IP Rating (Ingress Protection)
The IP rating system (or Ingress Protection rating) is a scale of how waterproof and airtight an item is.
Words like ‘waterproof’ can be fairly vague so using the IP system gives a clear and concise guide to ensure that an item is suitable for the environment it will be installed in.
Each IP rating is made up of two numbers:
The first being its protection from solid objects, ranging from body parts to dust. For example if you were to install an electrical product in a dusty environment like a beach or desert you would need the first number to be at least 5 or 6 to protect the products electrical circuits from being damaged by dust ingress.
The second being its protection from water, ranging from dripping water to complete submersion. For example if you were installing an electrical product in a marine area where is might end up in under water, you would need the second number to be at least 7 or 8.
The table below shows this in more detail:
Without the IP rating system you could order something ‘waterproof’ that might be protected from heavy rain but would fill with water if submerged, this is why the IP rating system is so widely used and extremely helpful to save time and money.
DG Controls offer a wide range of IP65 rated beacons and sounders, we also offer an IP66 and IP68 range too!
