IP Ratings
What is IP Rating? Learn About Ingress Protection Ratings
The Ingress Protection (IP) Code outlines a system of classification for the protection of electrical enclosures against the intrusion of foreign bodies (i.e. tools, fingers, dust, etc.) and moisture.
The system of classification for ingress protection rating was specified by the International Electrotechnical Commission and is officially designated as IEC 60529. The rating is specified by the letters IP followed by two digits i.e. IP25, IP67, etc.
First Number in IP Ratings — Degree of Ingress Protection
The first number of the IP code indicates the degree of protection against contact with moving parts and the degree that the equipment is protected against solid foreign bodies intruding into an enclosure.
0 – No protection provided
1 – Protection against entry of objects larger than 50 square mm.
2 – Protection against entry of objects larger than 12 square mm.
3 – Protection against entry of objects larger than 2.5 square mm.
4 – Protection against entry of objects larger than 1.0 square mm.
5 – Protection against entry of dust in sufficient quantity to prevent satisfactory operation.
6 – Complete protection against entry dust.
Second Number in IP Ratings — Degree of Moisture Protection
The second number indicates the degree of protection for the equipment inside the enclosure against the harmful entry of various forms of moisture (e.g. dripping, spraying, submersion, etc.)
0 – No protection provided.
1 – Protection against drops of water falling vertically.
2 – Protection against drops of water falling vertically when the light assembly is tilted up to 15 degrees from its normal position.
3 – Protection from entry of water spray from angle of up to 60 degrees from vertical.
4 – Protection from entry of water splashes or spray from any direction.
5 – Protection from a low pressure jet of water in any direction.
6 – Protection against heavy seas or a strong jet of water in any direction.
7 – Protection against immersion up to 1 meter.
9 – Protection against submersion over 1 meter.
For example, IP67 means complete protection against entry of water when submersed in up to 1 meter of water
IP69K
The IP69K rating provides protection against ingress of dust and high temperature, high pressure water (protected from steam-jet cleaning) – making products with this certification ideal for use in conditions where equipment must be carefully sanitized.
This does not include submersion of water (like IP67). Instead, IP69k provides protection against water pressure from steam-jet cleaning, proven to be durable and resistant against water, chemicals, high pressure, and high temperatures associated with demanding cleaning and safety measures.
To bear an IP69K rating, products must endure rigorous procedures to test protection against penetration of high-pressure, high-temperature water and dust. One challenge, the water intrusion test, is conducted by placing the product on a turntable that rotates every 12 seconds (5 rpm) and spraying 176 F water from 4-6 in. at a flow rate of 4 gal per minute. The water pressure is between 1160-1450 psi and is sprayed at angles of 0, 30, 60, and 90 deg for 30 seconds each.
About J.W. Speaker
J.W. Speaker is focused on developing innovative, high-performance vehicular lighting solutions for OEM and aftermarket customers around the world. Specialized in LED and other emerging lighting technologies, J.W. Speaker is proud to design, manufacture and assemble products in Germantown, Wisc. For more information, contact J.W. Speaker at (800) 558-7288 or news@jwspeaker.com.