Table of contents
- Difference between protection class and IP protection type
- What does IP protection class mean?
- IP protection class table
- What does protection class IP44 mean?
- Examples of common IP protection types
- What does IP69 mean?
- What does the X mean with IPX9K or IP0X?
- Which IP standards are waterproof
- When should an electrical device be IP54 or IP64 certified?
- Which IP class is suitable for outdoor use?
- Which IP protection classes for bathrooms and damp rooms
- What is the IK protection type?
- What protection classes are there?
- How can you recognise the protection class of an electrical appliance?
- What are NEMA protection classes?
Whether electronic components, electrical equipment or electrical appliances, the technology must be protected against external factors depending on the location and area of application. The classification using IP codes provides information on how comprehensive the protection of the technology is. Colloquially, the term IP protection class is usually used in this context. However, electricians know that this refers to the IP protection classes. Our guide explains how protection classes are defined, how they differ from protection classes and which IP protection classes are applied.
Difference between IP protection class, IP classes, IP protection class and degree of protection
IP protection class and protection class - what is often confused in everyday life or rather used interchangeably actually means something completely different. The IP protection class describes the internationally standardised suitability of electrical devices and equipment for essential environmental conditions. The simplest comparison here is the use of lights or illuminants, which are exposed to fewer influences in the living room than in the bathroom or even outdoors.
IP is the abbreviation for "International Protection", but is often also defined as "Ingress Protection". The IP protection class is expressed by two-digit codes (IP codes). The first code number indicates the degree of protection an enclosure offers against foreign bodies and contact. The second code number indicates the degree of protection against moisture. Although the meaning of the term degree of protection has no standardised background, it usually serves as a more detailed description of the left or right protection class code number.
The protection class on the other hand (protection class I, II, III) indicates which protective measures have been taken against electric shock and how the protective earthing connection is designed. The protection class is therefore an important factor for the safety of electrical appliances and systems.
In any case, the term and its application must be completely distinguished from the meaning of the IP protection class. As a result, the terms IP protection classes, IP classification or IP classes are incorrect and do not exist in this constellation in any technical literature. In everyday use, however, they are used synonymously with the term IP protection class. As these can also be clearly associated due to the representation of the two-digit IP codes, an eye can usually be turned in everyday life.
What does IP protection class mean?
The IP protection class defines whether and how electrical equipment is protected against the conditions in its environment. Thanks to the internationally standardised notation of the IP codes, it is clear at a glance what degree of protection the product has. For example, whether it is only splash-proof, dust-proof or even completely waterproof.
What does IP stand for?
The abbreviation "IP" also stands for "international protection". In English-speaking countries, the term "Ingress protection" is more common and describes the meaning and purpose of the degrees of protection even more accurately.
The IP protection classes range from IP00 to IP69 or IP6K9K, which provide information on the extent to which a product is shielded against ingress of foreign bodies, contact and water. The IP codes are based on the German standard DIN EN 60529 and the international ISO 20653. While the current version of DIN standard 60529 describes the protection classes of enclosures for electrical devices, ISO 20653 covers the protection classes that are applied to road vehicles.
Tip: As a rule of thumb for the IP codes of both standards: the larger the digits of an IP code, the higher the degree of stress in the respective environment may be. The first digit describes the protection against foreign bodies and contact by the user, while the second digit indicates the degree of protection against water.
In order to better classify the IP protection classes with regard to application and device classes, we have summarised the most common protection classes in an overview below.
What does IP44 mean?
If an electrical device is certified to IP44, the first digit provides information about the protection against foreign bodies and contact. In this case, the housing offers protection against solid objects with a diameter greater than or equal to 1 mm. This is sufficient to prevent access with a conductive wire, which would result in a short circuit.
The second digit certifies that the device is protected against splash water from all sides. This protection class is particularly common for garden lights and outdoor sockets and represents the minimum requirement for outdoor areas. If the light or socket is installed in a covered area, splashing rainwater poses no danger.
In comparison to IP44, electrical equipment that fulfils the IP40 or IP4X specifications is also frequently used indoors. These include surface-mounted enclosures for installation on top-hat rails in fuse boxes.
More examples of common IP protection classes
What does IP20 mean?Products with protection class IP20 have protection against contact with solid foreign bodies over 12 mm. It has no protection against water |
What does IP55 mean?As with IP54, there is complete protection against accidental contact. Dust can also penetrate in small quantities. However, IP55 offers protection against water jets from any angle. |
What does IP46 mean?This is a product that is protected against penetration by solid foreign bodies of 1 mm or larger. The contact protection prevents access with a wire. At the same time, the device is insensitive to a strong jet of water and can therefore be safely cleaned under the tap, but not submerged. |
What does IP65 mean?Products with protection class IP65 have complete protection against contact. Dust cannot penetrate (dust-tight) and it is protected against water jets from any angle. |
What does IP54 mean?A product with protection class IP54 has complete protection against accidental contact. However dust can enter in small quantities. It is also protected against splash water from all directions. |
What does IP67 mean?Products with protection class IP67 have complete protection against accidental contact and are dustproof. They can also be temporarily completely submerged under water. |
What does IP69 mean?
These devices are made for harsh outdoor use or in industrial production. They are 100 per cent dust-tight, fully protected against contact and can even withstand treatment with a high-pressure cleaner. Water cannot penetrate the housing even under high pressure. Devices certified to this protection class include industrial computers.
What does the X mean with IPX9K or IP0X?
The X is always used in the definition of a protection class when one of the relevant codes does not have to or should not be specified. This is also the case for IPX9K or IP0X.
According to ISO 20653, the K is always used when it comes to the electrical equipment of a road vehicle. In the case of IPX9K, the protection class indicates that the road vehicle can be safely cleaned with a high-pressure or steam cleaner.
With IP0X, the device is not protected against contact, ingress of foreign bodies or water.
Which IP standards are waterproof?
If we go back to our example of lights, they must have protection against moisture or splash water in the bathroom, but they are not considered waterproof. If devices require waterproof protection due to their place of use, this means by definition that they are resistant to the ingress of moisture and water. The housing of a device must therefore remain watertight even in particularly heavy rain and water jets or may be completely submerged in water.
For a better comparison, here is an overview of common IP protection classes with water protection:
- IPX4: Protection against splashing water on all sides, e.g. IP44
- IPX5: Protection against water jets from any direction, e.g. IP55
- IPX6: Protection against strong water jets from any angle, e.g. IP56
- IPX7: Protection against temporary immersion in water, e.g. IP67
- IPX8: Protection against permanent immersion in water under specified pressure, e.g. IP68
Waterproof is not an official protection class definition. Devices labelled IPX7, on the other hand, provide temporary protection in the event of complete immersion in water. Devices with IPX8 can even be immersed in water for a longer period of time or permanently. Devices labelled IPX7 or IPX8 can best be described as waterproof, or best meet this requirement due to their water protection class definition.
Frequently asked questions about waterproof IP protection classes:
- Is IP52 waterproof? No, the protection class IP52 indicates that the housing of an appliance is only resistant to dripping water.
- Is IP54 waterproof? Devices with protection class IP54 are only protected against splashing water and are in no way waterproof.
- Is IP55 waterproof? IP55 devices can withstand water jets, but must not be submerged. The protection class therefore does not indicate watertightness.
- Is IP56 waterproof? Lights and devices with protection class IP56 are not absolutely waterproof, but can be exposed to strong jets of water without being damaged.
- Is IP57 waterproof? Devices with protection class IP57 can be temporarily submerged without moisture or wetness penetrating and damaging the device.
- Is IP65 waterproof? If a device has protection class IP65, this means that water jets can act on the device from any angle.
- Is IP68 waterproof? A device that is certified with IP68 comes close to being labelled "waterproof". It can be submerged for a maximum of 30 minutes or a depth of 1.5 metres without affecting the function of the device.
When should an electrical appliance be certified to IP54 or IP64?
Apart from installations in the bathroom, technology certified to IP20, IP23 or IP24 is perfectly adequate for indoor use. In wet areas or damp rooms, however, recessed luminaires with an IP54 specification are appropriate. They are protected against contact, dust and splash water from all sides.
Completely dust-tight housings, on the other hand, are labelled IP64, but offer less protection against water ingress than products tested to IP65, IP67 or even IP68. In addition to technology for outdoor use, which we will discuss below, smartphones and tablets in particular are increasingly being certified to IP68.
In addition to being dustproof, they can also be submerged under water without being damaged. However,caution is advised with smartphones with IP55 labelling. They can withstand a downpour, but if they are submerged, water will inevitably penetrate the housing and destroy the electronic components through a short circuit and/or corrosion.
Which IP classes apply to mobile phones?
Smartphones accompany us everywhere. It is therefore important that they are suitable for variable locations and have a certain degree of protection against dust and splash water. The IP protection class certification is used to find out how much water a mobile phone can be exposed to without restricting its functionality. The IP certification of an IP52 mobile phone therefore means that the device is protected against dripping water. The smartphone should therefore survive a moderate downpour without any problems.
In comparison, a mobile phone with protection class IP69K can also come into contact with a high-pressure water jet and remain functional. The letter "K" stands for the possible high temperature. This means that the high-pressure jet can also be made with hot water.
Most mobile phones are certified with IP67, meaning they are dustproof and even protected against temporary submersion.
Which IP protection classes should be used for damp rooms and bathrooms?
Due to the increased occurrence of moisture and splash water, electrical devices and lights in bathrooms and damp rooms should have at least protection class IPX4. Depending on where they are used (in the shower tray or bathtub), IPX5 or IPX7 are also suitable protection classes. Underwater lights installed in the bathtub should therefore have an IP68 protection class. In showers or bathtubs, you need lights that are waterproof. They must also be operated with a maximum operating voltage of 12 volts AC or 30 volts DC. The supplying transformer must be outside protection zones 0 and 1. Lights with IP 67 are protected against temporary submersion, lights with IP 68 against permanent submersion.
What protection class applies in the bathroom?
DIN VDE 0100 Part 701 regulates the complex bathroom protection area and divides it into three protection areas:
- Protectionzone 0: Encompasses the interior of the shower tray or bathtub - therefore requires at least IP67
- Protection area1: Surfaces above the shower tray or bathtub - protection class IP65 or higher is used here
- Protection area 2: 60 cm from the shower or bathtub, or from the floor to a height of 2.25 m or 60 cm radius around the washbasin - at least protection class IP44 applies to this area
The protection class you choose in the bathroom depends on where an appliance or light source is installed. The closer it is to water or splash water, the more resistant it needs to be and the higher the IP protection class.
Frequently asked questions about IP protection classes in the bathroom:
- Is IP40 suitable for the bathroom? The IP40 protection class offers no protection against moisture and water. For bathrooms and damp rooms, however, appliances and installations should have at least protection class IP44.
- Is IP20 suitable for the bathroom? The IP20 protection class is not suitable for the bathroom. The number "0" in the second position indicates that no protection against splash water and moisture is guaranteed. Suitable protection classes in the bathroom are labelled with the number "4" or higher in the second position (e.g. IP44). Although a luminaire with IP20 could be sufficient on the ceiling, water vapour is increasingly produced in smaller damp rooms in particular, which can affect the function of the luminaire. IP44 is therefore also the better choice for ceiling lights.
- Is IP24 suitable for the bathroom? The IP24 protection class promises protection against dripping water and can therefore be used in some areas of the bathroom or damp room. If installed close to the shower head or even in the bath, protection classes IP65, IP67 or IP68 are the best choice.
Which IP protection class is suitable for outdoor use?
If a lamp or outdoor socket is to be installed close to the ground in the garden, the degree of protection must also be significantly higher. Garden owners can play it safe with lighting that is specified to IP65 according to the data sheet. The dust-tightness of the housing is indicated by the number 6. At the same time, it has complete protection against contact with live components.
The number 5 also indicates that the housing remains sealed even when cleaned with a jet of water from a garden hose.
Products with protection class IP67 are even better at withstanding water ingress. In this case, the housing remains watertight even when temporarily submerged. For this reason,submersible and pond pumps are certified to the higher IP68 standard. They can be permanently submerged without losing their tightness.
Tip: The live cables & wires to an outdoor socket should also always be protected against water ingress. A sealing grommets or cable entry plates standardised to IP54 are suitable for this purpose. First and foremost, it is important that they are splash-proof.
What protection classes are there?
Compared to the protection class, the three protection classes have a completely different meaning to the IP protection classes. They describe the conditions that protect the user from a dangerous voltage on touchable, de-energised and conductive technical components during operation.
How do you recognise the protection class of an electrical appliance?
A look at the DIN EN 61140 standard shows that there are different labelling requirements for each protection class. Protection class 1 appliances, for example, do not have to be labelled with a corresponding symbol. However, there is usually at least an earthing symbol on the housing. The situation is different for protection classes 2 and 3. Labelling with the respective conductor identification on the connection cable is mandatory for manufacturers. Failure to do so can result in severe penalties.
Protection class 0:Protection class 0 applies to all electrical equipment that only has basic insulation but does not offer any additional protection against electric shock. In Germany and Austria, this class is not permitted by law for reasons of danger. Devices and machines that do not have sufficient insulation are even prohibited altogether.
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Protection class 1:Protection class I includes appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators and tumble dryers. To prevent the current from flowing uncontrollably in the event of a fault, a protective conductor must be installed in protection class 1 appliances. This ensures that there is always a short circuit in the event of incorrect voltage. The protective earth conductor is located as an additional cable between the live parts and the earthing. In electrical installations, the protective earth conductor must be connected to the mains supply first. It must also withstand mechanical tensile loads longer than the other conductors. For this reason, a longer cable is used for the protective earth conductor. |
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Protection class 2:In comparison to protection class I, devices in protection class II do not require a protective conductor, but have significantly stronger insulation. It is at least doubled between the live and touchable parts. The voltage applied to the device does not come into contact with the user at any time. As a rule, it is mainly small electrical appliances that are assigned to this protection class. These include coffee machines, hair dryers and blenders, among others. |
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Protection class 3:Just like appliances in protection class II, protection class III electrical appliances are fully insulated and protect the user from electric shock. Another safety plus: they are operated with a safety extra-low voltage. A maximum of 50 volts AC or 120 volts DC may be applied between the conductors and the earth and must not be exceeded. Mains-powered appliances are always operated with a safety transformer for this purpose, as the usual mains voltage of 230 volts in Europe is many times higher. |
Conclusion:
The term "IP protection class" is often used synonymously with "IP protection class". However, while the protection classes are about the safety of the application, the IP codes of the protection class stand for the quality of the device protection against the ingress of water, dust and other objects.
Despite careful editing and checking of the content, Stecker Express assumes no liability for the topicality, correctness, completeness and quality of the information provided.
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