When selecting electrical and mechanical components, understanding the meaning of their IP rating is essential to ensure their suitability for real-world environments. This guide explains how IP ratings work, how to interpret them correctly, and how to choose the appropriate protection level for your application.
What Does an IP Rating Mean?
So, what does IP rating mean in practical terms? When people ask what IP ratings are, they’re referring to a numeric code that communicates protection levels in a simple, consistent format. An International Protection Marking, also known as IP Rating/Code, is the rating of a product’s ability to withstand liquid and dust intrusion. Understanding the IP rating meaning helps avoid under-specifying or over-specifying components, both of which can lead to reliability issues or unnecessary costs.
IP Rating System - How the IP Code Works
The IP rating system follows the internationally recognized IP code standard. Defined by IEC/EN 60529, the standard was developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission and is recognized all over the world. This IP rating standard assigns two digits after the letters “IP,” each representing a different form of protection.
These values are part of broader protection standards, ensuring consistency across manufacturers. The first digit addresses solid particle protection, while the second digit covers liquid exposure. Together, they define the enclosure’s overall protection level under the IP protection standard.
How to Read the IP Rating Chart
The IP classification chart visually breaks down how each digit corresponds to specific protection levels. This IP Rating Chart helps make the process of comparing the performance between enclosures easier.
While charts are useful for quick reference, understanding what the numbers mean in real-world conditions is equally important—especially when selecting products for outdoor, industrial, or washdown environments. Once a product has completed testing at an approved facility, it will achieve a specific numeric rating, which can be deciphered using the IP classification chart below:
What Do the IP Rating Numbers Mean?
The IP rating system uses a 2-digit system to define its protection rating for all products. The first digit represents protection against solids, and the second against liquids. The IP classification system was designed to standardize protection ratings and limit misinterpretation/misrepresentation of a product's protection ability.
First Digit – Solid Protection
The first digit represents protection against solid objects such as dust, tools, or accidental contact and can have a value from 1 to 6. It reflects IP grades related to physical intrusion and determines the ingress protection level to withstand foreign objects/dust ingress. For example, a product that has a rating of IP2X can withstand foreign objects up to 12.5mm or greater in size, whereas an object with a rating of IP6X is dust-tight. “X” is used to designate a specific area where the product has not been tested.
Second Digit – Liquid Protection
The liquid protection (second digit) follows the same format but can have a value from 1 to 9. As the number increases, protection from liquid ingress increases. Units with an IPX7 rating have a waterproof IP rating against 30-minute submersions at a depth of 1 meter. As the chart indicates, there are specific angles, pressures, and volume requirements that must be followed during the test for water spray protection. The stringent testing procedure of the IP rating system ensures standardization between testing facilities around the world.
Important disclaimer: An IP rating does not indicate permanent waterproofing. IP ratings are based on controlled test conditions and do not guarantee unlimited exposure.
What Does “X” Mean in an IP Rating?
An IP rating uses “X” when one of the protection categories has not been tested. For example, IPX4 means the product has been tested for liquid exposure but not solid particle protection. An IP rating of IP6X means the product has been tested for dust protection but not against exposure to liquids.
Extra Letters
Sometimes, an IP rating may have a letter placed at the end of the last digit. This is the supplementary letter, and it can be used to denote the supplementary information from the product standard. Please check out the chart below for more information:
Common IP Ratings Explained
- IP20 – Protected against large solid objects and has no liquid protection
- IP55 – Limited dust ingress and resistance to water jets, usually capable of light outdoor use
- IP65 – Dust-tight and protected against water jets; considered a high IP rating suitable for most outdoor use
- IP66 – Dust-tight with stronger water jet protection as an upgrade from IP65
- IP67 / IP68 – Protection against temporary or continuous immersion, depending on specifications
Multiple IP Ratings on One Product?
Some products can have multiple IP ratings, such as cellular devices. A common rating is IP55/IP57. This means that the unit was not able to pass the IPX6 liquid ingress test. If a unit lists only one rating, it indicates that it has passed all tests up to and including the specific number that is displayed.
In certain cases, products may pass multiple tests at different IP ratings when subject to different test conditions. For example, a device may pass a test at a different IP rating when in motion compared to when standing still.
Water Resistance & Waterproof IP Ratings
Water-resistant testing is achieved by water sprayed from 3 meters, with a 12.5mm nozzle, for 3 minutes. This is an unusual and unlikely real-world application; however, this type of rating typically tests a unit for use in outdoor applications. It is important to understand that units, which are approved for outdoor use, may not be able to handle extreme weather conditions such as very high/low temperatures and situations that involve strong waves/pressure washing.
However, IP69K is rated for high-pressure, high-temperature wash-down conditions. It has been designed to handle the most extreme conditions. Another note is that the IP Code does not test for outdoor/weather resistance during seasonal changes and for long periods of time (e.g., years outside during multiple seasons).
All Progressive Automations’ linear actuators are designed and tested for stationary protection. When the actuator is in motion, the strokes can pull water into the shaft housing, allowing water to penetrate the DC motor, which can cause irreparable damage. It is important not to operate actuators when they are wet/damp to avoid any type of water damage. However, for the PA-06 and PA-ST4 models, they have an IP rating of IP67M, which means the actuators can operate underwater and have suitable water ingress protection.
Recommended IP Ratings by Application
Different environments require different IP protection standards. Using an IP protection rating chart as a reference can help guide users in their selection process:
- Indoor automation – IP20 to IP44
- Outdoor (covered) – IP54 to IP65
- Washdown environments – IP66 to IP69K
- Submerged applications – IP67 or IP68
How Are Progressive Automations’ Products Tested?
All Progressive Automations’ linear actuators are tested under the Ingress Protection standards by IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission). Our linear actuators range from IP20 all the way up to IP67M. The PA-18 Track Linear Actuator has a rating of IP20, as it has open shaft housings, which would allow water to enter the unit. This illustrates when a unit can hold against foreign objects but has zero protection against liquid.
Units rated for IP66, like the PA-09 Mini Industrial Actuator, are able to withstand both dust and liquid ingress. The PA-06 and PA-ST4 waterproof models have the highest IP rating in our range, with IP67M. They both can operate underwater for 30-minute submersions at a depth of 1 meter and are able to withstand high-pressure water jets when they’re not in motion.
FAQ
What does an IP rating mean?
• To define IP rating, it is an ingress protection rating that describes how well an enclosure resists the intrusion of solids and liquids.
Is an IP rating the same as waterproof?
• No, only certain waterproof IP ratings can offer true waterproof protection for an extended duration, depending on the value of the second digit of a given IP rating.
What does IP65 mean for linear actuators?
• An IP65 protection rating indicates dust-tight construction and resistance to water jets, making it a high IP rating for outdoor automation.
What is the difference between IP67 and IP68?
• The IP67 vs IP68 distinction lies in immersion depth and duration, which varies by manufacturer.
Can an IP-rated actuator be used outdoors year-round?
• It depends on the IP protection level and additional environmental factors like UV rays, exposure to corrosive materials, and temperature extremes.
Does an IP rating apply when the actuator is in motion?
• For an IP rating to apply when the actuator is in motion, there must be the letter “M” included in the rating to indicate that it has passed test conditions with the device in motion.
What IP rating is recommended for washdown environments?
• Typically, an IP rating of IP66 or higher is recommended for washdown environments.
Why do some products have multiple IP ratings?
• In certain cases, products may pass multiple tests at different IP ratings when subject to different test conditions. For example, a device may pass a test at a different IP rating when in motion compared to when standing still.
In Summary
With the ingress protection rating chart, linear actuators and other products can be chosen to suit many different applications with confidence and an understanding of the products' true ability. It is important to choose an appropriately rated linear actuator for its intended environment and any potential hazards that may arise. If you would like any additional information on our products and their IP ratings, please reach out to our customer sales team at sales@progressiveautomations.com.