Understanding The Numbers
Well the IP rating (Ingress Protection Rating or International Protection Rating,) consists of two digits. These are defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission(IEC) Standard 60529.
- The first digit is the degree of protection against the intrusion of a solid object (fingers, needle, screwdriver, or dust)
- The second digit is the degree of protection against water.
Common Protection Levels
The following are the more common IP ratings encountered.
Penetration by Solid Objects
- IP 3# – An access probe of 2.5mm diameter shall not penetrate.
- IP4# – An access probe of 1.0mm diameter shall not penetrate.
- IP5# – Limited ingress of dust permitted (no harmful deposit)
- IP6# – Totally protected against the ingress of dust
Penetration By Water
- IP#0 – No protection against water damage.
- IP#1 – Protection against vertical falling water
- IP#2 – Protected against sprays to 15°
- IP#3 – Protected against sprays to 60°
- IP#4 – Protected against water splashed from all directions.
- IP#5 – Protected against jets of water.
- IP#6 – Protected against strong jets of water.
- IP#7 – Protected against the effects of temporary immersion in water to depth of up to 1m.
- IP#8 – Protected against prolonged immersion in water
Although fittings with high IP Ratings are expensive remember they are keeping you safe!
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