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EN 60529
outlines an international classification system for the sealing
effectiveness of enclosures of electrical equipment against the
intrusion into the equipment of foreign bodies (i.e. tools, dust,
fingers) and moisture. This classification system utilizes the
letters "IP" ("Ingress Protection") followed by two or three
digits. (A third digit is sometimes used. An "x" is used for one
of the digits if there is only one class of protection; i.e. IPX4
which addresses moisture resistance only.)
Degrees of Protection - First Digit
The first digit of the IP code indicates the degree
that persons are protected against contact with moving parts
(other than smooth rotating shafts, etc.) and the degree that
equipment is protected against solid foreign bodies intruding into
an enclosure.
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0 |
No special protection |
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1 |
Protection from a large part of
the body such as a hand (but no protection from deliberate
access); from solid objects greater than 50mm in diameter.
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2 |
Protection against fingers or
other object not greater than 80mm in length and 12mm in
diameter. |
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3 |
Protection from entry by tools,
wires, etc., with a diameter of thickness greater than 1.0mm.
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4 |
Protection from entry by solid
objects with a diameter or thickness greater than 1.0mm
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5 |
Protection from the amount of dust
that would interfere with the operation of the equipment.
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6 |
Dust tight. |
Degrees of Protection - Second Digit
The second digit indicates the degree of protection
of the equipment inside the enclosure against the harmful entry of
various forms of moisture (e.g. dripping, spraying, submersion,
etc.)
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0 |
No special protection |
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1 |
Protection from dripping water.
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2 |
Protection from vertically
dripping water. |
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3 |
Protection from sprayed water.
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4 |
Protection from splashed water.
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5 |
Protection from water projected
from a nozzle |
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6 |
Protection against heavy seas, or
powerful jets of water. |
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7 |
Protection against immersion.
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8 |
Protection against complete,
continuous submersion in water. |
Submersion depth
and time must be specified by the end-user. The requirement must
be more onerous than IP67
The IP Code Symbols
The chart at the right illustrates the use of
special symbols in the IP classification system. In the "1st
digit" column, not the grid-like symbols net to numbers 5 and 6.
In the "2nd digit" column numbers 3-8 are symbolised by teardrop
shaped symbols, sometimes enclosed in a box or a triangle,
sometimes unenclosed (#7-8). These symbols can be placed on
equipment to illustrate the IP protection provided.
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