LEVEL OF INGRESS PROTECTION
What is IP rating?
IP ratings (Ingress Protection) define the levels of sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosures against intrusion from moisture and foreign bodies (dirt, dust, etc).
What do the different IP Rating mean?
The numbers in an IP rating each have a specific meaning. The first number indicates the degree of protection from moving parts, as well as the protection of enclosed equipment from foreign bodies. The second defines the protection level that the enclosure receives from various forms of moisture.
First Numeral
Level of protection against contact and ingress of foreign bodies.
Second Numeral
Level of protection against water/moisture.
IP Rating Chart
| Designation | First Numeral Protection | Second Numeral Protection |
|---|---|---|
| IPX4 | Not Applicable | Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect. |
| IPX5 | Not Applicable | Water projected by a nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect. |
| IP44 | Protection against contact with live or moving parts inside the enclosure by tools, wires, or such objects of thickness greater than 1mm. Protection against ingress of small solid foreign bodies (diameter greater than 1mm) excluding the ventilation openings (intake and discharge of external fans) and the drain hole of enclosed machine, which may have degree 2 protection. | Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect. |
| IP45 | Protection against contact with live or moving parts inside the enclosure by tools, wires, or such objects of thickness greater than 1mm. Protection against ingress of small solid foreign bodies (diameter greater than 1mm) excluding the ventilation openings (intake and discharge of external fans) and the drain hole of enclosed machine, which may have degree 2 protection. | Water projected by a nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect. |
| IP54 | Complete protection against contact with live or moving parts inside the enclosure. Protection against harmful deposits of dust. The ingress of dust is not totally prevented, but cannot enter in an amount sufficient to interfere with satisfactory operation of the machine. | Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect. |
| IP55 | Complete protection against contact with live or moving parts inside the enclosure. Protection against harmful deposits of dust. The ingress of dust is not totally prevented, but cannot enter in an amount sufficient to interfere with satisfactory operation of the machine. | Water projected by a nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect. |
| IP56 | Complete protection against contact with live or moving parts inside the enclosure. Protection against harmful deposits of dust. The ingress of dust is not totally prevented, but cannot enter in an amount sufficient to interfere with satisfactory operation of the machine. | Water from heavy seas or water projected from jets shall not enter the machine in any harmful quantity. |
| IP65 | Complete protection against contact with live or moving parts inside the enclosure and against the ingress of dust. | Water projected by a nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect. |
| IP66 | Complete protection against contact with live or moving parts inside the enclosure and against the ingress of dust. | Water from heavy seas or water projected from jets shall not enter the machine in any harmful quantity. |