IP ratings explained

In industrial environments, electrical and electronic components are constantly exposed to dust, moisture, chemicals, and other environmental hazards. To ensure long-term reliability and safety, it's essential to choose products that are properly sealed against these threats. That’s where Ingress Protection (IP) ratings come in. Defined by the IEC 60529 standard, IP ratings provide a clear, internationally recognised system for assessing how well a device is protected against solids and liquids. Whether you're specifying enclosures, sensors, or connectors, understanding IP ratings helps engineers and procurement teams make informed decisions that balance performance, compliance, and cost-efficiency.

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What are IP Ratings?

IP stands for Ingress Protection, and the rating is split into two parts: protection against solids and protection against liquids. The first digit relates to solids, everything from fingers to fine dust. At the lower end of the scale, the focus is on preventing harm from objects being inserted into equipment. For example, protection against fingers (to keep the user safe), tools like screwdrivers or pins (to protect both the person and internal components), and fine particles such as dust (primarily to safeguard the equipment).

The second digit measures protection against water ingress. Levels range from resistance to occasional drips from one direction to full immersion at specific depths for set times. Higher numbers mean greater protection, but achieving these levels can be challenging and costly. Over-specifying can lead to practical issues, such as complex cable entry or mounting requirements. For instance, an outdoor product mounted on a wall under partial shelter may only need protection against splashes (IPX4) or water jets (IPX5), not full immersion (IPX8).

It’s important to note that the two digits are often linked. You can’t have a waterproof enclosure with a low solids rating, as that would allow objects larger than 1 mm to enter—clearly incompatible with being waterproof. However, a high water ingress rating doesn’t automatically guarantee dust protection.

In summary:

  • First digit (0–6): Protection against solid objects (e.g. dust, tools).
  • Second digit (0–9): Protection against liquids (e.g. dripping water, jets, immersion).

For example:

IP65

Dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets.

IP67

Complete dust protection and immersion up to 1m for 30 minutes.

IP69K

Withstands high-pressure, high-temperature washdowns - ideal for food and pharma.

Some products may only meet IP ratings in specific usage scenarios. For example, a switch might have a water-resistant rating but still expose open electrical connections on the rear. In these cases, the IP claim usually refers to the “front of panel”, meaning the actuator side meets the stated protection level when correctly sealed to the panel or enclosure.

Why IP Ratings Matter

Selecting components with appropriate IP ratings is crucial for:

  • Equipment longevity: Prevents failures from dust, oil, or moisture.
  • Compliance: Meets industry safety and environmental standards.
  • Cost efficiency: Avoids over-specifying and unnecessary costs.

When evaluating IP-rated products, consider your installation environment, exposure to contaminants, and maintenance requirements. Collaboration with design engineers ensures optimal protection for your budget.

Popular IP-Rated Product Categories

IP-rated components are essential across a wide range of industrial applications, from factory automation to outdoor installations. Below are some of the most commonly sourced product categories, along with trusted brands known for delivering reliable, IP-compliant solutions.

Hydraulics & Pneumatics - Pneumatic Valves (IP65)

Exposure to dust, oil mist, and moisture is common in pneumatic systems. IP65-rated valves from FESTO ensure reliability and safety under harsh industrial conditions, combining precision control with environmental protection.


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