Ingress Protection (IP Ratings) Defined
Ingress Protection or IP for short is an important rating for inspection equipment; it defines the amount of liquid and/or solid particles that penetrate into electrical equipment. Needless to say improperly designed or misapplied equipment can cause a failure that could be potentially harmful to the operator. Therefore, when comparing any product inspection device, whether it's a METTLER TOLEDO Hi-Speed checkweigher, a METTLER TOLEDO Safeline metal detector or X-ray system to another offering it's essential to know what degree of level of ingress protection each device offers.
¡ EN 60529; Specification of Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures
¡ IEC 529; Specification of Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures
The IEC (International Electrical Code) designation consists of the letters IP followed by two numerals. The first numeral indicates the degree of protection provided by the enclosure with respect to solid foreign solids entering the enclosure. The second numeral indicates the degree of protection provided by the enclosure with respect to the harmful ingress of water.
Ingress Protection Classification | |||
First Number | Second Number | ||
IP | Protection Provided | IP | Protection Provided |
0 | No Protection | 0 | No protection |
1 | Protected against solid objects greater than 50 mm e.g. accidental touch by hands | 1 | Protected against vertically falling drops of water e.g. condensation |
2 | Protected against solid objects greater than 12 mm e.g. fingers | 2 | Protected against direct sprays of water up to 15 degrees from the vertical |
3 | Protected against solid objects over 2.5 mm e.g. tools | 3 | Protected against direct sprays of water of up to 60 degrees from the vertical |
4 | Protected against solid objects over 1 mm e.g. wires | 4 | Protected against water sprayed from all directions - limited ingress permitted |
5 | Protected against dust - limited ingress (no harmful deposit) | 5 | Protected against low pressure jets of water from all directions - limited ingress permitted |
6 | Totally protected against dust | 6 | Protected against strong jets of water e.g. for use on ship decks |
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| 7 | Protected against the affects of immersion between 15cm and 1m |
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| 8 | Protected against long periods of immersion under pressure |
Originally the IP Code rating system did not cover enclosures that are subjected to high temperature and high pressure wash down cleaning routines such as those commonly found in the food processing industry. As concerns over food safety increased and cleaning and sanitation procedures became more aggressive, this shortcoming in the IP rating system was identified.
To learn more about the IP Ratings click the link below; you will be requested to fill out a short form. Once you click the send button you will receive the PDF to download.