IP Rating Chart (IEC 60529)
An IP rating has two digits. The first is protection against solid objects and dust, the second is protection against water.
First digit: solids and dust
| Digit | Protection |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Objects larger than 50 mm (back of a hand) |
| 2 | Objects larger than 12.5 mm (a finger) |
| 3 | Objects larger than 2.5 mm (tools, thick wires) |
| 4 | Objects larger than 1 mm (most wires, screws) |
| 5 | Dust protected: some dust may enter but not enough to interfere |
| 6 | Dust tight: no dust enters |
Second digit: water
| Digit | Protection |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Vertically dripping water |
| 2 | Dripping water when tilted up to 15° |
| 3 | Spraying water up to 60° from vertical |
| 4 | Splashing water from any direction |
| 5 | Water jets (6.3 mm nozzle) from any direction |
| 6 | Powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle) |
| 7 | Temporary immersion, up to 1 m for 30 minutes |
| 8 | Continuous immersion, under conditions set by the manufacturer |
| 9 | Close-range high-pressure, high-temperature jets |
Common ratings
| Rating | Typical use |
|---|---|
| IP20 | Finger-safe but not dust- or water-protected. Inside a cabinet. |
| IP54 | Dust protected, splash-proof. Light industrial areas. |
| IP65 | Dust tight, protected against water jets. Washdown-light areas. |
| IP66 | Dust tight, protected against powerful jets. |
| IP67 | Dust tight, survives temporary immersion. Common for sensors and connectors. |
| IP69K | Dust tight, high-pressure hot washdown (tested under ISO 20653). Food and beverage. |
Reading a rating
IP65 means 6 for solids and 5 for water. An "X" replaces a digit that was not tested, so IPX7 has been tested for immersion only. A higher water digit does not automatically include the lower ones: IPX7 is not guaranteed to pass the IPX5 or IPX6 jet tests, so a product needing both lists both (for example IP66/IP67).
IP ratings are not the same as NEMA enclosure types. NEMA types also cover corrosion, ice and other conditions that IP ratings do not, so the two cannot be converted one for one.
Summary of IEC 60529 for quick reference. Check the standard and the manufacturer's rating before specifying equipment.