IEC60529 and NEMA define a procedure to determine the enclosure protection level from solid and water particles using ingress protection rating. You need to define Product IP Rating in the initial phase of Product Design. In this article, we will discuss the basics of the product Ingress Protection rating.
What is IP Rating?
Ingress Protection Rating of a product defines the protection level of that product against the entry of solid and liquid particles. It consists of two numbers.
A product IP rating ensures the product will perform the required function under defined environmental conditions.
“X” in IP-Rating indicates the level of protection is not defined. For example, IP-X5 indicates protection against solid particles is not defined. Whereas IP-5X indicates protection against liquid particles is not defined.
What is the Importance of Ingress Protection Rating
Product IP-Rating defines the product level of protection against water and solid particles or bodies. It is a key parameter during the selection of a product.
For example, We can wear an IPX8 or ATM50 rating sports band or watch during swimming. Buyers can use an ingress protection rating to compare two different products.
IP Rating Chart and Table
Significance of First Number in a Product IP-Rating
Significance of Second Number in a Product IP Rating
IP Rated Product Examples
Examples of IP certified products we use in our day to day life includes:
IP67 Rated Sports watch
IP67 rated products are completely protected from dust and can withstand up to 1 meter of water immersion for 30 minutes.
For example, IP67 and IP68 rated cameras or smartphones are used to click photos inside water. But it is recommended to always verify the specifications of a product before using them inside water.
IP65 Rated Products
IP65 rated products or enclosures are completely protected from dust and heavy rain. You can use these enclosures in unprotected outdoor environments.
For example, We can use IP65 rated security cameras and street lights in outdoor environments.
IP30 Rated Products
IP30 rated Products are protected from solid objects larger than 2.5 mm but not protected from the liquid. We can use IP30 products in indoor environments.
For example, most consumer electronics products such as routers, juicers, speakers are IP30 rated.
Ingress Protection Rating Testing Standards
Standard test equipment and the process certify a product for IP rating. Product IP Rating is tested and certified as per the following standard.
- EN 60529
- IEC 60509:1988
Commonly asked Questions on a Product IP Rating
You can use waterproof IP rating products in outdoor applications. Junction boxes, electricity & water meters, and outdoor telecom products such as a gateway are examples of waterproof products.
Experts recommend more than an IP-X5 IP rating for outdoor products because these IP rating products can withstand heavy rains.
Experts recommend IP-X7 or IP-X8 products for underwater applications. Products such as action cameras for underwater use, smartwatches come under this category.
Apart from IP rating, ATM rating (20 ATM or 50 ATM) is also marked on watches. Here 20 ATM indicates the watch can withstand 20 times the pressure at the sea level without getting damaged.
Both IP 65 and IP 67 have their significance. But IP 67 products are more protected from external environments compared to IP 65 products.
To sum up, Ingress Protection Rating defines the level of protection of a product against entry of solid and liquid particles. For example, if your smartphone is IP55 certified, that means It is limited protected from water. Similar to IP rating, NEEMA standards are also available.
We will keep adding more information on the Ingress protection rating of a product. Share your comments, questions, and suggestions on ingress protection rating in the comment box.
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