IP ratings explained

IP codes are shorthand for International Protection Marking IEC Standard 60529, you will hear IP referred to as Ingress Protection. It is created by the International Electrotechnical Commission (the IEC).

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The IEC is an international body made up of members from 60 countries and helps set and maintain standards that are used globally. The standard itself provides classification and rating of the degree of protection provided against intrusion, dust, water and accidental contact by electrical enclosures and mechanical casings. Its aim is to provide more detailed definitions on the level of protection a piece of equipment has, rather than relying on terms such as ‘waterproof’ or ‘splash proof’.

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IP Codes should always be expressed in the following way, for example: IP40

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A breakdown of the code is as follows:

IP – the IP indication is mandatory, this states that the following digits are part of an IP code

4 – The first digit indicates solid particle protection; there are a range of numbers that can be used here.

0 – The second digit indicates liquid ingress protection; again, there are a range of figures that can be used here