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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.
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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. |
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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 symbolized 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.
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