IEC 60529- Ingress Protection Test

IEC 60529, also known as the Ingress Protection (IP) Code, is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It classifies and rates the degree of protection provided by mechanical casings and electrical enclosures against the intrusion of solid objects, dust, accidental contact, and water. The standard is widely used across various industries to specify the protective capabilities of enclosures, ensuring the safety and durability of electrical equipment in different environmental conditions.

Structure of the IP Code

The IP code is composed of two numerical digits and, sometimes, an additional letter. The first digit indicates the level of protection against solid objects, including dust, while the second digit represents the level of protection against liquids. The optional letter can provide additional information, such as protection against specific hazards.

• First Digit (Protection against Solid Objects and Dust):

  • 0: No protection.
  • 1: Protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm (e.g., a hand).
  • 2: Protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm (e.g., a finger).
  • 3: Protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm (e.g., tools, wires).
  • 4: Protection against solid objects larger than 1 mm.
  • 5: Dust-protected. Limited ingress of dust is permitted, but it must not interfere with the operation of the equipment.
  • 6: Dust-tight. No ingress of dust; complete protection against contact.

• Second Digit (Protection against Liquids):

  • 0: No protection.
  • 1: Protection against vertically dripping water.
  • 2: Protection against dripping water when tilted up to 15°.
  • 3: Protection against spraying water at an angle up to 60° from vertical.
  • 4: Protection against splashing water from any direction.
  • 5: Protection against water jets from any direction.
  • 6: Protection against powerful water jets.
  • 7: Protection against temporary immersion in water (up to 1 meter depth for 30 minutes).
  • 8: Protection against continuous immersion in water (conditions specified by the manufacturer).

AS 60529 is the Australian adoption of the IEC 60529 standard, dealing with degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code).