ensure that they can withstand everyday use.
What does IP68 mean?
The first digit “6” in the IP68 rating indicates that the enclosure is completely dust-tight and provides full protection against the intrusion of dust, dirt, and other small particles. The highest rating for solid object protection is “6”, which means that the enclosure can withstand even the most stringent tests for dust protection.
The second digit “8” in the IP68 rating indicates that the enclosure provides protection against continuous immersion in water beyond 1 meter (3.3 feet) depth. This means that the enclosure is suitable for use in environments where it may be exposed to high levels of moisture or even submerged in water for extended periods of time.
The IP68 rating is commonly used for electronic devices, such as smartphones, smartwatches, and fitness trackers, that are designed to be used in wet or rugged environments, like swimming pools or construction sites. It’s also used for outdoor lighting fixtures, underwater cameras, and other equipment that needs to withstand harsh environmental conditions. It’s important to note that the IP68 rating does not indicate protection against other environmental factors, such as extreme temperatures, corrosive substances, or mechanical impact. It only refers to the level of protection against dust and water.
Conclusion:
The Ingress Protection (IP) rating system is a standardized method for rating the level of protection provided by an enclosure against the intrusion of foreign objects, such as dust and water. The IP rating system is widely used in various applications to ensure that electrical and electronic equipment is protected against the elements and can operate safely and reliably. By understanding the different IP ratings and their meanings, you can select the appropriate level of protection for your specific needs and ensure that your equipment is protected against the intrusion of foreign objects.