How Does the IP Rating System Work for Electronic Devices?

The IP rating is built on two distinct digits- each one holding substantial importance.

The Shield Against Dust – First Digit

The first digit of the IP rating signifies a device’s defense capability against solid matter such as dust and debris. The scale is from 0 to 6, where a higher number means enhanced security. A zero suggests no special safeguards against solids are in place, while a six denotes the device to be absolutely dust-proof.

First Digit

0 – No protection against solids
1 – Proof against solid objects over 50mm size (like a hand)
2 – Resistant to solids over 12.5mm (like fingers)
3 – Protected against objects over 2.5mm (like tools or wires)
4 – Resistant to solid objects greater than 1mm (tiny wires or screws)
5 – Some protection against dust, but not completely dust-proof
6 – Completely dust-proof

The Barricade Against Water – Second Digit

The second digit symbolizes the device’s protection level against fluid encroachments, particularly water. Here, the scale climbs from 0 to 9- the higher the number, the greater protection. A zero indicates no substantial water protection, whereas a nine suggests the gear can resist high-pressure, high-temperature water jets.

Second Digit

0 – No defense against fluid intrusions
1 – Can sustain vertically falling droplets (like condensation)
2 – Sheltered from dripping water when angled at 15 degrees
3 – Safe from water spraying up to 60 degrees vertical
4 – Protected from water splashing from all directions
5 – Can handle low-pressure jets of water from all directions
6 – Good against high-pressure water jets or heavy seas
7 – Can tolerate brief immersion in water, up to 1 meter for 30 minutes
8 – Can endure ongoing immersion in water under certain conditions
9 – Can ward off high-pressure, high-temperature water jets.