April 13, 2020
What is an IP Rating?
IP (Ingress Protection) ratings are defined in international standard EN 60529 (British BS EN 60529:1992, European IEC 60509:1989). IP ratings are used to interpret levels of sealing effectiveness and protection of electrical enclosures against intrusion from foreign objects (tools, dirt, insects, etc) and moisture (water).
The standard objective is to provide users with more specific information rather than vague marketing terms such as waterproof or water-resistant.
What does an IP Rating of "X" mean?
For certain products, you might come across an IP rating seen as 'IPX6' or 'IP6X' etc. IP ratings that present an "X" simply indicate that there is no numerical rating provided for that specific ingress type. Therefore, 'IPX6' indicates no allocated rating against foreign body access, and a moisture protection rating of 6. Vice vera, 'IP6X' indicates that the product is protected against foreign body access, but no certified level of moisture protection has been stated.
IP Ratings Table
The IP ratings table below explains what each number/digit in a standard IP code means. This IP chart can be used to get a clear idea of the specific hazards and scenarios an item’s electrical or mechanical components should be protected against, and to what extent in what type of environments. The first number of an IP rating outlines the protection from foreign body and particulate access, and the second number outlines the protection against moisture access.
IP Ratings Chart
The three IP ratings most used are IP65, IP66 and IP67
- IP65 Enclosure – IP rated as “dust proof’ and protected against direct water from a low-pressure jet
- IP66 Enclosure – IP rated as “dust proof’ and protected against direct water from a high-pressure/powerful jet
- IP67 Enclosure – IP rated as “dust proof’ and protected against complete submersion for 30 minutes at depths between 15cm and 1m
What are the minimum requirements of IP ratings?
The standard minimum requirements of electrical devices for indoor use are IP22 and IP2X.
An electrical/wall socket rated at IP22 is protected against accidental insertion of fingers and it will not be damaged or become harmful during a specified test in which it is exposed to vertically or nearly vertically (up to 15°) dripping water.
What types of products have IP ratings?
- Electrical/wall sockets, plugs, switches
- Lights, floodlights, LED's, strip lights, lamps
- Cell phones, cameras, TV screens, monitors, laptops
- Pumps, controllers, timers
- Generators, inverters
- And any other products that have electrical enclosures
Eurolux G650RGB, 5m 5050 LED Strip, RGB, 60 LED's Per Meter, IP65
Eurolux LED Floodlight With Motion Sensor & Remote, 20W, IP65
Useful links
- Collection of LED Strip Lights recommended by EcoDepot
- Collection of Outdoor LED Flood Lights recommended by EcoDepot
- Eurolux G650RGB, 5m 5050 LED Strip, RGB, 60 LED's Per Meter, IP65
- Eurolux LED Floodlight With Motion Sensor & Remote, 20W, IP65