Ingress Protection (IP) Ratings
The IP rating system provides a means of classifying the degrees of protection from solid objects and liquids afforded by electrical equipment and enclosures. The system is recognized in most European countries and is set out in a number of British and European standards. These include: Classification of Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures, BS (British Standards) 5490:1977; IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) 529:1976.
First Digit (Protection from solid objects)
0 No Protection
1 Protection against objects >50mm
2 Protection against objects >12.5mm
3 Protection against objects >2.5mm
4 Protection against objects >1.0mm
5 Dust Protected (limited ingress)
6 Dust Tight Protection
7 N/A
8 N/A
Second Digit (Protection from moisture)
0 No Protection
1 Protection against vertically dripping water
2 Protection against spraying water ± 15º from vertical
3 Protection against spraying water ± 60º from vertical
4 Protection against spraying water ± 90º from vertical
5 Protection against low pressure jetting water
6 Protection against high pressure jetting water
7 Protection against temporary immersion (15cm and 1m)
8 Protection against continuous immersion under pressure