Understanding IP Protection for IEC metric motors.
Protection Against Solids
IP Proof Description
0 No Protection against solids.
Protection from solid foreign bodies of
diameters greater than 50mm (2").
1 1
i.e. Accidental contact by the hand.
Protection from solid foreign bodies of
diameters greater than 12mm (7/16")
2 2
i.e. Accidental contact by fingers.
Protection from solid foreign bodies of
diameters greater than 2.5mm (1/10")
3 3
i.e. wire, tools.
Protection from solid foreign bodies of
diameters greater than 1mm. (1/25")
4 4
i.e. fine wire, small tools
Protection from the ingress of dust. No
5 5
harmful deposits.
Complete protection from the ingress of
6 6
dust.
IP CODE or IP System for Ingress Protection Rating
Ingress Protection Rating, or occasionally referred to as International Protection Rating, is a
system of two digits followed by the letters IP and is standardized on the nameplates of IEC
metric frame motors and occasionally NEMA frame motors seeking a standard international
rating classification.
This standard provides more informative description of protection from dust or liquids than
various obtuse marketing terms such as dust proof, water resistant, air-tight, and so on.
The IP rating system is also used on a wide variety of electrical and mechanical devises such as
electrical plugs, and other components. The IP system is not expressed as a guarantee for use
but a reference for design & application.
IP55, IP56, IP65, IP66, IP67, IP54 are common protection levels for IEC metric motors in Europe
and America. The table above is designed to help you understand the meaning of the
codes. The first number signifies protection against solids, the second number for liquids.
IEC refers to the International Electrotechnical Commission. For more detailed information
regarding IEC standards and definitions,please visit their website via this link.
Protection Against Liquids
IP Proof Description
0 No Protection against liquids.
Protection from vertical drops of liquid.
(condensation).
Protection from vertical drops of liquid
from 15 degrees off of top center.
Protection from liquid sprinkled from 60
degrees of top center.
Protection against jets of water from any
direction.
Protection against water projected by a
nozzle from any direction.
Protection against water projection
similar to sea waves.
Protection against the effects of
7
immersion.
Users familiar with the NEMA system of Enclosure Standards for motors can be confused with the
more precise IP system for I.E.C. type motors.
o Drip-Proof is protection from liquid falling into motors within upto 15 degrees from vertical
(such as in IP..2).
o Totally Enclosed Air Over (TEAO) is a motor that is "dust tight" for fan or blowers where the
fan is mounted to the motor shaft or belt driven within the airflow of the fan.
o Totally Enclosed Non-Ventilated (TENV) motors have NO ventilation openings, are
enclosed to prevent free exchange of air (not air-tight) and have no external cooling fan;
convection cooling.
o Totally Enclosed Fan Enclosed (TEFC) Motors are similar to TENV however incorporate an
external cooling fan on the motors shaft. Air is drawn over the motor for cooling.
o Totally Enclosed Hostile and Severe Environment are motors designed to be used in Hostile
and Severe conditions, where moisture or chemical environments are expected, but NOT
for hazardous or explosive locations.
o Totally Enclosed Blower Cooled - These motors are similar to a TEFC, but a cooling fan
powered by a separate motors is used for full cooling regardless of motor speeds. Ideal
for Inverter Use. In IEC/mm applications, this is often referred to as SERVO VENT.
o Explosion Proof Motors - These motors are designed for use in applications where explosive
gases, vapors, or combustible dusts are found. The groups are broken down specifically
into various gasses and dusts by NEMA. (National Electrical Manufacturers
Association). For IEC type motors, we refer to ATEX standards for comparable
classifications.