Explanation of IP Rating Ex Protection Concepts - Electrical

The IP Rating, Ingress Protection Rating, sometimes also interpreted as International Protection In areas where explosive atmospheres can occur despite the explosion protection measures
Rating, classifies and rates the degree of protection provided against the intrusion of solid objects employed, only explosion- proof electrical equipment may be used. Explosion proof electrical
(including body parts like hands and fingers), dust, accidental contact, and water in mechanical equipment can be manufactured to IEC protection type levels.
casings and with electrical enclosures. Types of protection for electrical apparatus in hazardous areas:

1st Digit Protection from solid objects 2nd Digit Protection from moisture Electrical Symbol Typical Zone Diagram IEC Standard Basic concept of protection

0 Not Protected 0 Not Protected

Protected against solid
1 objects greater than
50mm
2 Protected against solid
objects greater than
12mm
Increased safety e 1, 2 IEC 60079-7
No arcs, sparks or hot
Protected against surfaces. Enclosure
1 Dripping water
Type ‘n’ IP54 or better
nA 2 IEC 60079-15
Protected against (non-sparking)
Dripping water when the
2 enclosure is tilted at an
angle up to 15° from its
normal position. Flameproof d 1, 2 IEC 60079-1
Protected against Contain the explosion,
spray water at any quench the flame
3 angle up to 60° from Type ‘n’
the vertical.
nC 2 IEC 60079-15
(enclosed break)

ia 0, 1, 2
3 Protected against solid Protected against
objects greater than 4 splashing water. Intrinsic safety ib 1, 2 IEC 60079-11
Limit the energy of
2.5mm ic 2
sparks and surface
Type ‘n’ temperatures
nL 2 IEC 60079-15
4 Protected against solid Protected against (energy limitation)
5 water jets.
objects greater than
1.0mm
Quartz/sand filled q 1, 2 IEC 60079-5 Quench the flame

Protect against
6 p 1, 2
heavy seas.
Dust protected px 1, 2
5 Pressurised IEC 60079‐2
py 1, 2
pz 2
Protected against
the effects of Type ‘n’
7 nC 2
immersion between (sealing & hermetic sealing)
IEC 60079‐15
150mm to 1m. Type ‘n’
nR 2 Keep the flammable
(restricted breathing)
6 Dust tight Protected against
gas out
continuous
8 ma 0, 1, 2
submersion at IEC 60079‐18
Encapsulation
specified depth.
mb 1, 2
Example: IP 6 7
2nd Digit ― Protected against the effects of immersion between 150mm to 1m. Oil immersion o 1, 2 IEC 60079‐6
Code Letter 1st Digit ― Dust tight

103 104