ZephIR user manual QP1009-582 v2
© Natural Power 2008
10
th
June 2008
Page 56
IP explanation and ratings
EN 60529 outlines an international classification system
for the sealing effectiveness of enclosures of electrical
equipment against the intrusion into the equipment of
foreign bodies (i.e. tools, dust, fingers) and moisture.
This classification system utilizes the letters “IP” (“Ingress
Protection”) followed by two or three digits. (A third digit
is sometimes used. An “x” is used for one of the digits
if there is only one class of protection; i.e. IPX4 which
addresses moisture resistance only.)
Degrees of Protection - First Digit
The first digit of the IP code indicates the degree that
persons are protected against contact with moving parts
(other than smooth rotating shafts, etc.) and the degree
that equipment is protected against solid foreign bodies
intruding into an enclosure.
0
No special protection.
1
Protection from a large part of the body such as a hand
(but no protection from deliberate access); from solid
objects greater than 50mm in diameter.
2
Protection against fingers or other object not greater
than 80mm in length and 12mm in diameter.
3
Protection from entry by tools, wires, etc., with a diam-
eter of thickness greater than 1.0mm.
4
Protection from entry by solid objects with a diameter
or thickness greater than 1.0mm
5
Protection from the amount of dust that would interfere
with the operation of the equipment.
6
Dust tight.
Degrees of Protection - Second Digit
The second digit indicates the degree of protection of
the equipment inside the enclosure against the harmful
entry of various forms of moisture (e.g. dripping, spraying,
submersion, etc.)
0
No special protection.
1
Protection from dripping water.
2
Protection from vertically dripping water.
3
Protection from sprayed water.
4
Protection from splashed water.
5
Protection from water projected from a nozzle
6
Protection against heavy seas, or powerful jets of water.
7
Protection against immersion.
8
Protection against complete, continuous submersion in
water.
Submersion depth and time must be specified by the
end-user. The requirement must be more onerous than
IP67.
The IP Code Symbols
The chart at the right illustrates the use of special symbols
in the IP classification system. In the “1st digit” column,
not the grid-like symbols net to numbers 5 and 6. In
the “2nd digit” column numbers 3-8 are symbolised by
teardrop shaped symbols, sometimes enclosed in a box or
a triangle, sometimes unenclosed (#7-8). These symbols
can be placed on equipment to illustrate the IP protection
provided.
