IP code

The IP Code, also known as the Ingress Protection Code, is a two-digit (sometimes with an optional letter suffix) coding system defined in international standard IEC 60529 used to classify and rate the degree of protection provided by mechanical casings and electrical enclosures against intrusion (body parts such as hands and fingers), dust, accidental contact, and water. It is used to provide more detailed information than vague marketing terms such as "waterproof."

The IP Code consists of the letters "IP" followed by two digits. The first digit indicates the level of protection that the enclosure provides against ingress of solid foreign objects, while the second digit indicates the level of protection against ingress of liquids. A higher number indicates a higher level of protection. If a digit is replaced with the letter "X," it indicates that the enclosure is either not rated for that particular protection, or that the protection level for that particular criteria is not specified.

Additional letters can optionally be appended to the IP Code to provide further information. These letters relate to protection of persons against access to hazardous parts. For example, the letters A, B, C, and D are used to indicate the degree of protection against access to hazardous parts with a hand, finger, tool, and wire, respectively. The additional letters H, M, S, and W can be included to specify additional information.

Understanding the IP Code allows for informed selection of equipment based on the environmental conditions in which it will be used. For example, an IP67 rated device is dust-tight and can withstand immersion in water up to a specified depth and duration, whereas an IP20 rated device offers basic protection against solid objects larger than 12.5mm but offers no protection against water.