Ingress Protection (IP) Rating Guide



INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT REFERENCE GUIDE

Ingress Protection (IP) Rating Guide

Quickly compare protection from dirt, moisture, temporary immersion, and high-pressure washdown. This rating pertains to various connectors, enclosures, light fixtures, Ethernet switches, cable glands, and other products.

What Does an IP Rating Mean?

An Ingress Protection rating, commonly called an IP rating or IP code, identifies how effectively an enclosure prevents contact with hazardous internal parts and limits the entry of solid objects, dust and water. The rating is typically written as the letters IP followed by two numbers.

The first digit describes protection from solid objects and dust on a scale from 0 to 6. The second digit describes protection from water on a scale from 0 to 9. A higher number indicates that the product passed a more demanding test within that category, but it does not automatically mean the product is suitable for every environment.

How to Read an IP Code

IP

Ingress Protection

Identifies the standardized enclosure protection classification.

6

First Digit: Solids

Level 6 indicates a dust-tight enclosure.

7

Second Digit: Water

Level 7 indicates protection during temporary immersion under specified test conditions.

Example: An IP67 product is dust-tight and protected against temporary water immersion under the manufacturer's specified test conditions.

First IP Digit: Solid Object and Dust Protection

Use the first number to determine the enclosure's resistance to accidental contact, tools, wires, and airborne dust.

Digit Protection Level What It Protects Against
0 No rated protection No specified protection against contact or solid-object entry.
1 Objects 50 mm and larger Protection against large surfaces of the body, such as the back of a hand. It does not prevent deliberate access.
2 Objects 12.5 mm and larger Protection against finger-sized objects and similar solid materials.
3 Objects 2.5 mm and larger Protection against tools, thick wires and similar objects.
4 Objects 1 mm and larger Protection against most wires, screws, small tools and other objects at least 1 mm in diameter.
5 Dust protected Some dust may enter, but not in an amount that interferes with safe or satisfactory equipment operation.
6 Dust-tight No dust ingress under the specified test conditions. This is the highest solid-particle protection level in the IP code.

Second IP Digit: Water Ingress Protection

Use the second number to evaluate exposure to splashing, water jets, immersion, or high-pressure cleaning.

Digit Protection Level What It Protects Against
0 No rated protection No specified protection against water ingress.
1 Vertically dripping water Protection against vertically falling drops, such as light condensation.
2 Dripping water when tilted Protection against vertically falling drops while the enclosure is tilted up to 15 degrees.
3 Spraying water Protection against water sprayed at angles up to 60 degrees from vertical.
4 Splashing water Protection against water splashed onto the enclosure from any direction.
5 Low pressure water jets Protection against water projected by a nozzle from any direction.
6 Powerful water jets Protection against powerful water jets and heavy spray from any direction.
7 Temporary immersion Protection against temporary immersion, commonly tested at a depth of up to 1 meter for 30 minutes under specified conditions.
8 Continuous immersion Protection during continuous immersion under conditions agreed upon by the manufacturer and user. Depth and duration must be verified for the specific product.
9 High-pressure, high-temperature water jets Protection against close-range, high-pressure and high-temperature water jets under defined test conditions. Often specified for demanding washdown environments.

Common Industrial IP Ratings

The correct rating depends on the actual installation environment, cleaning method, mounting position and manufacturer requirements.

IP20

Protected Indoor Areas

Helps prevent finger contact but provides no rated water protection. Commonly considered for dry, controlled indoor installations.

IP54

Dust and Splash Exposure

Limits harmful dust entry and resists splashing water. Often used for equipment in general industrial areas.

IP65

Dust-Tight and Water-Jet Resistant

Provides complete dust protection and resistance to water jets. Frequently specified for factory equipment and outdoor components.

IP66

Powerful Water Jets

Combines dust-tight construction with protection against powerful water jets and heavy spray.

IP67

Temporary Immersion

Provides dust-tight protection and resistance to temporary immersion under specified test conditions.

IP68

Continuous Immersion

Intended for continuous immersion at a manufacturer-defined depth and duration. Check the product documentation before selection.

IP69

High-Pressure Hot Washdown

Designed to withstand specified high-pressure, high-temperature water-jet testing for demanding cleaning applications.

How to Choose the Correct IP Rating

1. Identify the contaminants

Determine whether the product will encounter such elements as hand tools, fine dust, splashing water, or cleaning chemicals.

2. Evaluate water pressure

A light splash, hose-directed jet, temporary immersion, or high-pressure washdown require different protection levels.

3. Check depth and duration

For IP67 or IP68 equipment, confirm the tested immersion depth, exposure time and operating restrictions.

4. Review installation details

The rating may depend on properly installed gaskets, covers, mating connectors, and mounting hardware.

5. Consider temperature and chemicals

An IP rating does not by itself confirm resistance to corrosion, UV exposure, chemicals, or extreme temperatures.

6. Verify the complete assembly

A system is only as protected as its lowest-rated component, opening, seal, or connection point.

Important IP Rating Notes

What Does “X” Mean?

An X means that a protection level was not specified for that position. For example, IPX5 states the water-jet rating but does not state a solid-particle rating.

Why Are Two Ratings Listed?

A product marked IP66/IP67 has been evaluated for both powerful water jets and temporary immersion. A single test level should not always be assumed to cover every other water test.

IP68 Conditions Vary

IP68 does not establish one universal immersion depth or duration. Check the manufacturer's documentation for the tested conditions.

IP Is Not a Quality Grade

A higher IP number does not automatically make one product better. Select the rating that matches the installation and operating environment.

Frequently Asked Questions About IP Ratings

Is IP67 waterproof?

IP67 indicates protection against temporary immersion under specified test conditions. It should not be interpreted as unlimited underwater protection or suitability for every submerged application.

What is the difference between IP65 and IP67?

Both ratings indicate dust-tight construction. IP65 addresses water-jet exposure, while IP67 addresses temporary immersion. Verify dual ratings when equipment may experience both conditions.

What is the difference between IP67 and IP68?

IP67 covers temporary immersion under defined conditions. IP68 covers continuous immersion under conditions specified by the manufacturer, which may include a greater depth or longer exposure period.

Does an IP rating include chemical or corrosion resistance?

No. An IP rating addresses entry by solid objects and water under defined tests. Chemical compatibility, corrosion resistance, UV stability and temperature ratings must be evaluated separately.

Does cutting or modifying an enclosure affect its IP rating?

It can. Drilling holes or adding connectors, vents and cable entries may reduce protection unless every opening is completed with correctly rated components and installed according to instructions.

Verify the Product Specifications

Use this IP rating chart as a general selection guide. Always review the manufacturer's datasheet, testing conditions and installation instructions before placing equipment into service.

Quick reminder: The finished installation may only retain its IP rating when all covers, seals, and mating components are correctly installed.