IP protection types
IP protection classes define the protection of electrical equipment against contact, foreign bodies and water. The abbreviation IP stands for “Ingress Protection”.
The IP protection class codes are defined in IEC/EN 60529 and consist of two digits. The first digit indicates the protection against contact and dust (foreign bodies), the second digit against the ingress of water.
Meaning of the first code number:
| Digit | Meaning |
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Protected against penetration of foreign bodies >50 mm (e.g. hand) |
| 2 | Protected against penetration of foreign bodies >12.5 mm (e.g. fingers) |
| 3 | Protected against penetration by foreign objects >2.5 mm (e.g. tools such as screwdrivers) |
| 4 | Protected against penetration of foreign bodies >1 mm (e.g. wire) |
| 5, 5K | protected against the ingress of dust in damaging quantities, complete protection against accidental contact |
| 6, 6K | Full protection against dust and contact |
Meaning of the second code number:
| Digit | Meaning |
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Protection against vertically falling dripping water |
| 2 | Protection against vertically falling dripping water when the appliance is tilted up to 15° |
| 3 | Protection against falling spray water (rain) up to 60° against the vertical |
| 4 | Protection against splashing water on all sides |
| 4K | Protection against splashing water on all sides under increased pressure |
| 5 | Protection against water jets from all sides |
| 6 | Protection against strong water jets from all sides, protection against heavy seas |
| 6K | Protection against strong water jets from all sides under increased pressure (especially for road vehicles) |
| 7 | Protection against temporary submersion |
| 8 | Protection against permanent submersion up to 1 m water depth or up to the additionally specified water depth |
| 9 | Protection against high-pressure and steam jet cleaning, especially in agriculture |
| 9K | Protection against high-pressure and steam jet cleaning, especially for road vehicles |
