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What does IP Rating Stand For?
Updated: Nov 22, 2022
What does IP rating stand for? What is the best IP waterproof rating? One digit is stand for the dust-resistant level and the other digit represents the waterproof level.
We live in a world supported by lots of electric devices
In a variety of workplaces across the world and even at home, electrical devices are necessary.
We can not live without electrical devices, they are so important for our daily lives. But with all their benefits, there is a risk to having them around; the risk of being damaged by water or dust. Water and dust can cause harmful effects to electrical devices: from small malfunctions to complete breakdowns. Especially those outdoor used devices, such as IP cameras, outdoor lighting and solar panels, are often exposed to water and dust.
A device that works well in a clean environment, wouldn't work well in a filthier environment. That is because dust, dirt and other small particles could get into the device and affect its performance.
In order to protect these outdoor used devices from water or dust damage, manufacturers have designed their products with a degree of protection. That is a worldwide rating system that categorizes devices for various environmental situations, IP Rating.
What are IP Waterproof Ratings? What is the best IP waterproof rating?
International electrotechnical commission (IEC) has defined the IP rating system for devices and components to be used in environments with different levels of protection against solid objects and water. The Ingress Protection rating, or IP rating as it is more frequently known, is the name of this rating system. You need to understand the meaning of the IP rating so as to know the waterproof or dustproof level for the solar lights, or even the computer or mobile phone you are using to watch this video. All of those electric devices have IP ratings.
The IP ratings are used to define the degrees of sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosures and devices against intrusion from foreign substances such as dirt and water and are established in the international standard EN60529.
Two numbers make up the IP rating, such as IP68. Each means varying levels and protection. An international rating system, such as the IP rating, enables electrical equipment to be compliant and ensures that a device will be protected uniformly over the world. IP Rating for outdoor used device is particularly important for buyers to know, as it protects the device from weather and water damage.
Dust Resistant
To further comprehend what a rating represents, let's break down it. The protection against dust or solids is represented by the first number of the IP rating. The dust resistant level against solids improves from low to high, and the first digit can range from 0 to 6.
1) According to a rating of 0, the panel or gadget provides no particular protection against solids.
2) Protection level 1 protects against solid objects larger than 50mm in diameter and a big part of the body, such as the hand.
3) Level 2 offers defense against fingers or other things that are more than 80mm long and wider than 12mm.
4) A rating of 3 prevents access from objects having a diameter of 2.5 mm or bigger, such as tools, cables, and similar equipment.
5) A rating of 4 defends against solid objects that are bigger than 1mm.
6) Level 5 offers defense against dust that might damage machinery.
7) A rating of 6 indicates that the component or panel is totally dust-tight.
Dust Resistant Levels for Outdoor Lights
For the solar lighting fixtures, dust protection is very important. The solar panel should be protected from dust, especially if it is installed outdoor. This will help the panels to perform at their best and last longer.
The dust protection rating of most of solar lights ranges from level 3 to 6. This means that the solar panels will be protected against dust particles having a diameter of 2.5mm or smaller. For example, if you place your hand flat on the surface of the solar panel and try to push it down, you should not be able to move it at all. If there is some movement after applying pressure for a while, this indicates that your solar panel does not have enough protection.
Water Resistant
The protection against liquids rating is represented by the second number of the IP code. The second digit may range from 0 to 8. The amount of protection also goes from low to high, like the first digit.
1) The device or panel is said to have no specific protection against liquids at protection level 0.
2) A rating of 1 offers protection against condensation and water dripping.
3) Level 2 protects against water droplets that are deflected up to 15 degrees from vertical.
4) The device or panel is protected from spray up to 60 degrees from vertical with a rating of 3.
5) A rating of 4 protects against water splashing coming from all angles.
6) Level 5 offers defense against all low-pressure water jet spray.
7) A device or panel with a rating of 6 is shielded against powerful water jets and waves.
8) Level 7 can protect your device or panel from brief immersion. 30 minutes is the maximum time a device or panel can be submerged in water in the water depth of 1 meter (3 feet).
9) Finally, a rating of 8 protects against the consequences of extended submersion under pressure.
Water Resistant Levels for Outdoor Lights
The IP rating of outdoor light is important because it will tell you how much protection your device or panel has against water damage and other environmental factors.
The standard for most outdoor lights is IP65 waterproofing. Level 5 or 6 is enough to protect against rain, snow and sleet. However, if you want to use your outdoor lights in extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain or snowstorms, then you might consider getting products with higher ratings.
If you are looking for solar underwater lights for a swimming pool or a koi pond, a rating of 8 is necessary to provide maximum protection from water damage and corrosion.
If the water resistant level is less than 4, when you install your light, make sure to keep it away from the water and other harsh weather conditions. You also need to check for signs of damage or deterioration on a regular basis.
Some Examples of IP Rating Function as a Whole with Two Digits
Let's now discuss how the two digits that make up the IP rating function as a whole.
As we previously mentioned above, every electrical equipment is with an IP rating, that will have a two-digit rating. How do the IP rating explain the performance of a electric device with two digits work together?
For instance, if a device has an IP68 rating, it will be dust-tight and safe from prolonged submersion in water under pressure. According to the IP Rating Chart, this sample is both waterproof and dust tight.
Take a look at IP34 as yet another example. This gadget would be protected against bigger solid items, anything greater than 2.5 mm, as well as from water blasted in all directions. Because the solids protection is limited against big items with this grade, the gadget would probably need to be in some type of enclosure.
Let's analyze one more case, IP61. There is complete dust protection here, but the only liquid protection is for water drops that are falling vertically. As long as water won't be utilized close to the device, it might be placed outside of an enclosure.
Conclusion
Ingress protection rating, often known as IP rating, is a global standard for electrical device conformity in solid and liquid protection. From handheld electronic gadgets to commercial electrical enclosures, all of them have an IP rating. You can easily understand the various types of IP ratings and how they can protect your outdoor gadgets. And they are also a vital metric when choosing the right enclosure for your device.
Here is the IP Rating Chart.
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