The IP or International Protection rating consists of the letters IP followed by two digits. The first digit defines the protection afforded against solid objects and dust, while the second covers water ingress. The definitions can be seen below:

Solids and Dust (Digit 1)

Level

Object size protected against

Details

0

-

No protection against contact and ingress of objects

1

>50mm

Any large surface of the body such as the back of the hand, but no protection against deliberate contact with a body part

2

>12.5mm

Fingers or similar objects

3

>2.5mm

Tools, thick wires, etc.

4

>1mm

Most wires, screws, etc.

5

Dust protected

Ingress of dust is not entirely prevented , but it must not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment. Complete protection against contact.

6

Dust tight

No ingress of dust. Complete protection against contact.


Water
(Digit 2)

Level

Protected Against

Details

0

-

Not protected

1

Dripping water

Dripping water (vertically falling) shall have no harmful effect

2

Dripping water when tilted up to 15°

Vertically dripping water shall have no harmful effect when the enclosure is tilted at an angle up to 15° from its normal position.

3

Spraying Water

Water falling as a spray at any angle up to 60° from vertical shall have no harmful effect.

4

Splashing water

Water splashing against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect

5

Water jets

Water projected by a nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.

6

Powerful water jets

Water projected in powerful jets against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.

7

Immersion up to 1m

Ingress of water in harmful quantity shall not be possible when the enclosure is immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time (up to 1m).

8

Immersion beyond 1m

The equipment is suitable for continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer

 

Reference: BS EN 60529:1992 AMD 1 and 2 Specification for degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code).