In modern life, electronic devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. However, in harsh environmental conditions, factors such as dust, water, and oil pollution may damage the equipment, affecting its service life and performance. In order to meet these challenges, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has developed the IP protection level standard to evaluate the protection of electrical equipment against solid foreign objects and liquid intrusion.
The IP protection level consists of two numbers, the first number indicates the dustproof level, and the second number indicates the waterproof level. The larger the number, the stronger the protection ability.
Dustproof level:
- No dustproof protection
- Prevents intrusion of solid foreign objects with a diameter greater than 50mm
- Prevents intrusion of solid foreign objects with a diameter greater than 12.5mm
- Prevents intrusion of solid foreign objects with a diameter greater than 2.5mm
- Prevents intrusion of solid foreign objects with a diameter greater than 1mm
- Prevents intrusion of dust
- Completely dustproof
Waterproof level:
- No waterproof protection
- Prevent vertical dripping
- Prevent dripping within 15°
- Prevent water jets
- Prevent splashing water
- Prevent low-pressure water jets (within 3 minutes, 12.5cm from the nozzle, use a 12.5mm diameter water jet at a 30° tilt)
- Prevent strong water jets
- Prevent short-term immersion (depth not exceeding 1m, time not exceeding 30 minutes)
- Prevent long-term immersion (depth exceeding 1m)
- Prevent high-temperature and high-pressure water jets (10cm from the nozzle, use 80°C hot water at a flow rate of 17.5L/min for 15 minutes)
For example, IP65 means that the device is completely dustproof and protected against low-pressure jets of water from any direction.
IP protection grade has a wide range of applications in various fields, such as:
Industrial control equipment: Industrial control equipment usually works in harsh environmental conditions, such as dust, oil, high temperature, high humidity, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to select equipment with a high IP protection grade to ensure its normal operation.
Household appliances: Household appliances, such as washing machines, air conditioners, etc., also need to consider dust and water resistance. For example, washing machines need to be protected from water splashes, while air conditioners need to be protected from dust ingress.
Outdoor lighting equipment: Outdoor lighting equipment is exposed to wind and rain for a long time, so it is necessary to select equipment with a high IP protection grade to ensure its durability.
