IP - degree of protection of electrical equipment

IP (Ingress Protection Rating) is a system for classifying the degrees of protection of equipment from electrical current, against penetration of moisture and solid objects in accordance with the international standard IEC 60529 (analogues DIN 40050, GOST 14254-96). It is necessary to consider in more detail everything that is connected with this.

general characteristics

IP (degree of protection) involves a method that is verified by standard test methods, provided with a sheath that prevents access to hazardous parts, and also protects against penetration of water or solid objects from outside. Foreign bodies as a concept are tools and fingers relating to current-carrying elements. Here IP (degree of protection) implies not only a security aspect, but also the absence of harmful influences that can affect the operation of elements. To determine the level of security, there is a special marking applied to any device operating on electricity.

IP (protection level) is indicated on the devices by means of an international protection symbol, after which there is a couple of digits. The first one denotes protection against penetration of dense objects, and the second guarantees an obstacle to water, for example, IP54. If you have knowledge of the correspondence of certain numbers to specific classes, you can understand how and what to connect correctly. The degree of protection IP20 is the minimum protection class against the probable touching of current-carrying elements by the fingers. The maximum class is IP68, which means that there is a dustproof device in front of you, which can be under water for a long time. Safety and specification of devices is provided only in cases when all the required procedures in terms of their maintenance are carried out on time. It is important to follow the instructions from the manufacturer completely.

Understand the specification

If we consider such a thing as IP (protection degree), then the first figure in the characteristic indicates the protective feature provided by the shell. It prevents access to parts that present a heightened danger by limiting or preventing the penetration of a part of the body of a person or object that may be in his hands, as well as equipment located inside the shell, from the penetration of various objects from the outside.

First parameter

If in the characteristic the first digit is 0, then such a shell is not a guarantee of protection, either from the penetration of different objects from the outside, or from access to dangerous parts. The figure 1 at this point indicates the possibility of protection from accessing the back of the hand to elements that are dangerous to humans, 2 - with a finger, 3 - with any tool, 4-6 with a wire. In addition, the number 6 is a guarantee of complete protection against dust.

The second IP parameter (protection level)

The second characteristic figure hides the level of protection of equipment from the negative impact of water, provided by a special shell. If we are talking about the value of 0, then we mean a complete lack of protection. Under the number 1, the protection against drops falling vertically is hidden, 2 - vertically falling drops at a deviation from the shell by 15 degrees, 3 - protection from rainwater; 4 - protection from complete spraying, 5 - from jets of water, 6 - from strong jets, 7 - from impacts associated with temporary immersion in water, 8 - from impacts that involve prolonged exposure to water. These two numbers are indicated after IP (protection level). The parameter values table, which contains the above information, allows you to determine what level is involved in each particular case.

Nuances

Quite often, in the presence of protection from liquid ingress, it can be said about the possibility of automatically providing protection from foreign objects entering and penetration. For example, if the device has a protection against liquid of 4, that is, from direct spraying, then it is about the automatic correspondence of protection against getting to level 5. The degree of protection IP65 guarantees protection from jets of water and fine dust.

The most common classes are:

1. The degree of protection IP 20 implies that the devices can be used indoors, if it is a normal environment with no severe contaminants. Typical areas of application can be called warm and dry shops of industrial production, office premises, theaters, shops.
2. The degree of protection IP 21 / IP 22 allows the use of devices in industrial premises without heating and under canopies, which is provided by the presence of protection from drops and condensation of water. It is allowed to use them under the conditions described in the previous paragraph.
3. The degree of protection IP 23 allows the use of luminaires or other instruments in industrial premises without heating, as well as outside buildings. Naturally, they can also be installed in the places described above.
4. The degree of protection IP 24 speaks about the possibility of using devices outside the buildings in conditions of fluctuations in temperature and humidity. They can be used in the places described in the previous paragraphs.
5. The degree of protection IP 44 allows you to use the equipment in outdoor or outdoor lighting, if it comes to luminaires. All are protected from splashes, raindrops and small solids.

6. The degree of protection IP 50 means that the device can be used in a dusty environment. Such equipment is usually protected against rapid internal contamination. It is forbidden to use such devices in conditions of high humidity.
7. Degree of protection IP 54 is a standard class for waterproof performance. Devices are allowed to be washed, while negative consequences are completely excluded. When it comes to luminaires, they are often used in rooms where there is a high content of moisture and dust, as well as under various canopies. Very often this class is typical for embedded LED fixtures.
8. The degree of protection IP 60 indicates that, for example, the luminaire is completely protected from dust accumulation, and it can be used in a rather dusty environment. In this version, devices are extremely rare. Usually, where this class is required, devices with IP 65 / IP 66 degree of protection, related to jet protection, are installed, that is, jets of water under pressure can be used for their cleaning. Although in this case there is no question of full waterproofness, penetrating moisture is not capable of having a harmful effect on their functioning.
9. The degree of protection IP 67 / IP 68 implies the possibility of immersing the device in water for a long time. Luminaires of this class can be immersed in pools or fountains for their illumination.

How to understand which device is in front of you?

Usually on the packaging of any electrical appliance, which is characterized by even a minimal degree of protection from external influences, contains information about this. It turns out that if neither on the box nor in the instruction there is any information about it, then it is about absolute insecurity, corresponding to the IP20.

additional information

On the label sometimes there is a letter that characterizes the degree of protection of people from access to elements that are dangerous, and it is indicated if in fact the level of protection exceeds what is described by the first figure. Only protection from water is indicated, and the first digit was replaced by "X". So, here are a few letters that are used in this field. Under the letter "A" is hidden the ability of the shell to protect from accessing the back of the hand to dangerous parts, "B" - finger, "C" - tool and "D" - wire. Under the auxiliary letter "H" hides high-voltage equipment. The marking "M" indicates that the device was in a working state during water tests. Under the letter "S" is understood the immobility of the parts of the device during the immersion in water. "W" guarantees protection from negative weather conditions.

The degree of protection of the shell may be indicated by an additional letter only if it fully meets the lower level parameters. The highest at the moment is IP69K, which is used for high-temperature washing, which operates under pressure. Such cases have not only increased protection from dust, but also the ability to withstand high water pressure during the washing process. Originally, this standard was developed for road vehicles, especially those that need regular cleaning, but is now actively used in other industries - the chemical and food industries.

conclusions

This or that degree of protection of the device shows, where and in what conditions of work you can use it.