What is the IP rating?
IP rating belongs to the international protection level, the international standard adopts EN 60529 (British BS EN 60529:1992, European IEC 60509:1989), IP rating represents the degree of intrusion of the electrical enclosure to solid or liquid.
Why do we need an IP rating system?
When we do not have the IP rating system, we can not accurately determine the protection ability of an electrical device for foreign objects. Through the IP rating system can provide us with accurate electrical enclosure resistance to foreign objects, so that we can make a targeted and reliable choice when selecting electrical enclosures.
How is the IP rating measured?
The degree of resistance to foreign matter in the use of electrical equipment determines the high and low IP protection level, when the number is larger, it means that the IP level is higher, the higher the protection level. The smaller the number, the lower the IP rating and the lower the protection level.
Standardized description of IP ratings
The IP protection grade of the product gives specific and accurate results for the degree of intrusion of foreign objects, as well as the sealing effect of the product and the protection of the product to make an accurate categorization of the description.
What do the IP rating numbers mean?
What does IPX mean?
IPX means that the item has not been tested or rated for protection against solids or liquids and does not provide the appropriate level of protection data.
First Digit (Solid Particle Protection)
The first digit indicates the level of protection against solid particles, the larger the number, the more resistant the item is to solid particles, generally ranging from 0-6. It is as follows:
| First digit Solid particle protection | Solid particle protection |
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Protects against solid objects larger than 50 mm (1.97 inches) such as accidental contact with hands or other body parts |
| 2 | Protects against solid objects larger than 12 mm (1.45 inches) such as fingers or similar objects |
| 3 | Protects against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm (0.10 inches), such as some tools and wires. |
| 4 | Prevent solid objects larger than 1 mm (0.04 inch), such as some thin wires, screwdrivers, and smaller items |
| 5 | There is a certain dust protection. Although it cannot completely prevent the entry of dust, these entering dust will not affect the normal use of the product. |
| 6 | Completely anti-dust, completely prevent contact with solid particles, and is completely effective in protecting foreign matters |
Second digit (Liquid intrusion protection)
The second digit is the degree of resistance of the item to various forms of liquids, reflecting the degree of damage the item suffers when it is exposed to various aspects of liquid intrusion.
The degree of damage sustained. The range is generally 0-8, within which 0-6 cover the previous categories, and IP ratings after 6 are not associated with any of the previous IP ratings. As shown in the table:
| Second digit | Liquid ingress protection |
| 0 | No protection against liquids |
| 1 | Prevents 90° angle (vertical drop) water drops and moisture without harmful effects on the product |
| 2 | Protection against water drops when the housing is tilted at 15° and vertical dripping without any harmful effects |
| 3 | Prevent water droplets up to 60° angles in any form of spraying water without harmful effects on the product |
| 4 | Prevents water splashes from any angle and allows limited liquid to enter the interior |
| 5 | Preventing low-pressure water jets from any angle will not affect the product housing. |
| 6 | Prevent high-pressure water jets from any angle from the product housing will not affect it |
| 7 | Prevents short-term low-pressure water soaking (up to 1 meter, lasting 30 minutes) to allow limited access to the equipment |
| 8 | Sustainable access to water (usually 3 meters) water can enter without harmful effects under conditions specified by the manufacturer |
Additional letters
Most IP ratings are made up of two numbers, but a few will have two additional letters added to the number.
These additional letters indicate the degree of resistance of the item to other hazards and allow us to more accurately select the product we need.
The two additional letters indicate the degree of resistance of the item to some other hazards, which allows us to more accurately choose the desired product.
Which IP ratings are waterproof and which are not?
From IP61 grade upwards, all of them have certain waterproof function, among which IP61-IP64 can defend against liquid damage at some specific angles; IP65 grade and above have strong waterproof function, and it is difficult for liquid to enter into the inside of the equipment.
When the IP rating reaches IP68, the item can be completely immersed in water and will not produce harmful effects for a certain period of time. When the rating is IP60 or below, it is not waterproof, and contact with liquid will damage the product.
Weatherproof and waterproof IP ratings
The general weatherproof and waterproof IP rating is IP65, and from IP rating IP65 onwards it is possible to prevent rainwater from any angle and prevent rainwater from entering the interior of the device. This satisfies the situation when the product is exposed to rain and wind outdoors. Therefore, products with an IP65 rating or higher can be reliably protected when exposed to the elements outdoors.
What is Ip67/8, and how is it different from the IP67 and IP68 we described above?
IP67/8 means that the product not only has the protection ability of IP67, but also can reach the protection level of IP68, which centrally reflects the protection ability of IP68 and IP67. The IP67 and IP68 introduced above are judged separately, representing the degree of protection embodied in different levels.
What kind of IP rating is considered good
General product protection level of IP65 or more to have a better ability to resist, so in the purchase of products, we try to choose the protection level of IP65 or more products for our safe and reliable use.
How to test IP rating solutions
The test of IP rating is certified by independent testing company, and the test should be carried out in a specific environment in order to provide more accurate and reliable IP rating of the product.
Relationship between IP ratings and LED displays
As a representative of outdoor large-screen advertising, LED displays must have a certain degree of protection. Generally speaking, outdoor LED display has IP65 protection ability. Indoor LED display has IP44 protection ability.
FAQ
Can we swim with ip67 or ip68 rated equipment?
Try not to swim with IP67 or IP68 rated devices, these devices can only be immersed in water for a short period of time, and prolonged immersion in water will cause damage to the device through the charging port.
Are there LED displays that can be IP67 or I68 rated?
There are LED displays that can be IP65 or IP68, such as some aluminum die-cast Led cabinets that can be IP68.
What IP rating will a cell phone that is fully waterproof display?
For a cell phone to be fully waterproof, it needs to meet both IP65 and IP68.
