You may have seen IP ratings in IP65 or IP68 when buying electronic devices. These ratings show how much a device resists dust and water. By understanding the levels of IP protection, you can pick the right product that suits your needs.

What Is An IP Rating?

Ingress Protection rating is abbreviated as IP. It is a standardized method of measuring how well a device is protected from solid objects and liquids. The IEC 60529 standard defines the rating system set up by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

An IP rating consists of two numbers. The first number is for protection from solids such as dust, dirt and other particles. It ranges from 0 (which offers no protection) to 6 (which means the device is completely dust tight). The second number is protection against liquids from 0 (no protection) to 9K (resistance to high pressure water jets).

For instance, an IP67 enclosure implies that the device is completely dust proof and can withstand temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. However, an IP54 rated device will be protected from limited dust ingress and water splashes but will not be able to be submerged.

Understanding IP Rating Standards and Regulations

The IP certification system is an internationally recognized system which conforms to the IEC 60529 standard. This standard guarantees that manufacturers have a standardized and uniform way of testing and rating their products for dust and water resistance. However, other countries and industries may have other requirements.

In the USA, devices can also comply with the NEMA rating system that, in addition to dust and water resistance, also takes into account corrosion, oil exposure, and ice formation. Military grade protection follows the MIL-STD-810 series of tests, designed to test equipment used in harsh environments such as battlefields and extreme weather.

These international standards assist consumers and businesses in choosing products that address their own particular environmental challenges.

How IP Ratings Protect Against Dust and Water

The first digit in an IP rating refers to dust resistance. A device with a rating of 0 gives no protection against solid particles. 1 means that the device can block large objects of 50 mm and larger while a 6 means it is dust tight.

The second digit refers to water resistance. A rating of 1 is for vertical water droplets, and a rating of 8 is for submersion greater than 1 meter for a given period. The rating of IP69K, which is the highest, means that the device can withstand high pressure, high temperature water jets and is therefore suitable for industrial applications such as food processing and heavy machinery.

For example, high end smartphones usually have IP68 waterproofing. With this rating, the phone is both dust tight and can survive continuous immersion in water at a specified depth, making it perfect for outdoor and underwater use.

Common IP Ratings and Their Applications

The level of protection required for different devices is different depending on the environment and how they are used. Here is a list of common IP rating classifications and where they are usually found:

Outdoor LED lights and street lamps need to be protected from dust and water jets, hence IP65 is the best option.

Many rugged smartphones, smartwatches, and industrial equipment are IP67 devices, meaning they are fully dustproof and will survive in temporarily submerged conditions.

IP68 rated smartwatches are built for swimmers and outdoor enthusiasts as they have full dust protection and deeper water resistance.

Heavy Duty Machines in Food Processing and Industrial Cleaning: It is used in machines that are used in food processing and industrial cleaning and require the highest level of protection against high pressure water and extreme conditions.

These ratings, in turn, each have a purpose, and they guarantee that electronic devices work correctly in their respective environments.

How to Choose the Right IP Rating for Your LED display

The selection of the right LED display protection depends on various factors such as the environment of installation, weather, dust and moisture exposure, etc.

Since indoor LED displays are not exposed to harsh elements, a lower rating such as IP31 is normally sufficient. Outdoor LED displays, however, need to be at least IP65 durability rated to be able to endure rain, dust, and water splashes.

An IP67 electronic enclosure is recommended for displays in humid or wet environments such as swimming pool or stadiums. This also provides better protection against moisture and internal damage. However, if the LED display is to be exposed to direct water jets (as in fountains or amusement parks), an IP68 rating might be required for the longest lasting performance.

By carefully assessing the environmental conditions, you will be able to select the appropriate IP rating for your LED display for ultimate durability and reliability.

IP Rating Testing Process

Manufacturers do rigorous IP testing to determine an accurate IP rating. These tests measure the ability of a product to resist dust and water exposure under controlled conditions.

There are some of the most common tests that include:

6.1 Dust chamber test: Fine dust particles are placed in a chamber and the devices are checked if any dust entered the enclosure. A rating of 6 is achieved by a fully dust tight device.

6.2 Water resistance is tested through water immersion test: Products are submerged in water at different depths for a specified time. An IP68 rating is given to a device that survives immersion beyond 1 meter.

6.3 IP69K rated devices can be tested for high temperature, high pressure water jets without failure (high pressure jet test).

These environmental protection standard tests guarantee that the products should meet the safety and durability requirements before it is sold to the consumers.

IP Ratings Vs. Other Protection Standards

Although the IP ratings deal with dust and water protection, there are other standards for protection which measure durability in different ways.

NEMA rating system: This is mainly used in North America and takes into account factors such as corrosion resistance, oil exposure and extreme weather conditions. IP ratings give a broader assessment than they do.

Durability to MIL-STD: Equipment is tested to military standard (MIL-STD-810) for vibration, shock, humidity and temperature changes. It is employed for military and rugged consumer electronics.

IK impact resistance: This refers to the protection against mechanical impact and serves to indicate how resistant a device is against physical damage.

All of these standards are critical to guaranteeing that devices will work reliably within certain surroundings. You should compare the different protective enclosure ratings when choosing a product, to find the one that best suits your needs.

Conclusion

It is important to know what IP ratings are when choosing electronic devices for different environments. Knowing the IP standard’s meaning enables you to make sensible choices whether you need a waterproof smartphone, a dust proof industrial tool or an outdoor LED display.