What are IP ratings?
IP or Ingress Protection is a rating system published by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) for electrical and electronic enclosures. IP codes classify the level of protection an enclosure offers against solid particles and water.
IP ratings are identified by two numbers. The first number represents the level of protection provided against solid substances like fingers, dirt and dust and the second number represents the protection level from water.
IP First Digit (Protection level against solids)
0 – No protection
1 – Protection against large objects (objects larger than 50 mm)
2 – Protection against medium objects (objects larger than 12 mm)
3 – Protection against small objects (larger than 2.5 mm)
4 – Protection against objects (larger than 1 mm)
5 – Protection against limited amounts of dust / Ingress of dust is not entirely prevented
6 – Total protection from dust / No ingress of dust
IP Second Digit (Protection level against water)
0 – No protection
1 –Protection against vertical dripping water
2 – Protection against dripping water at 15° angle
3 –Protection against spraying water at 60° angle
4 – Protection against splashing water from all angles
5 – Protection against low pressure water jets from all directions
6 – Protection against high pressure water jets and temporary flooding
7 – Protection against immersion (less than 1 m)
8 – Protection against immersion (greater than 1 m)
Polycase offers IP rated enclosure options meeting IP65, IP66, IP67 and IP68 ratings, the four strongest protection levels available.