IP protection class

The protection class indicates the suitability of electrical equipment for different environmental conditions and the protection afforded to persons against potential hazards arising from the use of such equipment.

Degree of protection against foreign objects (1st digit)

Code number 0

  • Not protected

Code number 1

  • Protection against solid objects of 50 mm or greater in diameterThe access probe, a sphere of 50 mm in diameter, shall not fully penetrate the enclosure.
  • Definition: The access probe, a sphere of 50 mm in diameter, shall not fully penetrate the enclosure

Code number 2

  • Protection against solid objects of 12.5 mm or greater in diameter
  • Definition: The access probe, a sphere of 12.5 mm in diameter, shall not fully penetrate the enclosure

Code number 3

  • Protection against solid objects of 2.5 mm or greater in diameter
  • Definition: The access probe, a sphere of 2.5 mm in diameter, shall not penetrate the enclosure at all

Code number 4

  • Protection against solid objects of 1.0 mm or greater in diameter
  • Definition: The access probe, a sphere of 1 mm in diameter, shall not penetrate the enclosure at all

Code number 5

  • Protected against dust The ingress of dust is not completely prevented
  • Definition: The quantity of dust that enters must not impair the safety or satisfactory operation of the equipment

Code number 6

  • Dustproof
  • Definiton: No ingress of dust

Degree of protection against foreign objects (1st digit)

Code number 0

  • Not protected

Code number 1

  • Protection against solid objects of 50 mm or greater in diameterThe access probe, a sphere of 50 mm in diameter, shall not fully penetrate the enclosure.
  • Definition: The access probe, a sphere of 50 mm in diameter, shall not fully penetrate the enclosure

Code number 2

  • Protection against solid objects of 12.5 mm or greater in diameter
  • Definition: The access probe, a sphere of 12.5 mm in diameter, shall not fully penetrate the enclosure

Code number 3

  • Protection against solid objects of 2.5 mm or greater in diameter
  • Definition: The access probe, a sphere of 2.5 mm in diameter, shall not penetrate the enclosure at all

Code number 4

  • Protection against solid objects of 1.0 mm or greater in diameter
  • Definition: The access probe, a sphere of 1 mm in diameter, shall not penetrate the enclosure at all

Code number 5

  • Protected against dust The ingress of dust is not completely prevented
  • Definition: The quantity of dust that enters must not impair the safety or satisfactory operation of the equipment

Code number 6

  • Dustproof
  • Definiton: No ingress of dust

Degree of protection against water (2nd digit)

Code number 0

  • Not protected

Code number 1

  • Protected against dripping water
  • Definition: Vertically falling drops will have no harmful effect

Code number 2

  • Protected against dripping water
  • Definition: Vertically falling drops shall have no harmful effect when the housing is tilted up to 15° either side of the vertical

Code number 3

  • Protected against spraying water
  • Definition: Water falling as a spray at any angle up to 60° either side of the vertical will have no harmful effect

Code number 4

  • Protected against splash water
  • Definition: Water splashing against the housing from any direction will have no harmful effect

Code number 5

  • Protected against water jets
  • Definition: Water projected by a nozzle against the housing from any direction will have no harmful effect

Code number 6

  • Protected against powerful water jets
  • Definition: Water projected in powerful jets against the housing from any direction will have no harmful effect

Code number 7

  • Protected against brief submersion in water
  • Definition: Ingress of water in harmful quantities will not be possible when the housing is briefly immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time

Code number 8

  • Protected against continuous submersion in water
  • Ingress of water in harmful quantities will not be possible when the housing is submersed continuously in water under conditions which will be agreed between the manufacturer and the user. The conditions must, however, be harsher than under IP digit 7

Code number 9K

  • Protected against water from high pressure and steam jet cleaning
  • Definition: Water directed at the housing from any angle under very high pressure will have no harmful effect