IP protection classes
The term IP protection class describes the degree of protection of electronic devices with regard to the influence of certain environmental conditions, such as moisture, heat, dust, cold or vibration. Protection for people is also included. The IP code comes from English and means International Protection. In this context, the term Ingress Protection is also used, which in German means protection against intrusion .
Table of contents
assignment of protection classes
In order to determine which protection class a device or equipment has, it is exposed to external influences and, depending on the result, assigned to a corresponding protection class. The devices and equipment include machines, PCs or other lighting devices. The external influences include the following:
- Dust
- temperature
- Water, water vapor, alkalis, acids, oil, fuels (corrosion)
- vibration
- shock loads caused by mechanics
- Viral or bacterial contamination (medical technology)
IP code
The IP code contains international standards for the protection of devices and systems, which can change from time to time. A deviation from the German standards is possible. The first digit of an IP code stands for contact and dust protection, the second for water protection. Each protection class represents one or more possible faults.
The different protection classes
The IP protection classes are regulated according to ISO 20653 and DIN EN 60529.
- The first digit is selected on a scale of 0 to 6; the focus is on protection against access by touch
- The second index is on a scale between 0 and 9; the focus is on protection against access by water
| 1st code number | 2nd code number |
|---|---|
| 0 unprotected | unprotected |
| 1 protected against solid foreign bodies >50 mm | protected against dripping water |
| 2 protected against solid foreign bodies >12 mm | protected against dripping water below 15° |
| 3 protected against solid foreign bodies >2.5 mm | protected against spray water |
| 4 protected against solid foreign bodies >1 mm | protected against splash water |
| 5 protected against dust | protected against water jets |
| 6 sealed against dust | protected against heavy seas |
| 7 - | protected against secondary immersion |
| 8 - | protected against permanent submersion |
| 9 - | Protection against water during high-pressure/steam jet cleaning |
In general, the higher the number of individual digits, the more resistant and better the protection class. However, it is important to consider what the respective protection class protects against, what product it is and what external factors it is exposed to and must withstand.
The most common protection classes
There are four IP protection classes that are most commonly used in everyday life - IP20, IP44, IP54 and IP65.
- IP20 : (2) The product is protected against finger penetration up to a diameter of 12.5 mm. However, it is not protected against water (0).
- IP44 : The product is protected against the ingress of splash water from all directions and against the ingress of solid foreign bodies larger than 1 mm
- IP54 : The product is completely protected against contact - i.e. against dust and also splash-proof
- IP65 : A product with this protection class has the highest possible contact protection and is temporarily, but not permanently, protected against jets of water from any angle
IP protection in bathrooms and outdoors
In dry interior rooms, protection against moisture is not a major issue, so lamps with IP20 can also be used, which offer no protection against possible water ingress. Care must be taken in rooms with moisture or water. This is because moisture and splashing water are more likely to occur here - as is the case in bathrooms. For this reason, according to DIN 57100/VDE 0100 Part 701, depending on the installation location, protection classes IPX4, IPX5 or even IPX7 are required for lights installed in bathrooms.
By the way: If there is an X in the code number, it has been inserted to replace a number. This is an indication that the number should not or does not have to be explicitly specified - for example because it plays no role in the respective context.
In outdoor areas, the need for an IP protection class depends on the location where the equipment is to be installed. Here is a brief overview.
- Covered area: under the roof, a canopy or on the balcony - IP23
- House wall: Splashing water must be expected - IP44
- Path lighting in the garden: due to direct weather contact - at least IP-44
- Garden ponds/fountains: for temporary water contact - IP67 and for underwater spotlights IP68
