When selecting electrical enclosures for your project, understanding IP (Ingress Protection) ratings is crucial to ensure that your equipment is adequately protected in various environmental conditions. IP ratings are a standard part of the industry vocabulary, yet their specifics are not always commonly understood.
If you are working with an electrical enclosure manufacturer, having an understanding of IP ratings is helpful. Let’s decode the meaning of IP ratings, explain how they are determined and guide you on choosing the right enclosure based on these ratings.
What Are IP Ratings?
IP ratings are defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and are used to specify the level of protection an enclosure provides against the ingress of foreign bodies like dust and water. The rating consists of two digits: the first digit indicates the level of protection against solid objects, and the second digit describes the protection against liquids.
Decoding the Digits
- First Digit (Solid Object Protection):
- 0 – No protection against any size of object.
- 1 – Protects against large objects over 50 mm, such as hands.
- 2 – Protects against medium-sized objects over 12.5 mm, such as fingers.
- 3 – Protects against small objects over 2.5 mm, such as tools.
- 4 – Protects against granular objects over 1 mm, such as wires.
- 5 – Dust-protected. Some dust may enter but it won’t interfere with the operation.
- 6 – Dust-tight. No dust ingress.
- Second Digit (Liquid Protection):
- 0 – No protection.
- 1 – Protects against vertically falling water drops.
- 2 – Protects against water drops when enclosure is tilted up to 15°.
- 3 – Protects against spraying water.
- 4 – Protects against splashing water.
- 5 – Protects against water jets.
- 6 – Protects against powerful water jets.
- 7 – Protects in water up to 1 meter in depth for 30 minutes.
- 8 – Protects when submerged deeper than 1 meter (specific conditions specified by the manufacturer).
- 9K – Protects against close-range high pressure, high-temperature spray downs.
Choosing the Right IP Rating for Your Needs
The selection of the right IP rating depends on the environmental conditions where the electrical enclosure will be installed. Here are a few considerations:
- Indoor vs. Outdoor. Outdoor enclosures generally require higher protection against environmental elements like rain, windblown dust and extreme temperatures.
- Industrial Environments. Factories or plants may need enclosures with higher protection against particulate matter and liquids, particularly if they involve heavy machinery or washing processes.
- Public or High Traffic Areas. Enclosures in these areas might need better protection against tampering and accidental contact with the enclosure.
For instance, an enclosure in an office might only need a rating of IP20, ensuring protection against fingers or similar objects. Contrastingly, an enclosure located outdoors for a telecommunications setup might require a rating of IP67, to ensure full protection against dust and the effect of immersion in water.
Electrical Enclosures that Meet the Highest Standards
IP ratings are a vital factor in choosing electrical enclosures that offer adequate protection and durability for your electrical components. By understanding and correctly interpreting these ratings, you can make informed decisions that result in cost efficiencies and enhanced safety for your equipment. Rockett Inc. is a leading electrical enclosure manufacturer that can meet the unique needs of your application. Contact us today to request a quote—we can even ship products worldwide!
