IP Definition
The abbreviation IP in this case means International Protection, in place of XX there is a two-digit digital index. This protection determines the accessibility of any electrical product to the following external damaging factors:
- solid bodies (human fingers, tool parts, wire, etc.);
- dust;
- water.
Note: It’s not for nothing that we talk about “availability” and not “protection”. The IP standard simply refers to the requirement for the manufacturer or importer to indicate on the product body what influences it is protected from, but nothing more.
Simply put, this is a classification based on the protection of shells and cases of different products. It does not apply to internal nodes.
An example of marking could be as follows: “Protection degree IP67”, “Protection class IP54”, and the like. Sometimes numbers may be followed by a capital letter of the Latin alphabet, serving as a complement.
What is IP protection degree
One of the most important parameters when choosing electrical equipment (electric motors, frequency converters, etc.) is its protection from environmental influences. This parameter is called the class or degree of IP protection (from the English Ingress Protection Rating). It involves protecting equipment from harmful external influences due to certain design features.
There are mainly two factors that pose a danger to electrical equipment: 1) penetration of solid objects; 2) water penetration. The choice of IP rating for a specific equipment depends on its installation conditions. For example, devices intended for installation in lockable electrical panels have minimal protection from solid objects, since the electrical cabinet housing protects them from dust and moisture. Therefore, controllers, frequency converters, contactors and similar equipment are produced with a low IP class. The opposite example is lamps designed to work on the bottom of a pool. They need maximum protection from water.
The IP degree value is applied to the housing of electrical equipment and is also indicated in the device passport. Most often, devices with high protection from dust and solid objects are also well protected from moisture.
What is IP65?
Today, the most common devices are those marked IP65. The devices have maximum dust protection and are able to operate in any conditions. Because their bodies are securely sealed. And they have good moisture insulation. Because 5 in the IP classification means resistance to moisture even under jet pressure.
Under the abbreviation IP65, devices have:
- Complete resistance to the penetration of dust particles of any size into the housing;
- Marking allows devices and tools to be used outdoors and in all weather conditions, including heavy rain;
- Such products can be used in special conditions with high levels of humidity.
Decoding IP protection classes
The degree of protection of the device is designated as IP-XX, where:
- IP - Ingress Protection Rating (input protection class)
- X - protection against ingress of solid objects. It has a level from 0 to 6, where 0 is completely open devices, 6 is equipment that prevents dust from getting inside.
- X - protection against moisture ingress into and onto live elements. This parameter has levels from 0 to 8, where 0 are open devices, 8 are hermetically sealed devices that can operate underwater.
Devices marked IP55
Electrical and electrical devices with IP55 are protected from dust at a satisfactory level. The housing ensures that grains of sand and most fine dust are retained. Devices with this marking can be used both indoors and outdoors with additional devices to limit moisture ingress. Even a small amount of foreign bodies entering the housing will not damage the device or equipment.
Selecting the degree of protection for different conditions
The IP value must correspond to the characteristics of the equipment installation location. Too low a degree of protection can lead to an accident and makes the operation of the device dangerous for people. Excessive protection increases installation costs and increases the size of the electrical appliance. Here are some examples of typical conditions:
- sockets and switches in residential premises must have IP22 or IP33
- in a children's room, IP43 class is desirable
- in the bathroom and kitchen, in areas near water, sockets, switches and lamps with protection class IP44 are installed
- Electrical appliances with IP44 rating are also used in basements
- equipment installed on open balconies must have protection IP45 or higher
- devices with IP64 protection level are used outdoors
- Maximum IP68 protection is available for devices designed to operate underwater, for example, underground cable connectors and lamps that are mounted on the bottom of the pool
For industrial equipment, all low IP devices (typically IP20) are installed in control cabinets, which in turn must provide the required protection under the current operating conditions. An example of a device with IP00 is a printed circuit board operating without a housing.
Devices that operate independently, without a cabinet, are usually well protected from external influences. For example, most modern electric motors have a degree of protection IP55 or higher and can easily withstand long-term operation in conditions of heavy dust and water jets.
In general, devices with high IP are more reliable and structurally secure. However, when operating in harsh conditions for extended periods of time, it is necessary to regularly maintain the equipment to ensure long service life.
How to decipher IP44, IP40 symbols
IP44 symbols are often found on table lamps, socket housings, switches and other household appliances. This is a basic marking that, according to standards, is allowed for use in residential premises. You can install sockets and switches in the kitchen and bathroom, with a minimum standard of IP44. On balconies and other rooms with air access, it is necessary to install equipment with IP45.
IP40 can often be seen on electrical equipment that is located indoors, completely protected from moisture penetration. And also with minor temperature changes to avoid condensation. Since devices with IP40 have no protection against water at all. Otherwise, it is recommended to use electrical appliances marked IP44.
IP waterproof
[number 2] demonstrates the degree of protection against the negative effects of moisture (exposure to liquids, dampness). There are 10 degrees of protection of the case from moisture:
- “0” – no protection;
- “1” – the shell is protected from condensation moisture and raindrops falling strictly in a vertical position;
- “2” – the case is protected from drops, the angle of incidence is up to 15 degrees;
- “3” – there is protection against drops, the angle of incidence is up to 60 degrees;
- “4” – there is protection from liquid drops of any direction;
- “5” – protection from short-term exposure to a liquid flow (jet) of random direction;
- “6” – protection of the hull from prolonged exposure to a strong flow of liquid (water) of random direction, as well as from sea waves;
- “7” – there is protection against moisture penetration into the inside of the equipment body during short-term immersion in liquid (water) to a depth of 1 m. In this case, there may be penetration of a small volume of liquid into the middle, which does not have an adverse effect on the performance of the products;
- “8” – there is protection against liquid flowing into the products when immersed to a given depth for a given period of time). The body of the products in this version is completely waterproof;
- “9” – there is protection against hot water jets under pressure getting into the products.
The degree of protection of the outer casing (shell) from the influence of negative external conditions is established on the basis of performing a test of the working element. Below are tables with a detailed explanation of the degrees of protection, testing methods and sequences of their implementation.
For a convenient presentation, the classification of IP protection is shown in the figure.
Figure - Classification of IP protection
Protection against water ingress (second digit in the IPXX index):
- 0 – the device is not protected from water penetration;
- 1 – protection against vertically falling drops;
- 2 – protection against vertical falls when the device is tilted up to 15 ° from the working position;
- 3 – protection against splashes falling vertically or at an angle of up to 60;
- 4 – protection against splashes falling from any angle;
- 5 – protection against water jets from any direction;
- 6 – protection from strong jets of water from any direction;
- 7 – protection against immersion to a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes;
- 8 – protection against immersion to a depth of more than 1 meter for up to 30 minutes with the ability to operate the device under water;
- 9 – protection against high-temperature water jets under pressure.
If we talk about specific examples, current flagship gadgets from different companies have different degrees of protection. For example, Apple has all iPhone 12 family devices certified to the highest IP68 level, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 line has the same IP68 level, but the latest Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Foldable and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 have IPX8 protection - that is protected from moisture, but not from dust.
You can often find a double type designation, for example IP65 / IP68, which indicates the protection of the device from water both when immersed in depth and when exposed to jets. Please understand that protection levels above 6 do not guarantee protection at levels 5 and 6 - operating underwater does not mean that the electronics will withstand the blast test without failure.
Even if your smartphone is certified to the highest level of protection IP68, you should always be careful and cautious. The tests are carried out in laboratory conditions, which in the vast majority of cases differ from the real ones: if the electronics work flawlessly when tested in clean and hot water, then in cold or hot water, even with some dirt, this can already be destructive.
Do not forget that over time, during operation, the degree of protection from dust and humidity may decrease and this parameter will certainly be negatively affected by falling devices, their breakdown and repair - even the intervention of qualified specialists reduces the likelihood that electronics will “survive” in the rain without consequences, and even if one of the non-specialists gets into the gadget, this practically guarantees a loss of protection and a transformation of the degree, conditionally IP68 and IPXX.
The bottom line is simple: if you want to extend the life of your electronics, try not to drop them, don't trust repairs to unqualified workers, and just in case, don't place devices in extreme conditions of high dust and humidity. Certification by certification, but accurate work is more reliable.
By the way, we recently tested the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 protected (not only from water/dust, but also from shock) - watch the video in our article to see what it is capable of. We also have a review of the new JBL Xtreme 3 speaker, which has an IP67 rating.
Decoding the degree of protection
If we translate the abbreviation IP from English - International Protection, then this means the level of protection against penetration or other influences (dust and moisture protection). In addition to letters, the marking is also accompanied by two numbers. The digital designation determines the level of protection of the housing (shell) of electrical equipment from the penetration of dust, fingers, moisture, and various solid objects. In addition, they indicate the level of protection against electric shock to a person when touching the housing (shell). This classification is regulated by GOST 14254-96.
First digit
The level of protection against mechanical impact is determined by the first digit:
- prevention, restriction from touching or penetration by any part of the body or object in the hands of a person;
- blocking access to dust and solid objects under the shell to protect electrical equipment.
Second digit
The level of protection against the harmful effects of moisture is determined by the second digit.
Additional characters
After a pair of numbers, sometimes a pair of letters may appear in the designation. The first of them indicates the degree of protection against contact with dangerous parts of equipment and electric shock when touched:
- A - from touching with a hand;
- B - from touching with fingers;
- C - from touching with various instruments;
- D - from contact with wire.
The second is auxiliary information about the level of protection. There are four of them in total. They indicate information about the tests performed and are required for electrical equipment:
- N - high-voltage devices;
- M - tested according to the level of protection against the negative influence of water (equipment in motion);
- S - tested according to the level of protection against the negative influence of water (equipment at rest);
- W - with additionally indicated means of protection.
Transcript example
The common designation is IP54. It follows from the table that the housing is dust-proof and completely resistant to splashes from any angle and does not allow you to touch live parts with your hands or tools.
Most Common Levels of Protection
- IP20 - marking implies protection of the electrical equipment housing from foreign bodies 12.5 mm and above (see table). There is no protection from moisture, the shield is installed in a dry room, and there is no mechanical impact. Conclusion - a shield, installed in the hallway or living room of a residential building (apartment);
- IP30 - not protected from moisture, but has higher protection from mechanical impacts of objects from 2.5 mm;
- IP44 - means that electrical equipment is protected from mechanical impacts from objects of 1 mm and from splashes from any angle. Installed in a room with humidity in proximity to tools and machines.
- IP54 - marking means it differs from 44 in partial dust protection and complete protection from foreign objects. Installed outdoors and indoors without open water jets and dust formation.
- IP55 - the housing of such equipment is protected from mechanical interference and partially from dust. Withstands water jets. Recommended for installation outdoors without a canopy. Installed anywhere in the garden.
- IP65 - the housing is dust-proof and can be installed both outdoors and indoors.
IPX7 - degree of protection of the device from moisture
IPX7 is among the eight degrees, the second most protected from moisture. A device with this designation can only remain under water for a short time at a depth of about a meter without losing its functionality. Nowadays, many devices have this IP degree, including some telephone models.
IP20 value
IP20 corresponds to electrical equipment that can only be used in a dry environment. The first protection digit 2 indicates that the device case is capable of protecting internal components from objects no larger than 12 mm in size. This is a fairly low level of insulation, requiring special conditions. For example, in residential apartments, rooms without dust and humid air.
The second digit IP20 – 0 indicates that the device is completely moisture resistant. The slightest ingress of moisture can lead to irreversible consequences. For example, sockets and other similar items should not be installed in the bathroom or toilet. In areas where water or water vapor is likely to enter.
Illumination standards
| Types of premises | Illumination according to standards (lux) | |
| Russian (SNiP 23-05-95) | International (IKO) | |
| General offices using computers | 200-300 | 500 |
| Large, open-plan offices | 400 | 750 |
| Drawing offices | 500 | 1000 |
| Conference rooms | 200 | 300 |
| Stairs, escalators | 50-100 | 150 |
| Corridors, halls | 50-75 | 100 |
| Archives | 75 | 200 |
| Shops, supermarkets, car dealerships, showrooms | — | 500 |
| Storerooms | 50 | 100 |
Lighting standards for various rooms
| Name of buildings and premises | Illumination of working surfaces, lux | Cylindrical illumination, lux | |
| With combined lighting | With one general lighting | ||
| Administrative buildings, design and research organizations | |||
| – Offices and other work rooms | 400*/200** | 300 | – |
| – Design, engineering and drawing bureaus | 600*/400** | 500 | – |
| – Reading rooms | 400/200** | 300 | 100 |
| – PC rooms, display rooms | 750/300** | 400 | – |
| – Conference rooms, meeting rooms | – | 200 | 75 |
| – Laboratories | 750*/300** | 300 | – |
| Financial institutions, lending and insurance organizations | |||
| – Operating rooms, cash registers | 400*/200** | 300 | – |
| – Collection | – | 300 | – |
| Schools, secondary and higher educational institutions | |||
| – Classrooms, auditoriums, study rooms, laboratories | – | 500 (vertical in the middle of the board) | |
| – | 300 (horizontal on tables and desks) | ||
| – Offices and rooms of teachers | – | 200 | |
| – Gyms | – | 200 | |
| – Recreation | – | 150 | |
| Children's preschool institutions | |||
| – Reception rooms, dressing rooms, group rooms, playing rooms, dining rooms | – | 200 | |
| – Bedrooms | – | 75 | |
| Sanatoriums, holiday homes | |||
| – Chambers and sleeping rooms | – | 150 | |
| Spectacular buildings | |||
| – Auditoriums for events of republican significance | – | 500*** | 150 |
| – Theater auditoriums, concert halls | – | 300*** | 100 |
| – Auditoriums of clubs, theater foyers | – | 200*** | 75 |
| – Exhibition halls | – | 200*** | 75 |
| – Lobbies of cinemas, clubs | – | 150 | 50 |
| The shops | |||
| Trading halls: | |||
| – grocery stores | – | 400 | 100 |
| – clothing, linen, footwear, fabric, fur, hats, perfume, jewelry stores | – | 700 | 100 |
| – tableware, furniture, sporting goods | 500 | 75 | |
| Fitting booths | – | 300 (vertical at 1.5 m from the floor) | |
| Hotels | |||
| – Service Bureau | – | 200 | |
| – Living rooms | – | 150 | |
| – Rooms | – | 100 | |
| Auxiliary buildings and premises | |||
| – Sanitary facilities: | |||
| washrooms, latrines, smoking rooms | – | 75 | |
| showers, dressing rooms | – | 50 | |
| – Lobbies and dressing rooms for outerwear: | |||
| in schools, universities, theaters, clubs, hotels and main entrances to large industrial and public buildings; | – | 150 | |
| in other industrial, auxiliary and public buildings | – | 75 | |
| – Stairs: | |||
| main staircases of public and industrial buildings; | – | 100 | – |
| staircases of residential buildings; | – | 10 | – |
| the rest of the stairs | – | 50 | – |
| – Corridors and passages: | |||
| main | – | 75 | – |
| floor-to-floor in residential buildings | – | 20 | – |
| other corridors | – | 50 | – |
| Notes: | |||
| * horizontal illumination at a level of 0.8 m from the floor with the combined action of general and local lighting; | |||
| ** the same, but only from general lighting; | |||
| *** when using incandescent lamps, the level is standardized | |||
Illumination created by natural and artificial light sources
| Light-stars | 0.00005lux |
| Sunlight during the day | 32000-100000lux |
| Moonlight | 1lux |
| Screen light (TV studios) | 1000lux |
IP protection class
Often, when they mean “degree of protection,” they say “IP protection class.” From a technical point of view, these are the same thing, that is, synonymous terms. In the regulatory literature, the wording “IP protection classes” is usually not used, but you can often come across questions: “IP54 protection class” or “IP65 protection class”, or “IP21 protection class, what is it?” In these cases, an appropriate degree of protection is meant. In this case, no other or separate standards are provided beyond those indicated above.
Let us next consider the commonly used degrees of protection of electrical products and equipment. Let's give examples of IP decoding and determine where and in what cases the bodies of these markings are used. To be specific, let’s take the case of electrical switchboard housings.
IP 20
IP 20 – there is protection from large, large objects with a diameter above 12.5 mm (indicated by “2”), there is no protection from water, since the corresponding position is “0”. Such IP 20 equipment is suitable for installation in dry buildings, where the appearance of water (splashes) on the housing is not expected, and there is no exposure to objects with a diameter of up to 12.5 mm. In the case of a switchboard housing with IP 20, it should be installed in rooms, apartment corridors, but should not be used, for example, in a bathroom.
IP 30
IP 30 - the presented marking indicates that the product is also not protected from moisture. The difference from the previous one is greater protection from mechanical influences. The IP 30 electrical panel is protected from objects with a diameter of 2.5 mm or more.
IP 44
IP 44 – degree of protection indicates that the shell or outer casing of the product is protected from foreign objects with a diameter of 1 mm or more. These include various wires, pins, nuts, hand tools, screwdrivers, etc. In addition, there is protection from humidity and random splashes of water. Equipment with such a housing can be used in structures with high humidity, damp, and also outdoors, but water should not be allowed to enter by stream. The product with an IP 44 housing does not have dust protection. If the dust content of the room or premises is high, you should not use a shield with IP44.
IP 44 electrical panel enclosures are suitable for buildings with high humidity, as well as for installation outside residential premises, but under the roof. This will prevent open exposure to the water jet.
IP 54
IP 54 – the presented degree of protection differs from IP 44 in that there is more complete and reliable protection from foreign objects. A housing with this degree of protection should be selected for areas where dust may occur. Electrical equipment in an IP 54 enclosure will receive only a small amount of dust and will not have a negative impact on the functions of the product.
IP 55
IP 55 – the product body is fully protected from the mechanical negative influence of various objects and partly from the penetration of dust. IP 55 is used in damp rooms, outdoors, where short-term exposure to the shell (housing) of equipment may occur in the form of a jet of water. Typically, electrical panel housings intended for outdoor installation have an IP rating of 55. This panel can be installed almost anywhere on the house’s site. It does not require a canopy.
IP 65
IP 65 – has complete protection against dust, it is completely dust-proof. The IP 65 electrical panel can be installed or used in any environmental conditions, both indoors and outdoors.
How to read labels
Deciphering the index requires certain knowledge. Here, the first digit shows the level of access to dangerous parts inside the product for factors that can damage it mechanically. These are any solid objects, from hands to thin wire, as well as dust.
The second number indicates the moisture protection that this product has.
The numbers are in ascending order. The higher the number, the higher the level of protection. If the marking is IP00, it means there is no protection at all (for example, it is a bare wire). If a product is marked as IPxx, then the degree of protection is not defined. Then it should be considered zero.
The format index, for example, IP4x means that according to the “mechanics” the protection class is defined and corresponds to four, and the moisture protection class is undefined (considered zero).
The letter after the numbers means an addition, increased security according to some parameter, and the product must correspond to its main class. Also, a letter can replace the missing first digit (a rare situation). A number of letters refer to high-voltage equipment: it determines the reliability of products operating under high voltage when in contact with water.
Designation table
The easiest way to present information is in a tabular format. Let's start with the first number.
Table 1 - fool proof and dust protection
| Protection class | Objects of protection | Explanation |
| 0 | – | There is no protection. |
| 1 | From objects with a diameter of 50 mm and above. | Back of the hand; accidental touch. |
| 2 | From objects with a diameter of 12.5 mm and above. | Fingers, large bolts. |
| 3 | From objects with a diameter of 2.5 mm and above. | Tools - screwdrivers, pliers, thick cables. |
| 4 | From objects with a diameter of 1 mm and above. | Fasteners, wires and cables. |
| 5 | Dust. | Minor dust penetration is acceptable but does not affect the operation of the device. |
| 6 | Dust. | Absolute dust protection. |
Designs with safety levels 5 and 6 completely protect their contents from contact with the surface of the human body, even accidental.
Table 2 - protection from water
| Class | Water hazard level |
| 0 | There is no moisture protection. |
| 1 | Drops of water falling strictly vertically. |
| 2 | Water dripping vertically or with a deviation relative to the vertical of up to 15 degrees. |
| 3 | Falling large drops with a deflection angle of up to 60 degrees. The product is protected from light rain. |
| 4 | Large drops, splashes flying in any direction. |
| 5 | Water jets of any direction. The product will withstand heavy rain. |
| 6 | Sea or river waves (short-term splashing with water). |
| 7 | Short-term immersion to a depth of 1 m. Permanent operation in water is not guaranteed. |
| 8 | Dive to a depth of 1 m or slightly more for up to 30 minutes. Protected nodes perform their functions under water. |
| 9 | Long-term exposure to high-pressure hot water jets, the device can withstand high-temperature pressure washing. |
Protection against ingress of solid objects (first digit in the IPXX index):
- 0 – the device is not protected from penetration of foreign objects;
- 1 – protection from objects with a diameter of ≥50 mm, without protection from deliberate contact;
- 2 – protection against objects with a diameter of ≥12.5 mm (finger protection);
- 3 – protection from objects with a diameter of ≥2.5 mm (tools, cables);
- 4 – protection from objects with a diameter of ≥1 mm (wires, bolts);
- 5 – protection from dust (dust can get inside, but does not affect the operation of the device);
- 6 – dustproof (dust does not penetrate inside the device).
Let's look at examples
IP55 protection degree means that the housing or shell of the product - it can be anything, a power cabinet, starter, machine, RCD, switch, etc. - provides complete protection against accidental contact of internal components under current with a finger, screwdriver or thin probe . In this case, slight penetration of dust inside is allowed (the housing is not sealed), which should not cause interruptions in the operation of the device. It also has reliable protection against rain. This is a “street” class of product, but it will no longer withstand being doused with water, for example, from a bucket.
The degree of protection class IP44 is a “safe” design of products designed to work indoors, but in conditions of high humidity. This class must correspond to sockets, switches and other elements located, for example, in the bathroom. In fact, they can look like sockets with lockable covers and automatic “shutters” on the contacts. They should not be protected from dust, but a short circuit from accidental ingress of moisture is excluded. Touching them with wet fingers is also safe.
Note: none, even the highest safety classes, imply that the product cannot be disassembled. This is a civilian safety standard; it cannot and should not apply to specially designed products for military and similar needs.
What can a low protection class offer? Let's get acquainted with the degree of protection class IP20. A product of this class protects its contents only from penetration of fairly large objects, about a finger in diameter. From a constructive point of view, this could be, for example, an installation box. It may have small technical holes for tools - tester contact probes, screwdrivers, and so on. It can only be placed indoors or inside another electrical cabinet with a high degree of protection, since even from above such a product is not protected from moisture.
Sockets and lamps for the bathroom
In accordance with state standards, it turns out that for bathrooms it is necessary to select lamps, sockets and switches of at least IP44 class. Sockets of this class are equipped with self-closing dampers. Forks must be of the same class. Since steam and moisture evaporate upward, wall lights must be IP65 rated.
Before choosing to purchase a new device, the question arises: what protection class should it have? To determine which electrical appliance needs to be installed in a particular room, you need to look at the alphanumeric code and check the table presented in this article.
