If you’ve ever spec’d or sourced components for industrial automation, motion control systems, or electrical enclosures, you’ve likely come across an IP rating—but what exactly does it mean?
IP ratings (short for Ingress Protection) are part of an international standard (IEC 60529) used to define how well a device is protected against solids (like dust) and liquids (like water). Understanding these ratings can help you select components that are suitable for the environment your system will operate in—whether it’s a clean room, a dusty factory floor, or an outdoor enclosure.
How to Read an IP Rating
An IP rating typically looks like this:
IP65
IP67
IP20
The “IP” stands for Ingress Protection, and the two digits that follow it each have a specific meaning:
First Digit – Protection Against Solids
This number indicates how well the device is protected from dust, dirt, and solid particles. Ratings range from 0 (no protection) to 6 (complete dust-tight protection).
| First Digit | Protection Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | None | No protection against solids |
| 1 | >50 mm | Protection against large body parts (e.g., hands) |
| 2 | >12.5 mm | Protection against fingers or similar objects |
| 3 | >2.5 mm | Protection from tools, thick wires |
| 4 | >1 mm | Protection from most wires, screws |
| 5 | Dust-protected | Limited dust ingress, no harmful deposits |
| 6 | Dust-tight | No dust ingress at all |
Second Digit – Protection Against Liquids
This number indicates protection from water—from dripping to full immersion.
| Second Digit | Protection Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | None | No protection against liquids |
| 1 | Dripping water | Vertically falling drops (e.g., condensation) |
| 2 | Dripping at 15° tilt | Water drops from angled positions |
| 3 | Spraying water | Spray at up to 60° angle |
| 4 | Splashing water | Water splashed from any direction |
| 5 | Water jets | Low-pressure jets from any angle |
| 6 | Powerful jets | High-pressure water jets |
| 7 | Immersion up to 1 meter | Temporary submersion in water |
| 8 | Immersion beyond 1 meter | Continuous submersion (manufacturer-defined) |
| 9K | High-pressure, high-temp jets | Often used in washdown or automotive environments |
Examples of Common IP Ratings
- IP20 – Basic protection from fingers, no water protection. Common in indoor electronics.
- IP54 – Dust-protected and protected from splashing water. Suitable for light industrial use.
- IP65 – Dust-tight and protected from water jets. Often used for outdoor or washdown applications.
- IP67 – Dust-tight and protected from temporary immersion in water. Ideal for rugged or outdoor environments.
- IP69K – Highest level of protection, including high-pressure washdowns. Common in food processing and automotive.
Why IP Ratings Matter
Choosing the wrong IP rating can result in premature failure, safety hazards, or warranty issues. At AutoMotion Dynamics, we help our customers select components that meet the environmental demands of their application—whether that’s inside a clean control panel or exposed to outdoor weather and washdown.
Need Help Choosing the Right IP Rating?
If you’re sourcing motors, drives, enclosures, or sensors for industrial or OEM systems, our team can help ensure your components are environmentally rated for success.
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