WHAT IS AN IP RATING?

IP Ratings Explained

An IP rating stands for Ingress Protection mark, sometimes known as International (or Internal) Protection mark. It typically consists of two digits and is assigned to the enclosure of a mechanical or electrical device, providing users with a clear understanding of the item's resistance to different types of unwanted intrusion.

The term "intrusion" within the context of an IP rating encompasses three aspects: it indicates the level of protection to users (such as hands and fingers) from mechanical or electrical components; it denotes the enclosure's ability to shield these crucial parts against dust, dirt, and other harmful foreign particles; and it represents the overall resistance of the device to moisture. The IP Rating table bellow will explain everything you need to know to help you get familiar with your product.

The First Digit
Depending on how the number increases or decreases, the first digit of the rating tells you how it will be protected from physical objects such as screw drivers or rocks. The maximum value is 6, which means that there's no ingress of dust.

The Second Digit
The second number tells you the level of water resistance the electrical appliance has. This varies from water condensation, drip, water jets and total immersion. The maximum value is 9, which means that its protected against close range, powerful and high temperature water jets.