IP (Ingress Protection) ratings are an internationally recognised system used to classify the level of protection provided by enclosures or cases against the intrusion of solid objects (like dust) and moisture. These standards are defined under EN 60529 (British: BS EN 60529:1992, European: IEC 60529:1989), while IK ratings are outlined in EN 62262 (British: BS EN 62262:2002, European: IEC 62262 Ed. 1.0 B:2002).
An IP rating is typically made up of two digits. The first digit represents protection against solid particles or objects, and the second digit indicates the level of protection against water. Below is a quick reference guide to help you understand what each number means:
IP Rating – First Digit: Protection from Solid Objects
- 0: No protection
- 1: Protected against solid objects ≥ 50mm (e.g., large body surfaces like a hand)
- 2: Protected against objects ≥ 12mm (e.g., fingers)
- 3: Protected against objects ≥ 2.5mm (e.g., tools, thick wires)
- 4: Protected against objects ≥ 1mm (e.g., thin wires)
- 5: Dust protected (limited ingress, no interference with operation)
- 6: Dust tight (complete protection)
IP Rating – Second Digit: Protection from Moisture
- 0: No protection
- 1: Protected against vertically falling water drops
- 2: Protected against dripping water when tilted up to 15°
- 3: Protected against water spray at angles up to 60°
- 4: Protected against water splashes from any direction
- 5: Protected against water jets from any direction
- 6: Protected against powerful water jets and heavy seas
- 7: Protected against temporary immersion in water
- 8: Protected against continuous immersion (conditions defined by manufacturer)
IK Rating – Protection Against Mechanical Impact
- IK00: No protection
- IK01: 0.14 joules (0.25kg dropped from 56mm)
- IK02: 0.20 joules (0.25kg dropped from 80mm)
- IK03: 0.35 joules (0.25kg dropped from 140mm)
- IK04: 0.50 joules (0.25kg dropped from 200mm)
- IK05: 0.70 joules (0.25kg dropped from 280mm)
- IK06: 1.0 joule (0.25kg dropped from 400mm)
- IK07: 2.0 joules (0.5kg dropped from 400mm)
- IK08: 5.0 joules (1.7kg dropped from 300mm)
- IK09: 10 joules (5kg dropped from 200mm)
- IK10: 20 joules (5kg dropped from 400mm)
