07/10/2021
IP Rating: What Do the Numbers Mean?
The dust- and waterproof connectors and other connectivity solutions we provide at Lumberg Nederland meet the global IP rating system. But what do the letters and numbers mean?
The IP code is structured with the letters ‘IP’ (International Protection rating) followed by two digits, each representing a different type of protection. Below, we’ve outlined the various numbers and their protection levels.
IP Classification
The IP classification system indicates the degree of protection that an enclosure offers against solid objects, dust, and water ingress.
- Table I shows the protection levels against solid objects.
- Table II shows the protection levels against water.
Table 1
The first characteristic number indicates the level of protection against solid objects.
- 0 = Not protected
- 1 = Protected against solid objects larger than 50 mm, such as a hand.
- 2 = Protected against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm, such as a finger.
- 3 = Protected against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm, such as wire or tools.
- 4 = Protected against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm, such as wire or thin strips.
- 5 = Dust-protected; prevents sufficient dust ingress to cause damage.
- 6 = Dust-tight; no ingress of dust.
Table 2
The second characteristic number indicates the level of protection against water.
- 0 = Not protected
- 1 = Protected against dripping water.
- 2 = Protected against dripping water when tilted up to 15º.
- 3 = Protected against spraying water at an angle of up to 60º.
- 4 = Protected against splashing water from any direction.
- 5 = Protected against water jets from any direction.
- 6 = Protected against heavy jets of water or powerful water streams; prevents ingress sufficient to cause damage.
- 7 = Protected against temporary immersion in water.
- 8 = Protected against continuous immersion in water.
- 69K = Protected against high-pressure, high-temperature wash-down test.
Need Assistance?
Still unsure about which connectors or enclosures you need? Feel free to reach out to one of our advisors! We’re happy to help you by phone or email.