The Characteristics of the IP Code

According to the regulation, the IP code is followed by 2 numbers, thus forming an IP(XX) progression.

The first number on the left (the first X) is a value from 0 to 6, relative to the degree of protection from external solid bodies (eg IP3X).

The second number (the second X) is a value from 0 to 8 and concerns the level of protection from contact with liquid substances (e.g. IPX7).

Both variables raise according to the rise of the corresponding IP number. 

In case of no protection value, in the space of both solid and liquid bodies or in one of the two, the numbers will be replaced by the letter X. In that case we will have examples respectively such as IP3X or IPX3.

In the event that both protection values ​​are present, we can have examples such as IP68, which indicates a device that is totally resistant to both dust and water.

Two optional letters may be added to the IPXX code. The first one, called additional, indicates protection respectively for:

a - access of the back of the hand

b - access of a finger

c-  access of an instrument/tool

d- access of a wire/cable

The second letter, called supplementary, indicates protection from:

h- high voltage device

m- water inlet with equipment running

s- water inlet with equipment not running

w- specific weather conditions

Neither the additional letters nor the supplementary ones require a replacing "x", if not present.

It is important to underline that this standard excludes protection from explosion, humidity, vapors and organisms such as mold and insects.

IP tests for Protection to Dust and Liquids

The first value that indicates protection from dust ingress is IP5X. This number does not indicate complete protection, which is instead provided with the highest value from the code (6), but indicates a protection that, despite not totally preventing dust from entering the device, does not compromise its operation in any way.

The most widespread powders mentioned in the legislation are Arizona powder, talcum powder, Chinese powder and Portland cement, which we have already covered here.

The dust protection test requires, by law, the introduction of a pressure difference of 20mbar between the outside and the device, constantly monitored thanks to an instrument installed inside the chamber. Then, dust is released into the chamber, to be able to perform an internal check of the casing, which confirms or denies the possible presence of dust.

The total protection from dust requires a test that lasts up to 8 hours, based on the relative air flow.

In the same way as solids, the wording IP3X will indicate 0 protection from liquids, IPX3 protection from rain, and then, growing in number, splashes, water jets, waves, temporary dives, up to high pressure and temperature water jets. At level 8, we will have a waterproof device, with immersion conditions which, however, must be pre-specified by the manufacturer.

In the test for protection from liquids, the device is flooded with increasing jets of water, according to the the level of protection that has to be conferred, then an inner check is carried out.

The duration of the test for level 8 (waterproof) is at the discretion of the manufacturer. The depth at which to immerse the device is also so, but generally it does not exceed 3 meters.

This means that a grade 7 compliant device will not automatically be also 5 or 6. If it satisfies both protection degrees, we will have a label of the type IPX6/IPX7.

Ciò significa che un dispositivo conforme grado 7 non sarà automaticamente anche 5 o 6. In caso invece soddisfi entrambi i gradi di protezione, avremo una dicitura del tipo IPX6/IPX7.

If you want to learn more about the subject, we have written specifically about the sand and dust test here, while here about the liquid protection test, also called the rain test.

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