What the IP code means
IP (Ingress Protection) is an international standard (IEC 60529 / Russian standard GOST 14254-2015) that defines the degree of protection an enclosure provides against the ingress of solid objects and water. The code consists of two characteristic digits: IPXY, where X is protection against access to hazardous parts and against solid objects (0–6) and Y is protection against water (0–9). They may be followed by an additional letter A, B, C or D (protection against access to hazardous parts) and a supplementary letter H, M or S (W is hardly ever used in GOST 14254-2015).
First digit – protection against objects and dust
| Digit | Protection against | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection | – |
| 1 | Large objects | > 50 mm (back of the hand) |
| 2 | Medium objects | > 12.5 mm (finger) |
| 3 | Small objects | > 2.5 mm (tool) |
| 4 | Small particles | > 1 mm (wire) |
| 5 | Dust (partial) | Dust does not affect operation |
| 6 | Dust (complete) | Fully dust-tight |
Second digit – protection against water
| Digit | Protection against | Test conditions |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection | – |
| 1 | Vertically falling drops | Drops fall vertically |
| 2 | Drops at a 15° angle | Enclosure tilted by 15° |
| 3 | Rain | Spray at angles up to 60° |
| 4 | Splashing | Splashing from all directions |
| 5 | Jets | Water jet from any direction |
| 6 | Powerful jets | Jet from a 12.5 mm nozzle, flow about 100 L/min |
| 7 | Brief immersion | Depth up to 1 m, 30 min |
| 8 | Continuous immersion | Depth and duration – as agreed with the manufacturer |
| 9 | High-pressure, high-temperature jets | Pressure 8–10 MPa, temperature 80 °C |
Impact resistance: the IK code
The mechanical resistance of an enclosure is designated by a separate IK code per GOST IEC 62262: from IK00 (protection not specified) to IK10 (impact energy 20 J). For panels on construction sites and in locations with a risk of mechanical damage, it is the IK code that matters rather than IP: the IP rating does not characterise mechanical strength.
Practical application
- IP20 – the standard for modular equipment inside enclosures, circuit breakers and sockets in dry rooms
- IP44 – sockets and switches in bathrooms (zone 2 per GOST R 50571.7.701), outdoor luminaires under a canopy
- IP54 – distribution boards in production facilities, outdoor enclosures
- IP65 – outdoor luminaires, floodlights, equipment for car washes and food production
- IP66 – equipment for ship decks and open areas exposed to heavy rain
- IP67 – brief immersion: fountain lighting, underground utilities
- IP68 – underwater pool lighting, submersible pumps
Choosing the IP rating for specific applications
- Apartment (dry rooms): IP20 is sufficient
- Bathroom per GOST R 50571.7.701: zone 0 (inside the bath or shower tray) – not lower than IPX7, zone 1 – not lower than IPX4, zone 2 – not lower than IPX4; in practice IP44 and above is used
- Outdoors under a canopy: IP44
- Open outdoor area: IP65 and above
- Industrial space: IP54–IP65 depending on conditions
Equipment of every IP protection rating is available in our catalogue.
View in catalog: Panel and Cabinet Enclosures, Complete Switchboard Equipment, Cable Entries and Accessories, Power Connectors.