IP ratings use a 2 digit system to designate the environment rating of the enclosure. The first digit specifies the protection from solids and the second digit specifies the protection from water.

			
					IP.
					First digit:
						
Ingress of solid objects.
					Second digit:
								
Ingress of liquids.

					0
					No protection.
					No protection.
				
					1
					Protected against solid objects over 50mm e.g. hands, large tools.
					Protected against vertically falling drops of water or condensation.

					2
					Protected against solid objects over 12.5mm e.g. hands, large tools.
					Protected against falling drops of water, if the case is disposed up to 15 from vertical.

					3
					Protected against solid objects over 2.5mm e.g. wire, small tools.
					Protected against sprays of water from any direction, even if the case is disposed up to 60from vertical.

					4
					Protected against solid objects over 1.0mm e.g. wires.
					Protected against splash water from any direction.

					5
					Limited protection against dust ingress.
						
(no harmful deposit)
					Protected against low pressure water jets from any direction. Limited ingress permitted.

					6
					Totally protected against dust ingress.
					Protected against high pressure water jets from any direction. Limited ingress permitted.

					7
					N/A
					Protected against short periods of immersion in water.

					8
					N/A
					Protected against long, durable periods of immersion in water.

					9k
					N/A
					Protected against close-range high pressure, high temperature spray downs.

If you are looking for a comparison of NEMA and IP ratings, see our Control Panel Environmental Ratings NEMA and IP lesson.

IP Enclosure Protection Ratings

IP ratings use a 2 digit system to designate the environment rating of the enclosure. The first digit specifies the protection from solids and the second digit specifies the protection from water.