IP (Ingress Protection)

IEC 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 digits. (An "X" is used for one of the digits if there is only one
class of protection; i.e., IP X4 which addresses moisture resistance only.) The IP Code Symbol Chart helps illustrate the
classification system.

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.

Degrees of Protection—Second Digit

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.).

The chart below illustrates the use of special symbols in the IP classification system. In the "1st digit" columns, note the grid-
like symbols next to numbers 5 and 6. In the "2nd digit" columns numbers 3–8 are symbolized 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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 1st 2nd
Protection from solid objects Protection from moisture
Digit Digit
0 Non protected 0 Non protected

Hand Protected - Protection from a large

Drip-proof against vertical
part of the body such as a hand (but no
1 1 water drops - Protection from
protection from deliberate access); from
vertically dripping water
solid objects greater than 50mm in diameter

Drip-proof when tilted at angles

Finger Protected - Protection against
up to 15° - Protection from
2 fingers or other objects greater than 2
vertically dripping water (15°
12.5mm
tilted)

Tool Protected - Protection from entry by Rain/ Spray Proof - Protection

3 tools, wires, etc., with a diameter or 3 from sprayed water, falling at an
thickness greater than 2.5mm angle of up to 60 °

Wire Protected - Protection from entry by

Splash Proof - Protection from
4 solid objects with a diameter or thickness 4
splashed water from any direction
greater than 1.0mm

Dust Accumulation Protected - Protection Jet Proof - Water projected by a

from the amount of dust that would Nozzle (dia 6.3 mm) at a pressure
5 5
interfere with the operation of the of 30kPa, from any direction
equipment cause no harmful effect.

Jet Proof - Water projected by a

Dust Penetration Protected - Complete Nozzle (dia 12.5 mm) at a
6 6
protection against penetration of Dust. pressure of 100kPa, from any
direction cause no harmful effect.

Watertight - Protection against

temporary immersion in water
7
under specified conditions of
pressure and time

Pressure Watertight - Protection

against complete, continuous
8 submersion in water under
specified conditions of pressure
and time

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Additional letters
The standard defines additional letters that can be appended to classify only the level of protection against access to hazardous
parts by persons:

Level Protected against access to hazardous parts with

A back of hand
B finger
C tool
D wire

Further letters can be appended to provide additional information related to the protection of the device:

Letter Meaning
H high voltage device
M device moving during water test
S device standing still during water test
W weather conditions

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