An IP rating, or Ingress Protection rating, is an international standard defined by IEC 60529. It classifies the level of protection a device or enclosure offers against the intrusion of solid objects (like dust) and liquids (like water). Whether you’re selecting an industrial sensor, outdoor junction box, or any electrical equipment, you’ve likely seen the term IP rating, a two-digit code like IP65 or IP44.
The format is IP XY, where:
-
- X = protection against solids
-
- Y = protection against liquids
These ratings are crucial for determining whether a product is suitable for harsh, dusty, or wet environments, helping engineers and technicians select equipment that meets both performance and safety requirements.
IP Rating Chart: What the Numbers Mean
First Digit (Solids Protection)
| Digit | Protection Against | Example |
| 0 | No protection | |
| 1 | Solid objects >50 mm | Accidental hand contact |
| 2 | Solid objects >12.5 mm | Accidental finger contact |
| 3 | Solid objects >2.5 mm | Tools and thick wires |
| 4 | Solid objects >1 mm | Fine tools and wires, nails, screws, larger insects and other potentially invasive small objects |
| 5 | Partial protection against dust, which may be harmful to equipment | Some dust allowed, no damage |
| 6 | Full resistance to dust and other small particulates | Complete protection from dust |
Second Digit (Liquids Protection)
| Digit | Protection Against | Example |
| 0 | No protection | |
| 1 | Dripping water (vertical) | Light rain |
| 2 | Vertically dripping water when the item is tilted at 15° angle from vertical. Limited ingress permitted. | Tilted equipment |
| 3 | Spaying water up to 60° angle from the vertical. Limited ingress permitted for the minutes. | Shower-like spray |
| 4 | Splashing water from all directions. Limited ingress permitted. | Water hitting from any direction |
| 5 | Water jets. Limited ingress permitted. | Hose pressure |
| 6 | Powerful water jets. | High-pressure spray |
| 7 | Immersion up to 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) depth | Short-term submersion |
| 8 | Immersion 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) or more depth | Long-term underwater use |
| 9K | High-temp, high-pressure spray | Steam cleaning in food industries |
Common IP Ratings
-
- IP20 – Protected against fingers, no protection against water.
-
- Examples: Indoor environment like living rooms, bedrooms and offices, but not suitable for bathrooms, kitchens or outdoor areas
-
- IP20 – Protected against fingers, no protection against water.
-
- IP44 – Protected against solid objects >1mm and water splashes from any direction.
-
- Examples: Bathrooms, wet rooms and outdoor spaces where there’s a risk of moisture exposure but not submersion or direct water contact.
-
- IP44 – Protected against solid objects >1mm and water splashes from any direction.
-
- IP65 – Dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets.
-
- Examples: Outdoor lighting in gardens, patios and other outdoor areas where they might be exposed to rain, dust and debris; traffic equipment that needs to withstand rain and dust.
-
- IP65 – Dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets.
-
- IP68 – Fully dust-tight and safe for continuous underwater use.
-
- Examples: Smartphones that are designed to be water-resistant and dustproof; enclosures in various industrial applications.
-
- IP68 – Fully dust-tight and safe for continuous underwater use.
-
- IP69K – Withstands high-temperature, high-pressure water jets.
-
- Examples: Food processing equipment like conveyors, filling lines and packaging equipment; parts of vehicles used in demanding conditions.
-
- IP69K – Withstands high-temperature, high-pressure water jets.
How to Choose the Right IP Rating
The right IP rating depends on your application environment:
-
- Indoor office → IP20 or higher
-
- Outdoor installation → IP65 or IP66 minimum
-
- Submersible sensor → IP67 or IP68
- Washdown environments (e.g. food plants) → IP69K
Example: IP Rating in Bathrooms
Bathrooms are divided into zones based on their proximity to water sources. These zones help determine the minimum IP rating required for electrical equipment in wet areas:
|
Zone |
Location |
Minimum IP Rating Required |
Details |
|
Zone 0 |
Inside the bath or shower itself (e.g. the base of a bathtub or shower tray) |
IPX7 |
Equipment must be safe for full immersion in water. Only low-voltage (max 12V) devices with suitable protection can be used here. |
|
Zone 1 |
Above the bath or shower up to 2.25m from the floor |
IPX4 (or IPX5 if subject to water jets) |
Suitable for lights and fans designed for moisture-prone areas. |
|
Zone 2 |
0.6m perimeter around Zone 1, also up to 2.25m high |
IPX4 |
Covers areas next to showers and basins that may receive occasional splashes. |
|
Outside Zones |
Anywhere beyond Zone 2 |
No IP rating required (but IPX1+ is generally recommended) |
These areas are at lower risk, but some moisture protection is still beneficial. |
What If You See an X?
If one digit isn’t specified, it will appear as X. For example:
-
- IPX4 = No solid protection specified, but protected against splashing water
-
- IP6X = Dust-tight, but no water protection specified
Reading IP ratings is straightforward once you understand what each digit represents. Whether you’re specifying enclosures for industrial automation, outdoor sensors, or EV charging equipment, IP ratings help ensure your hardware is safe, durable, and compliant.
Always consider the installation environment, potential exposure to dust or water, and relevant industry standards when choosing equipment based on IP ratings.
Need help selecting the right rating for your application?
Contact Transtech or email info@transtech.com.au to speak with our specialists. We’ll help you select or tailor the most reliable and compliant equipment that comply with international safety regulations for your environment.