The IP (Ingress Protection) class determines the degree of protection of the housing of any electrical device against the ingress of solid bodies (dust) and liquids. Each IP protection level is defined in the international standard IEC 60529. What do the individual symbols defining the IP protection class mean? Check what impact the IP symbols placed on the housing of an electrical device have on safety?
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What is IP protection class and what does it mean?
When browsing through product information leaflets or technical specifications, users come across the IP protection parameter, which is intended to indicate the level of protection against moisture, water, dust and solid bodies, which is very enigmatic for people without technical knowledge.
It is worth noting, however, that the IP protection class expressed by specialized markings has a huge impact on the user's safety during the operation of an electrical or electronic device, regardless of its application.
The IP code also provides information about protection against solid objects up to 12 mm in size, or protection against access with a finger, as is the case with the EATON TYPE 1+2 1000VDC SPPVRT12-10-2+PE EP-501955 photovoltaic surge arrester marked with the IP20 code.
The IP protection class applies to all factors (water resistance, water resistance and dust resistance) that would expose the given products to damage. In other words, IP protection is understood as the degree to which the given device is protected against the negative effects of external factors (dust, moisture, flooding with a water jet).
The EN 60529 standard describes a classification system for the IP protection levels guaranteed by equipment enclosures that electrical equipment should be equipped with. The tightness class is indicated by the IP (Ingress Protection) code, expressing the resistance of electronic and electrical equipment enclosures against access to the interior of the enclosure by hazardous parts or other solid objects or water.
Why does IP protection class matter?
Devices using electricity, due to the specificity of the drive source, must be characterized by a structure that prevents unwanted bodies or liquids from entering their interior. In a similar way, broadly understood electrical engineering is treated, especially devices that constitute the protection of the transmission of electricity.
The vast majority of this type of equipment is exposed to water ingress or operates in an environment full of moisture and dust, which in practice means a serious threat to the health and even life of a person in contact with such a device. For this reason, when purchasing electrical devices, cables and wires , the IP tightness class given in the product specification should be of great importance, which is a common practice in the case of sales made by a reputable supplier of electronic and electrical equipment.
The meaning of numbers in marking IP tightness classes
The EN 60529 standard issued by the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization applies to enclosures for electrical and electronic equipment with a rated voltage not exceeding 72.5 kV.
The IP code usually consists of two digits:
- The first one informs that the casing protects the user from access to dangerous parts. Additionally, the casing guarantees protection of the equipment from shock caused by penetration by solid foreign bodies;
- The second digit indicates that the housing provides adequate resistance to the harmful effects of liquid ingress.
The IP code consisting of two digits was used in the heat meter with Xylem Sensus Pollucom F wMBus DN20 Qn 2.5 L = 130 mm G 1 communication . In this case, the manufacturer considered it necessary to protect the product from dust, from access using a cable, and from water splashes. As a result, the heat meter was marked with the symbol IP54.
Examples of symbols will make it easier to understand the above definitions:
- IP0X – no protection;
- IP1X – protection against solid objects up to 50 mm and protection against access with the back of the hand;
- IP2X – protection against solid objects up to 12 mm and protection against finger access;
- IP3X – protection against solid objects up to 2.5 mm and protection against access with a tool;
- IP4X – protection against solid objects up to 1 mm and protection against access via a cable;
- IP5X – protection against dust and protection against access via cable;
- IP6X – full protection against dust (dustproof protection) and protection against access via cable.
The second digit of the IP code indicates the degree of protection against liquid ingress:
- IPX0 – no protection;
- IPX1 – protection against vertically falling water drops;
- IPX2 – protection against water drops falling at a maximum inclination of 15°;
- IPX3 – protection against rain falling from any angle;
- IPX4 – protection against splashes of water falling from various angles;
- IPX5 – protection against flooding with a jet of water, regardless of the vertical or horizontal position of the water;
- IPX6 – protection against waves;
- IPX7 – protection against momentary immersion in water, applies to protection at a depth of 15 cm to 1 m for up to 30 minutes when submerged;
- IPX8 – waterproof when continuously immersed in water to a depth of no more than 3 m (this refers to the pressure acting on the housing) for a maximum of one hour;
- IPX9 – protection against continuous immersion in water and against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets at a depth of not more than 3 m for a maximum of one hour.
Tightness classes for indoor and outdoor lighting
Knowledge of the tightness classification will help you choose lighting that will remain resistant even during rainfall, without being flooded by heavy precipitation, which is also helped by selecting the right diameter.
An example of such a marking is the IP66 code for the LED street luminaire ECO AREA 10 kV 150 W 6500 K 20250 lm 865 IP66, SPD 4058075557970 , informing about full protection against dust and pressurized water.
The most commonly used tightness markings in lighting fixtures:
- IP20 – luminaires used indoors;
- IP21, IP22 – luminaires and lamps resistant to condensation of water;
- IP23 – luminaires used inside unheated rooms and outdoors;
- IP43, IP44 – luminaires for illuminating open areas;
- IP50 – luminaires designed for operation in dusty environments;
- IP54 – luminaires for dusty and humid places;
- IP60 – luminaires adapted to extremely dusty environments;
- IP65, IP66 – luminaires insensitive to pressurized water jets;
- IP67, IP68 – luminaires suitable for use in submersion (e.g. lighting for fountains, swimming pools).
Knowledge of tightness classes helps to select the optimal and safe device
Knowledge of the principles of reading the IP code - the tightness class of the product, the customer is able to make a conscious decision to buy specific devices. This knowledge also facilitates the appropriate selection of a given product, based on its parameters. Thanks to this, the electrical or electronic device will not be damaged, ensuring many years of failure-free operation.
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