IP rated enclosures refer to the degree of protection provided against the intrusion of solid objects (including body parts like hands and fingers), dust, accidental contact, and water. The IP code (Ingress Protection Rating) is a two-digit number assigned to electronic enclosures, with the first digit indicating protection against solid objects and the second digit indicating protection against liquids.
For example, an IP65 rated enclosure means that it is protected against dust and low-pressure water jets from any direction, making it suitable for use in harsh or outdoor environments. An IP67 rated enclosure is fully protected against dust and can be submerged in water.
The use of IP rated enclosures helps to ensure that electronics are protected against physical and environmental hazards, which can otherwise cause damage or failure of the components inside. This leads to increased reliability, durability, and longevity of electronic systems, as well as improved safety for users.
Different Type Of IP Codes
There are several IP codes used to define the level of ingress protection of an electronic enclosure, ranging from IP0X to IP6X. Here are the different types of IP ratings:
IPX0: No protection against contact and ingress of objects
IPX1: Protected against vertically falling droplets (e.g. condensation)
IPX2: Protected against direct sprays up to 15° from the vertical
IPX3: Protected against direct sprays up to 60° from the vertical
IPX4: Protected against water splashes from any direction
IPX5: Protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction
IPX6: Protected against high-pressure water jets and temporary immersion in water
The second digit in the IP rating specifies the level of protection against liquids, with higher numbers indicating a higher level of protection. The first digit specifies the level of protection against solid objects and ranges from 0 to 6, with higher numbers indicating a higher level of protection.
| First Digit | Intrusion Protection | Second Digit | Moisture Protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | No Protection | 0 | No Protection |
| 1 | Protected from solid objects with size over 50mm | 1 | Protected against vertically falling water (eg: Condensation) |
| 2 | Protected from solid objects with size over 12mm | 2 | Protected against water sprayed from a nozzle up to 15 degrees from vertical |
| 3 | Protected from solid objects over 2.5 mm (eg: tools and wires) | 3 | Protected against water sprayed up to 60 degrees from vertical |
| 4 | Solid objects over 1mm will not enter the enclosure (Eg: Wires and nails ) | 4 | Water sprayed from all directions will be protected. Very minimal ingress will be permitted |
| 5 | Protected against dust ingress limitedly. No harmful deposits will be allowed. | 5 | Low pressure jets of water from all directions will not affect the enclosure |
| 6 | Total protection against dust. No ingress allowed | 6 | Strong jets of water from all directions will not affect the enclosure. Very limited ingress allowed. |
Sunstream offers complete solutions in Mechanical design services of enclosures in plastic and sheet metal for different applications. Our Design and 3D modeling services are customized to handle customer specific requirements in terms of dust and water protection for the products. Reach out to us to know more.
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