|
IP Explanation and Ratings
EN 60529 outlines an international
classification system for the sealing effectiveness of enclosures of
electrical equipment against the intrusion into the equipment of foreign
bodies (i.e. tools, dust, fingers) and moisture. This classification
system utilizes the letters "IP" ("Ingress Protection") followed by two or
three digits. (A third digit is sometimes used. An "x" is used for one of
the digits if there is only one class of protection; i.e. IPX4 which
addresses moisture resistance only.)
Degrees
of Protection - First Digit
The first digit of the IP code indicates the degree that persons are
protected against contact with moving parts (other than smooth rotating
shafts, etc.) and the degree that equipment is protected against solid
foreign bodies intruding into an enclosure.
|
0 |
No special protection |
|
1 |
Protection from a large part of the body such as a
hand (but no protection from deliberate access); from solid
objects greater than 50mm in diameter. |
|
2 |
Protection against fingers or other object not
greater than 80mm in length and 12mm in diameter. |
|
3 |
Protection from entry by tools, wires, etc., with a
diameter of thickness greater than 1.0mm. |
|
4 |
Protection from entry by solid objects with a
diameter or thickness greater than 1.0mm |
|
5 |
Protection from the amount of dust that would
interfere with the operation of the equipment. |
|
6 |
Dust tight. |
Degrees of Protection - Second Digit
The second digit indicates the degree of protection of the equipment
inside the enclosure against the harmful entry of various forms of
moisture (e.g. dripping, spraying, submersion, etc.)
|
0 |
No special protection |
|
1 |
Protection from dripping water. |
|
2 |
Protection from vertically dripping water.
|
|
3 |
Protection from sprayed water. |
|
4 |
Protection from splashed water. |
|
5 |
Protection from water projected from a nozzle
|
|
6 |
Protection against heavy seas, or powerful jets of
water. |
|
7 |
Protection against immersion. |
|
8 |
Protection against complete, continuous submersion
in water. |
Submersion depth and time must be
specified by the end-user. The requirement must be more onerous than IP67
The IP Code Symbols
The chart at the right illustrates the use of special symbols in the IP
classification system. In the "1st digit" column, not the grid-like
symbols net to numbers 5 and 6. In the "2nd digit" column numbers 3-8 are
symbolised by teardrop shaped symbols, sometimes enclosed in a box or a
triangle, sometimes unenclosed (#7-8). These symbols can be placed on
equipment to illustrate the IP protection provided.
|
