IP Rating Codes Explained
IP ratings (also known as an Ingress Protection or International Protection) or codes, are used to determine the level of protection provided against the ingress of solid objects such as dust, and liquids (such as water).
IP ratings are noted in BS 7671.
Selecting the electrical equipment and accessories with the correct degree of ingress protection is paramount when designing a new electrical installation or addition to an existing installation.
IP codes are covered in further detail in BS EN 60529 Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code).
This IP ratings chart was printed from our Electrical Tools and Reference App, and shows the different IP ratings and the level of protection offered by each IP rating code.
IP Rating Codes & Meanings
IP is commonly known as Ingress Protection or International Protection.
|
Digit |
Descriptor |
|---|---|
|
I |
Ingress (The unwanted introduction of water, foreign bodies, contaminants, etc.) |
|
P |
Protection |
|
1st number |
Level of protection offered against the ingress of “liquids” |
|
2nd number |
Level of protection offered against the ingress of “solid bodies/objects” |
As you can see from the IP ratings table, IP ratings range from IPXX (no protection) to IP68, which offers “dust-tight” and “continuous submersion in water (under specified conditions)” protection.
IP Ratings Table
Ingress protection chart.
|
IP Code |
Level of Protection |
|---|---|
|
IPX4 |
No protection against solid objects, protection against water splashed against the enclosure from any direction |
|
IP44 |
Protection against 1mm diameter solid object and water splashed against the enclosure from any direction |
|
IP65 |
Protection for dust tight and water jets projected from any direction such as hose pipes |
|
IP67 |
Protection for dust tight and temporary submersion in water in specified conditions |
The IP rating codes above are common ingress protection chart codes, the minimum required IP rating for electrical equipment can vary depending on the design requirements.
Minimum IP Ratings of Electrical Equipment
The minimum required IP ratings of electrical equipment will depend on the environment they are to be exposed to. This could vary from a saw mill to a swimming pool.
BS 7671 Wiring Regulations contains the minimum IP rating requirements of equipment in different locations, for bathrooms see IP Ratings of Equipment in Bathrooms.
Areas with an increased risk of exposure to liquid (water) such as external lighting or external sockets would require a higher IP rating to protect against the ingress of water (IP 1st letter), such as rain.
Areas such as saw mills could be a dusty environment therefore a higher protection against the ingress of solid bodies (IP 2nd letter) such as sawdust would be required.
Depending on the environment and external influences exposed to the installed electrical equipment further protection against other factors may also apply.
IP Code Charts
An IP rating chart displays the varying levels if Ingress Protection (IP), the environment and external influences will determine the minimum level of IP protection required.
BS 7671 Wiring Regulations (along with other standards) dictate the minimum permitted levels of IP ratings of electrical equipment and wiring accessories.
IP rating tables are included within our Electrical Tools and Reference app, this Electricians App contains many reference tables, charts and tools designed specifically for electricians.
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