IP ratings chart explained for electronic enclosures and industrial cabinets.

IP ratings are not something mystical, only understood by geeks or electrical engineers with three degrees. This article will not only simply explain what the IP Rating system is but how it works in relation to electronic enclosures, electrical enclosures and industrial enclosures.



The IP ratings system fulfil a very useful function in determining basically what standard of manufacture is required in an enclosure or cabinet to keep out either solids or liquids from entering inside the manufacture box.



These IP ratings refer to specific tests and are made up from two components.



Here's how the system works. The easiest way is to explain is to give an example of say, IP56.



First of all the "IP" part stands for as INGRESS PROTECTION.



The first digit concerns solid objects while the second digit is for liquids. The basic rule that applies is the higher the number, then the better the protection for either industrial enclosures or electronic enclosures.



Each number defines a degree of protection and to take the example of IP56, the first number or digit relates to the solids and in this case the 5 = Protected against dust limited ingress i.e. All the numbers have a definition.



The second number or digit relates to the liquids and as I stated in our example the 6 = Protected against low pressure jets of water (use on ship deck) - limited ingress permitted



And that's all there is to it. If you would like to see an IP Rating chart then please click here.



There is one very important factor in which many people have basically come a cropper with when buying a so called IP rated enclosure or cabinet fitted with lock. The manufacturer has made a perfect metal enclosure. Let's say it was fully welded and looks the part. However the metalwork may be fine but the lock may have a lower IP rating than the cabinet and therefore the complete assembly is rated only as good as the lock rating.





Adrian Roberts has been involved in sheet metal engineering for many years and is now Managing Director of A & R Engineering Ltd., www.arengineering.co.uk