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 digits: IPXY, where X is protection against objects and Y is protection against water.
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 | Heavy jet / waves |
| 7 | Brief immersion | Depth up to 1 m, 30 min |
| 8 | Continuous immersion | As specified by the manufacturer |
Practical application
- IP20 — the standard for modular equipment inside enclosures, circuit breakers and sockets in dry rooms
- IP44 — sockets and switches in bathrooms (zones 2 and 3 per the Russian electrical code PUE), 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: IP44 (zone 2), IP65 (zone 1), IP67 (zone 0 — inside the bath/shower)
- 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.