The IP indexes of protection show the protection rate for a device from external agents. It is made of 2 digits prefixed by IP

The first digit shows the degree of protection rate against solid objects and dust.

The second digit shows the degree of protection against liquids.

In some countries a third digit is being added. in this case it shows the degree of mechanical protection.

A rating of IP65 means a degree of protection 6 against solid objects and a degree of protection 5 against liquids.

WarningThe IP rating is valid with standard environmental conditions.

Special protections could be required in special hazardous areas such as refineries, mines, blast furnace etc. 

Protection against solid objects1st digit Description Definition

0 No protection No special protection

1Protection against solid objects larger than 50mm 

Any extended part of body, such as the hand (the protection does not include intentional access). Solid objects with a diameter larger

than 50mm.

2Protection against solid objects larger  than 12mm

Fingers or similar objects with a maximum length of 80mm. Solid objects with a

diameter larger than 12mm.

3Protection against solid objects larger  than 2.5mm

Tools, wires and similar with a maximum diameter or thickness of 2.5mm. Solid objects

with a diameter larger than 2.5mm

4Protection against solid objects larger  than 1.0mm

Wires or strips with a maximum thickness of 1.0mm.  Solid objects with a diameter larger

than 1.0mm

5 Protection against dust

Entering of dust is not completely prevented, but dust does not enter in such a quantity to disrupt the normal operation of the device.

6 Total protection against dust No dust entering is possible.

 

Protection against liquids2nd digit Description Definition

0 No protection No special protection1 Protection against

drops of waterVertical drops of falling water must not have

any damaging effect

2Protection against drops of water when tilted up to 15°

Vertical drops of falling water must not have any damaging effect, when the device is

tilted up to 15°from normal position.3 Protection against

spraying water Water spray falling at an angle up to 60° from vertical must not have any damaging effect.

4 Protection against splashing water

Water splashed towards housing from any direction must not have any damaging effect.

5 Prot against water jets A water jet from a nozzle from any direction must not have any damaging effect.

6 Protection against strong sea water

Strong sea water or a powerful water jet from any direction must not have any damaging

effect.

7 Protection  against immersion

Entering of water in such a quantity to damage the device must not be possible

when the device itself is dropped into water for a limited period at defined pressure

conditions.

8 Protection against continued submersion

The device may be immersed in water for a long duration at the conditions specified by

manufacturer.