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Ingress protection (IP)
according to BS EN 60529 / DIN 40050

The IP Code is an internationally standardised classification system for the degree of protection provided by enclosures of electrical equipment against access to hazardous parts, ingress of solid foreign objects, dust and water. For the UK market, BS EN 60529 is the relevant national standard reference. EN 60529 and DIN 40050 are also commonly referenced in European and industrial contexts.

The degree of protection is indicated by the letters IP, followed by two characteristic numerals, for example IP68. The first characteristic numeral indicates protection against access to hazardous parts and against ingress of solid foreign objects. The second characteristic numeral indicates protection against ingress of water.

The higher the respective degree of protection, the more resistant the product is to dust, moisture and other environmental influences. Selecting the correct IP rating makes a significant contribution to the operational safety and service life of electrical components in industrial applications.

The first numeral indicates Protection against access to hazardous parts and ingress of solid foreign objects.

First characteristic numeralDesignationExplanation
0Not protectedNo protection against access to hazardous parts or ingress of solid foreign objects.
1Protected against solid foreign objects of 50 mm diameter and largerProtection against access with the back of the hand; protection against solid foreign objects of Ø ≥ 50 mm.
2Protected against solid foreign objects of 12.5 mm diameter and largerProtection against access with a finger; protection against solid foreign objects of Ø ≥ 12.5 mm.
3Protected against solid foreign objects of 2.5 mm diameter and largerProtection against access with a tool; protection against solid foreign objects of Ø ≥ 2.5 mm.
4Protected against solid foreign objects of 1.0 mm diameter and largerProtection against access with a wire; protection against solid foreign objects of Ø ≥ 1.0 mm.
5Dust-protectedProtection against access with a wire; ingress of dust is not totally prevented, but dust must not enter in a quantity sufficient to interfere with satisfactory operation or safety.
6Dust-tightProtection against access with a wire; no ingress of dust.


The second numeral indicates Protection against ingress of water.

Second characteristic numeralDesignationExplanation
0No protectionNo protection against water.
1Protection against dripping waterProtection against vertically falling drops of water.
2Protection against dripping water when tiltedProtection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted at any angle up to 15° from the vertical.
3Protection against spraying waterProtection against water sprayed at an angle of up to 60° on either side of the vertical.
4Protection against splashing waterProtection against water splashed from any direction.
5Protection against water jetsProtection against water projected in jets from any direction.
6Protection against powerful water jetsProtection against powerful water jets from any direction.
7Protection against temporary immersionProtection against the ingress of water during temporary immersion.
8Protection against continuous immersionProtection against the ingress of water during continuous immersion under conditions specified by the manufacturer.
9KProtection against high-pressure / steam-jet cleaningProtection against water from any direction at very high pressure and high temperature.
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