IP-Rating System

Protection against solid objectsProtection against water Example  Indoor NEMA classificationOutdoor NEMA classificationMatching the NEMA and IP Classifications

The International Protection (IP) rating is identified by a code which consists of the letters IP followed by two digits. The digits ('characteristic numerals') indicate conformity with the conditions summarised in the tables below.

The first digit indicates the level of protection against access to hazardous parts and the intrusion of solid foreign objects or dust.

Protection against Solid Objects IP 1. # Touch                    Foreign Element 0 No Protection No Protection   1 With huge Body Parts (backhand) Huge Foreign Element, Diameter bigger 50 mm 2 With the Finger Foreign Element, Diameter bigger 12,5 mm 3 With Tools and Wires Diameter bigger 2,5 mm Small Foreign Element, Diameter bigger 2,5 mm 4 With Tools and Wires, Diameter bigger 1 mm Corn Formed Foreign Elements, Diameter bigger 1 mm 5 Complete Protection Dust Deposit 6 Complete Protection Dust Income

Protection against Water IP 2. # Details  0 No protection   1 Straight up Falling Drop Water 2 Slanting Falling Drop Water until 15º Compared with straight up 3 Spray Water until 60º Compared with straight up 4 Spray Water all Sides 5 Jet water 6 Hard Jet Water 7 Temporary Submerge 8 Submerge

Example: IP 21
First number means Touch protection with the finger and foreign elements, with diameter bigger than 12,5 mm.
Second number means The device is protected against straight down falling water.

Indoor NEMA Classification Provide a Degree of Protection Against the Following Environmental Conditions 1 2 4 4X 5 6 6P 11 12 12X 13 Accidental Contact with Equipment X X X X X X X X X X X Falling Dirt X X X X X X X X X X X Falling Liquids and Light Splashing   X X X   X X X X X X Dust, lint Fibers, and Flyings     X X X X X   X X X Hosedown and Splashing Water     X X   X X         Oil and Soolant Seepage                 X X X Oil or Cooling Spraying and Splashing                     X Corrosive Agents       X     X X       Occasional Temporary Submersion           X X         Occasional Prolonged Submersion             X

Outdoor NEMA Classifications Provide a Degree of Protection Against the Following Environmental Conditions 3 3R 3S 4 4X 6 6P Accidental Contact with Equipment X X X X X X X Rain, Snow, and Sleet X X X X X X X Sleet     X         Windblown Dust X   X X X X X Hosedown       X X X X Corrosive Agents         X   X Occasional Temporary Submersion           X X Occasional Prolonged Submersion             X

Matching the NEMA and IP Classifications NEMA Enclosure Type IEC Enclosure Environmental Classification 1 IP20 2 IP21 3 IP54 3R IP24 3S IP54 4, 4X IP56 5 IP52 6, 6P IP67 12, 12K IP52 13 IP54