All about the IP degree of protection

What does IP mean?

The acronym IP corresponds to the English words “Ingress Protection”. Degree of protection is regulated under the international standard IEC 60529, which is used in most countries of the world.

It is mandatory that the products have the degree of protection IP indicated, in this way we will know if a focus , a lamp or a hood are suitable for installation in a certain environment.

Usually we will find two digits, the first digit indicates the level of protection against solids and the second digit indicates the protection against liquids. The following table breaks down the digits:

0-No protection

1-Objects with a diameter greater than 50 mm

2-Objects with a diameter greater than 12.5mm

3-Objects with a diameter greater than 2.5mm

4-Objects with a diameter greater than 1mm

5-Protection against dust

6-Full protection against dust

0-No protection

1-Dripping water from a height of 200 mm relative to the equipment, for 10 minutes (at a rate of 3-5 mm³ per minute)

2-Dripping water for 10 minutes (at a rate of 3-5 mm³ per minute). Four tests, one for each 15° turn both vertically and horizontally, each time starting from the normal working position

3-Water mist at an angle of up to 60° to the right and left of the vertical at an average of 11 liters per minute and at a pressure of 80-100 kN/m² for at least 5 minutes

4-Water jets at an average of 10 liters per minute, a pressure of 80-100 kN/m² for at least 5 minutes

5-Water jets from a 6.3 mm diameter nozzle, at an average of 12.5 liters per minute, pressure of 30 kN/m² for at least 3 minutes and at a distance of 3 meters or more

6-Very powerful jets of water. Water squirted from a 12.5 mm diameter nozzle, at a rate of 100 liters per minute, at a pressure of 100 kN/m² for no less than 3 minutes and at a distance equal to or greater than 3 meters7Complete immersion in water 1 meter deep for 30 minutes

8-Complete and continuous immersion in water to the depth and for the time specified by the manufacturer, provided that the conditions are harsher than for the value 7

9K-Short jets range (14–16 l/minute at 0.1–0.15 m) at high pressure (8000–10000 kPa / 80–100 Bar) and high temperature (80 °C). This level of protection is defined in the German standard DIN 40050-9, and not in ICE 60529

In some cases we can see letters that accompany the IP values. These are used to add extra information about the device and its level of protection.

• D: Wire
• f: Against oil
• H: High voltage device
• M: Device moving during test
• S: Device immobile during test
• W: Weather conditions

Most common IP protection indices

Below we will detail the typical scope of use of the most used values of the IP protection factor.

It does not need high protection, it is designed for indoor installation, so it will not be exposed to dangerous external agents for its internal components. Moreover, if we use it outdoors, the luminaire where we install it is the one that will provide protection.

In terms of protection needs, we would find elements with an IP 44 degree, which guarantees good protection against solids and liquids. It is very common in bathroom lighting elements. Items with a somewhat higher factor such as IP54 can be used in most outdoor spaces without too much trouble.

It is recommended for most outdoor products such as LED spotlights. IP65 and IP66 protection ensures complete protection against solids such as dust and rain.

Finally, the products that have the maximum protection. Both devices that have IP67 and those that have an IP68 protection index withstand complete immersion in water. In the first case (IP67) they must withstand submersion at a depth of one meter for half an hour without water entering them. In the second case (IP68), it is the manufacturer that will indicate the time, but always in more severe conditions than in the previous case.

We hope you liked our guide and that it helps you when choosing your products. At Rehabilitaweb we have a customer service that will answer any questions about the specifications of our products.