IP Ratings For Enclosures

What are IP ratings?

Electrical enclosures protect components from the environment while protecting people from electrical shock. The level of protection is defined by IP Ratings. IP Ratings for electrical enclosures are described in IEC/EN/AS 60529. IP ratings identify the level of protection provided by electrical enclosures. Specifically, the protection of people from hazardous parts inside enclosures and the protection of contents from ingress of solids and water. Understanding IP Ratings helps to select electrical enclosures.

What is the difference between IP ratings and NEMA ratings?

NEMA is a trademark of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. It is primarily a US standard. It is not possible to compare an IP rating exactly to a NEMA designation. An IP rating considers protection against ingress of solids and water. In contrast, NEMA designation considers these but also considers corrosion and construction. IP Enclosures comply with both IEC IP ratings and NEMA standards.

First Characteristic Numeral (IP-_X)

Degrees of protection against access to hazardous parts and against solid foreign objects

1 – Protection against solid objects > 50 mm

2 – Protection against solid objects > 12 mm

3 – Protection against solid objects > 2.5 mm

4 – Protection against solid objects > 1 mm

5 – Protection against dust (limited ingress allowed, no harmful deposit)

6 – Fully protected from dust (dust tight)