IP Codes (International Protection) Protection Levels - IEC 529/ EN 60529, DIN,VDE 0470 Part 1
IEC 529 outlines an international classification system for the sealing effectiveness of enclosures of electrical equipment against the intrusion into the equipment of foreign bodies (i.e., tools, dust, fingers) and moisture. This classification system utilizes the letter "IP" (International or Ingress Protection) followed by two digits. (An "X" is used for one of the digits if there is only one class of protection; i.e., IP X4 which addresses moisture resistance only.)
First Digit Degree of protection against contact with moving parts (other than smooth rotating shafts, etc.) and the ingress of solid foreign bodies.
| 1st digit | Protection From Solid Objects |
|---|---|
| 0 | No special protection |
| 1 | Protection from a large part of the body such as a hand (but no protection from deliberate access); from solid objects greater than 50mm in diameter. |
| 2 | Protection against fingers or other objects not greater than 80mm in length and 12mm in diameter. |
| 3 | Protection from entry by tools, wires, etc., with a diameter or thickness greater that 2.5mm |
| 4 | Protection from entry by solid objects with a diameter or thickness greater than 1.0mm |
| 5 | Protection from the amount of dust that would interfere with the operation of equipment |
| 6 | Dust-tight |
Second Digit Degree of protection against the harmful entry of various forms of moisture (i.e., dripping, spraying, submersion, etc.
| 2nd Digit | Protection From Moisture |
|---|---|
| 0 | No special protection |
| 1 | Protection from dripping water |
| 2 | Protection from vertically dripping water |
| 3 | Protection from sprayed water |
| 4 | Protection from splashed water |
| 5 | Protection from water projected from a nozzle |
| 6 | Protection against heavy seas, or powerful jets of water |
| 7 | Protection against immersion |
| 8 | Protection against complete continuous submersion in water |
Note: All first digits and second digits up to and including characteristic digit 6, imply compliance also with the requirements for all lower characteristic digits in their respective series (first or second). Second digits 7 and 8 do not imply suitability for exposure to water jets (second characteristic digit 5 or 6) unless dual coded; i.e., IP _5/IP_7.