Understanding IP Ratings | PEM
Decoding IP Ratings: What do the numbers mean?
When shopping for a new smartphone, smartwatch, or even industrial equipment, you’ve probably seen labels like IP67 or IPX4. But what do these numbers actually mean? Understanding IP ratings can help you choose devices that match your environment, whether you need a waterproof phone or dust-resistant machinery.
The Ingress Protection (IP) rating system is a global standard that classifies how well an enclosure protects against dust and water. In this post, we’ll break down the IP rating structure, explain each digit’s significance, and explore real-world examples of different protection levels.
The Structure of an IP Rating
An IP rating consists of two key numbers, each indicating a different type of protection:
- The first digit (0-6) represents protection against solid objects like dust and debris.
- The second digit (0-9K) indicates resistance to water in different conditions.
For example, in IP67, the 6 means complete protection against dust, while the 7 means the device can withstand immersion in water up to one meter for 30 minutes. If a rating includes an "X" (e.g., IPX5), it means no data is available for that type of protection.
Understanding the First Digit: Solid Protection
The first digit in an IP rating ranges from 0 (no protection) to 6 (complete dust-tight sealing). Here’s what each level means:
- 0 – No protection against solid objects.
- 1 – Protection from large objects over 50mm (like a hand).
- 2 – Protection from objects over 12.5mm (like fingers).
- 3 – Protection from objects over 2.5mm (like tools or thick wires).
- 4 – Protection from objects over 1mm (like fine wires).
- 5 – Partial protection against dust; some may enter but won’t affect function.
- 6 – Complete dust protection; no particles can enter.
For example, an IP5X-rated device allows some dust inside but still functions properly, while an IP6X-rated device is entirely dustproof.
Understanding the Second Digit: Water Protection
The second digit in an IP rating ranges from 0 (no protection) to 9K (resistant to high-pressure water and steam). Here’s how different levels compare:
- 0 – No protection against water.
- 1 – Protection from vertical dripping water (light rain).
- 2 – Protection from dripping water at a 15-degree tilt.
- 3 – Protection from sprayed water at up to a 60-degree angle.
- 4 – Protection from water splashes from any direction.
- 5 – Protection from low-pressure water jets (e.g., a garden hose).
- 6 – Protection from high-pressure water jets.
- 7 – Protection from immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
- 8 – Protection from deeper, longer submersion (manufacturer-defined conditions).
- 9K – Protection from high-pressure, high-temperature water jets (used in industrial settings).
For instance, an IPX4 device can handle splashes but won’t survive full immersion, while an IPX7 smartphone can be submerged in water but might not withstand high-pressure jets.
Real-World Examples of IP Ratings
To put these ratings into perspective, here’s how they apply to everyday products.
- IP67 Smartphones: Completely dustproof and can survive accidental drops in water.
- IPX4 Earbuds: Resistant to sweat and rain but not submersion.
- IP65 Industrial Equipment: Protected from dust and water spray, ideal for factories.
- IPX9K Automotive Components: Withstand high-pressure washing in vehicles and machinery.
By understanding these ratings, consumers and engineers can make informed choices about which devices are best suited for specific conditions.
Conclusion
IP ratings provide a standardized way to measure how well a product resists dust and water, helping users choose the right level of protection for their needs. Whether you're selecting a waterproof smartwatch or designing industrial enclosures, knowing how to interpret IP ratings ensures better performance and longevity.
In the next post, we’ll explore how ingress protection is tested, from dust chambers to high-pressure water jets.
View our full series of Ingress Protection posts:
How Ingress Protection is Tested
Failing Ingress Protection Tests