Understanding IP Protection
IP Explanation and Ratings
Luminaires are classified in accordance with the requirements of EN60529 and EN60598 regarding their ability to prevent the ingress of solids or liquids. The classification system utilizes the letters "IP" ("Ingress Protection") followed by two digits.
Degrees of Protection - First Digit
The first digit of the IP code indicates the degree that persons are protected against contact with live parts and the degree that equipment is protected against solid foreign bodies intruding into an enclosure.
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.).
The IP Code Symbols
The table below illustrates the use of special symbols in the IP classification system. These symbols should be placed on equipment to illustrate the IP protection provided.
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.
| First Characteristic | Degree of Protection | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Numeral | Symbol | Short Description | Details |
| 0 | No protection | No special protection | |
| 1 | Protected against solid objects greater than 50mm | a large surface of the body, such as a hand (but no protection against deliberate access) Solid objects exceeding 50mm in diameter | |
| 2 | Protected against solid objects greater than 12mm | Fingers or similar objects not exceeding 80mm in length. Solid objects exceeding 12mm in diameter | |
| 3 | Protected against solid objects greater than 2.5mm | Tools, wires etc. of diameter thickness greater than 2.5mm. Solid objects exceeding 2.5mm in diameter | |
| 4 | Projected against solid objects greater than 1.0mm | Wires or strips of thickness greater than 1.0mm. Solid objects exceeding 1.0mm in diameter | |
| 5 |  |
Dust protected | Ingress of dust is not totally prevented but dust does not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with satisfactory operation of the equipment |
| 6 |  |
Dust tight | No ingress of dust |
| Second Characteristic | Degree of Protection | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Numeral | Symbol | Short Description | Details |
| 0 | Non protected | No special protection | |
| 1 |  |
Protected against dripping water | Dripping water (vertically falling drops) shall have no harmful effect |
| 2 | Protected against dripping water when tilted up to 15° | Vertically dripping water shall have no harmful effect when the enclosure is tilted at any angle up to 15° from its normal position | |
| 3 |  |
Protected against spraying water | Water falling as a spray at an angle up to 60° from the vertical shall have no harmful effect |
| 4 |  |
Protected against splashing water | Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect |
| 5 |  |
Protected against water jets | Water projected by a nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect |
| 6 | Protected against heavy seas | Water from heavy seas or water projected in powerful jets shall not enter the enclosure in harmful quantities | |
| 7 |  |
Protected against the effects of immersion | Ingress of water in a harmful quantity shall not be possible when the enclosure is immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time |
| 8 |  |
Protected against submersion | The equipment is suitable for continuous submersion in water under conditions which shall be specified by the manufacturer. Note: This will normally mean that the equipment is hermetically sealed. However with certain types of equipment it can mean that water can enter but only in such a manner that it produces no harmful effects. |