Glossary

IP rating

The marking of how well equipment is protected against foreign bodies and water – as a two-digit IP code. In handling technology it decides usability in foundries, precast plants, food operations and outdoors. For high-pressure wet cleaning IP54 is not enough; there IP65 or more is required, and the choice affects drive, control and price.

Also: Degree of protection · IP code · Protection to EN 60529

Also known as

Degree of protection
IP code
Protection to EN 60529

Two digits, two statements

The IP code under EN 60529 (IEC 60529) describes the protection an enclosure provides. The first digit stands for protection against the ingress of solid foreign objects and at the same time for the protection of persons against access to hazardous parts. The second digit stands for protection against water.

If a digit is not specified, an X takes its place – IPX4 thus says something about water only. The two digits are independent of each other and are tested separately.

The trap with water: jets and immersion

Up to digit 6, each higher level includes the lower ones. From digit 7 that no longer holds: an enclosure that withstands temporary immersion is not automatically protected against water jets, because a jet acts on seals differently from static pressure. If both are required, both ratings are stated, for example IP65/IP67.

Digit 9 stands for water at high pressure and high temperature, as in high-pressure and steam-jet cleaning. The common notation IP69K comes from the standard for road vehicles.

What the IP code does not tell you

The IP code is tested with water. It says nothing about resistance to cleaning agents, oils, cutting fluids or salt spray, and nothing about corrosion. Nor does it describe protection against mechanical impact – that is the IK code under EN 62262 – or explosion protection. In North America, NEMA enclosure types are used instead; they are not directly equivalent.

An enclosure with a high rating can also collect condensation if it breathes during temperature changes. Tightness alone does not solve that; depending on the application, pressure compensation elements or a condensate drain are needed.

What it means for handling devices

On a handling device the rating concerns motors, controls, operating elements, sensors and connectors. The requirement follows from the environment: dust in foundries and precast plants, cutting fluid at the machine tool, daily wet cleaning in food production, rain outdoors.

The weakest component governs. A drive rated IP65 is of little use if the control handle reaches only IP54.

Common mistakes

Most failures arise at points that do not appear on the data sheet.

The rating applies only with the cover closed and the cable gland fitted correctly.
Connectors achieve their rating only when mated.
High-pressure cleaner aimed at equipment rated IP65 – the digit is not tested for that.
Seals age; the rating of the new device is no longer given after years.

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Overview

The digits of the IP code

Digit	First digit: solid objects and access	Second digit: water
0	no protection	no protection
1	objects from 50 mm, back of the hand	vertically falling drops
2	objects from 12.5 mm, finger	drops with enclosure tilted up to 15°
3	objects from 2.5 mm, tool	spraying water up to 60° from vertical
4	objects from 1 mm, wire	splashing water from all directions
5	dust-protected	water jets
6	dust-tight	powerful water jets
7	–	temporary immersion
8	–	continuous immersion
9	–	high-pressure and steam-jet cleaning

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about IP rating

What is the difference between IP54 and IP65?

IP54 means dust-protected and protected against splashing water from all directions. IP65 means dust-tight and protected against water jets. For areas that are hosed down, IP54 is not sufficient.

Is IP67 better than IP65?

Not in every respect. IP67 demonstrates protection against temporary immersion but says nothing about water jets. If both are needed, look for the dual rating IP65/IP67.

Which IP rating does equipment in food production need?

That depends on the cleaning method. For wet cleaning with a hose, IP65 is the minimum; for high-pressure or steam-jet cleaning, IP69. In addition, materials and seals must resist the cleaning agents – which the IP code does not cover.

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