Specification of IP Code Protection Ratings

IP (Ingress Protection) testing verifies a product's resistance to solid particles (dust) and liquids (water) based on the IEC 60529 standard. The IP code (e.g., IP67) indicates protection levels.

Understanding Protection Levels for Enclosures

IP Rating Fundamentals

The IP (Ingress Protection) system, governed by IEC 60529, classifies enclosure protection levels through a two-digit code. The first digit indicates solid particle resistance (0-6), while the second denotes liquid ingress protection (0-9). Higher numbers represent stronger protection capabilities.

Solid Particle Protection Levels

Solid protection ranges from IP0X (no protection) to IP6X (complete dust-tight). Critical thresholds include IP2X (finger protection), IP4X (wire protection), and IP5X (limited dust ingress). Industrial equipment typically requires IP5X+ to prevent hazardous particle accumulation in sensitive components.

Application-Specific Standards

Consumer electronics commonly use IP54 (splash/dust resistant). Medical devices require IP22+ for basic safety. Automotive components demand IP6X7 for weather/road conditions. Military applications specify IP67+ for extreme environments. Proper selection prevents 35% of enclosure-related failures.

Liquid Ingress Protection Levels

Liquid resistance spans IPX0 (unprotected) to IPX9K (high-pressure steam cleaning). Key benchmarks are IPX3 (60° rain protection), IPX5 (water jet resistance), and IPX7 (1m submersion). Outdoor electronics often need IPX5+, while marine equipment requires IPX7/8.

How to Classify and Test Your Product's Protection

1. Select Required Rating (e.g., IP67 for waterproof smartphones)

2. Testing at Accredited Lab (Key tests include):

• Dust Chamber Test (IP5X/IP6X)

• Water Spray Test (IPX1-IPX6)

• Immersion Test (IPX7/IPX8)

• High-Pressure Test (IPX9K)

3. Report & Certification

• Lab issues IP test report (no formal certificate)

• Manufacturer can label product with IP code

IP Code

Digit	Protection Level	Digit	Protection Level
0	No protection	0	No protection
1	>50mm objects (hands)	1	Dripping water (vertical)
2	>12.5mm objects (fingers)	2	Dripping water (15° tilt)
3	>2.5mm objects (tools)	3	Spraying water (60° angle)
4	>1mm objects (wires)	4	Splashing water (all directions)
5	Dust-protected (limited ingress)	5	Water jets (6.3mm nozzle)
6	Dust-tight (no ingress)	6	Powerful jets (12.5mm nozzle)
		7	Immersion (1m, 30min)
		8	Continuous immersion (>1m)
		9K	High-pressure/high-temperature jets
First Digit (Solids/Dust),Second Digit (Liquids)