What is an IP Rating? - Industrial Monitor Direct

What is an IP Rating?

Introduction

Choosing the right IP rating for your production environment is crucial for ensuring the safety and longevity of your packaging machinery. In this article, we will go over the different types of IP ratings, what they mean, and how to determine which one is best for your specific application.

IP Rating Description
IP00 No protection
IP10 Protection against solid objects greater than 50mm and protection against water dripping vertically
IP20 Protection against solid objects greater than 12mm and protection against water dripping vertically
IP30 Protection against solid objects greater than 2.5mm and protection against water spray up to 60 degrees from vertical
IP40 Protection against solid objects greater than 1mm and protection against water splashes from any direction
IP50 Protection against solid objects greater than 0.5mm and protection against dust
IP60 Protection against solid objects greater than 0.05mm and protection against dust, as well as protection against water jets from any direction
IP65 Protection against solid objects greater than 0.05mm and protection against dust, as well as protection against water jets from any direction and low pressure water spray from any direction
IP67 Protection against solid objects greater than 0.05mm and protection against dust, as well as protection against immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes
IP68 Protection against solid objects greater than 0.05mm and protection against dust, as well as protection against immersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes and protection against high pressure water jets

What is an IP Rating?

An IP rating, or "Ingress Protection" rating, is a standardized measurement of a device's resistance to dust and water. The rating is represented by two digits, with the first digit indicating the level of protection against solid objects and the second digit indicating the level of protection against liquids.

Understanding the Different IP Ratings

There are six different levels of protection for solid objects, represented by the first digit of the IP rating. These range from 0, which offers no protection, to 6, which offers complete protection against dust.

The second digit of the IP rating indicates the level of protection against liquids. There are eight different levels of protection, ranging from 0, which offers no protection, to 8, which offers complete protection against immersion.

Determining the Right IP Rating for Your Production Environment

To determine the best IP rating for your production environment, it is important to consider the specific risks present in your facility. For example, if your facility is located in an area with a high level of dust, it is important to choose a packaging machine with a high level of protection against dust (a high first digit in the IP rating). Similarly, if your facility is located in an area with a high level of moisture or the potential for water damage, it is important to choose a packaging machine with a high level of protection against liquids (a high second digit in the IP rating).

Conclusion

Choosing the right IP rating for your production environment is crucial for ensuring the safety and longevity of your packaging machinery. By understanding the different types of IP ratings and determining the specific risks present in your facility, you can make an informed decision and choose the best IP rating for your specific application.

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