Ingress Protection Codes and Classification IP CODE

Ingress Protection Codes and Classification IP CODE

- The IPCODE (IP code) is used to stipulate the environmental protection applicable for specific equipment enclosures.
-When we purchase any electrical equipment, mechanical devices, household instruments, or enclosures, it is important to identify what degree of IP rating or IP Code (Ingress Protection) the equipment offers. Ingress of solid or liquid particles into the equipment can be dangerous to humans as well as machinery.
-The intention of this rating is to provide consumers and end users clearer details than advertising terminology such as "rainproof" or "waterproof."
-The IP code is used to stipulate the environmental protection used for specific equipment enclosure.
**Normally an IP code has two numbers:

• Protection from solid particles
• Protection from liquids

As an example, with the rating "IP 23," the first digit "2" describes the level of protection from solid objects and second digit "3" describes the level of protection from liquids.

• 2 = Protected against solid objects up to 12mm, e.g. fingers.
• 3 = Protected against direct sprays of water up to 60° from the vertical.

IP Standards

An engineer working within industry should understand the types of enclosures provided against hazardous parts and the ingress of solid foreign particles for all equipment located in the plant. Also during design of machines, an engineer should take care of IP codes of equipment, considering its application and the surrounding condition of placement.
The applicable European standards for ingress protection are:

• BS EN 60529 Specification of Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures
• IEC 529 Specification of Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures

Both of these provide a numerical code to classify the degree of protection offered. Please click on the following link to view the table.

This information source from ‘’ ContractorsUnlimited.co.uk ‘’.