The IP protection rating (International Protection) defines the degree of protection

provided by electrical equipment and consumers against the ingress of solid and liquid foreign bodies. It provides information on how well the device is protected against the ingress of foreign bodies and water. The IP protection rating is indicated by the letters "IP" followed by two digits, for example, IP23CS.

The first digit of the IP protection rating describes the protection against the ingress of solid bodies and touch protection. It evaluates the protection against foreign bodies such as dust, dirt, or contact with body parts. The digits range from 0 to 6, with higher numbers indicating better protection.

The second digit of the IP protection rating refers to the protection against the ingress of water. It evaluates the degree of protection against the ingress of water in various forms, such as dripping water, splashing water, or even temporary immersion. The digits range from 0 to 8, with higher numbers indicating better protection.

In addition to the letters and digits, additional letters can complement the IP code and provide specific information. For example, the IP code IP68 may include additional information about the permissible pressure during diving operations, such as 3 bar.

In humid areas and outdoors, specific requirements apply to the protection rating to ensure sufficient protection against moisture and water. Electrical equipment in humid areas must be at least drip-proof (IPX1), while unprotected installations outdoors must comply with at least protection rating IPX3.

Choosing the correct IP protection rating is important to ensure that electrical devices function reliably under given conditions and are protected against damage from water, dust, or external influences. The correct IP protection rating depends on the intended use, the environment, and the specific requirements of the device.

 

 

 

IP Code - IP Protection Class Overview Table

1st Digit	Degree of protection: Touch and foreign body protection	2nd Digit	Degree of protection: Water protection
0	No special protection	0	No special protection
1	Protection against the ingress of solid foreign bodies with a diameter ≥ 50mm	1	Protection against vertically dripping water
2	Protection against the ingress of solid foreign bodies with a diameter ≥ 12.5mm	2	Protection against vertically dripping water, equipment tilted up to 15°
3	Protection against the ingress of solid foreign bodies with a diameter ≥ 2.5mm	3	Protection against spraying water (rain) up to an angle of 60° from the vertical
4	Protection against the ingress of solid foreign bodies with a diameter ≥ 1mm	4	Protection against splashing water from all directions
5	Protection against dust deposits (dust-protected) Complete protection against contact	5	Protection against water jets from all directions
6	Protection against the ingress of dust (dust-tight) Complete protection against contact	6	Protection against strong water jets or heavy seas from all directions
If only one digit for the degree of protection is required alongside the letters IP, an X should be used instead of the missing digit, e.g., IP X4 or IP 3X		7	Protection against water immersion under pressure and time conditions
3rd Position e.g., IP 23C A   Protection against access with the back of the hand B   Protection against access with a finger C   Protected against access with a tool D   Protected against access with a wire 4th Position e.g., IP 23CS H   Equipment for high voltage M   Tested for water ingress while the machine is running S   Tested for water ingress while the machine is stationary W   Suitable for specific weather conditions		8	Protection against continuous immersion of the equipment
		9	Protected against high-pressure and high-temperature water jets

 

Common Protection Ratings:

For lamps, there are different protection ratings that vary depending on the place of use and requirements. Here are some typical protection ratings for lamps:

1. IP20: Protection against the ingress of solid foreign bodies with a diameter greater than 12.5 mm and no protection against water ingress.

2. IP44: Protection against the ingress of solid foreign bodies with a diameter greater than 1 mm and protection against splashing water from any direction.

3. IP65: Protection against dust ingress and protection against water jets from any direction.

4. IP67: Complete protection against dust ingress and protection against temporary immersion in water.

 

For sockets and switches, there are also different protection ratings, depending on the place of use and specific requirements. Here are some typical protection ratings for sockets and switches:

1. IP64: Protection against dust ingress and splashing water from any direction.

2. IP65: Protection against dust ingress and water jets from any direction.

3. IP66: Complete protection against dust ingress and strong water jets from any direction.

4. IP67: Complete protection against dust ingress and protection against temporary immersion in water.

5. IP68: Complete protection against dust ingress and protection against continuous immersion in water, additionally specifying the allowable pressure (e.g., IP68, 3 bar).

The exact protection ratings may vary depending on the manufacturer and specific product. It is important to consider the specific requirements of the place of use and choose the appropriate protection rating for lamps, sockets, and switches to ensure safe operation.

 

 

Here are some examples of IP protection ratings:

IP20	No protection against water ingress, protection against solid objects >12.5mm
IP22	IP22 represents limited protection against moisture, protection against solid objects >12.5mm
IP23	IP23 represents protection against spraying water
IP44	IP44 represents protection against splashing water and solid objects >1mm.
IP65	IP65 represents dust-tight and protection against water jets
IP66	IP66 represents waterproofing, protected against heavy water jets
IP67	IP67 means something is protected against dust, touch, and immersion
IP68	IP68 represents protection against dust, touch, and continuous immersion