IP (Ingress Protection) Ratings

The BS EN 60529:1992 standard outlines the system for dealing with any foreign bodies / entities intruding into any electrical equipment. This enables you to understand exactly what circumstances you can be in when using or buying the different types of electrical equipment.

Understanding the IP numbers

The system uses a scale called an IP rating which stands for ingress protection and will come in the format of IP followed by two numbers that each specify a different degree of protection ie. IP54.

Extent of Protection, First Digit

The first number of the Ingress Protection code indicates the extent that a person or persons are protected against contact with moving parts and the extent that equipment is protected against solid foreign bodies intruding into an enclosure. Below is a table showing clearly what each number entails.

0	No special barrier.
1	Safeguarded from large parts of the human body (such as hands) or from solid objects greater than 50mm in diameter.
2	Safeguarded against fingers or other objects not greater than 80mm in length and 12mm in diameter.
3	Safeguarded from entry by tools, wires, etc., with a diameter of thickness greater than 1.0mm.
4	Safeguarded from entry by solid objects with a diameter or thickness greater than 1.0mm.
5	Safeguarded from the amount of dust that would interfere with the operation of the equipment.
6	Dust tight.

Extent of Protection, Second Digit

The second number of the Ingress Protection code indicates the degree of protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against the harmful entry of various forms of moisture.

0	No special barrier.
1	Safeguarded from dripping water.
2	Safeguarded from vertically dripping water.
3	Safeguarded from sprayed water.
4	Safeguarded from splashed water.
5	Safeguarded from water projected from a nozzle.
6	Safeguarded against heavy seas, or powerful jets of water.
7	Safeguarded against immersion.
8	Safeguarded against complete, continuous submersion in water.