IP Rating | IP Rating Chart | What Is A IP Rating

What Are IP Ratings?

An IP rating, also called an ingress protection rating, IP code, or international protection marking states how well an appliance’s enclosure protects the electrical components inside from solids and liquids that could damage it. This rating is important to consider when using appliances outdoors, or in damp conditions, such as in bathrooms.

IP ratings are defined by international standards and meet EN 60529 requirements for devices with a rated voltage of up to 72.5kV.

What Are The Different IP Ratings?

When reading an IP rating, you will notice it starts with the letters IP, followed by two numbers. The first number refers to the enclosure’s resistance to solid objects that might damage the electrical device, and the second number shows its water resistance. In both instances the higher the number, the more protection the enclosure gives. Below is a table explaining what each IP rating means.

Rating	Protected Against	Rating	Protected Against
0	No Protection	0	No Protection
1	Solid objects over 50mm in size, protects against accidental touches	1	Vertical dripping water, condensation
2	Solid objects over 12mm wide and no bigger than 80mm in length, such as fingers and objects of similar size	2	Dripping water up to 15 degrees from vertical
3	Objects over 2.5mm wide like tools and wires	3	Spraying water up to 60 degrees from vertical
4	Objects over 1mm in size, such as wires and nails	4	Splashing water from all directions
5	Partially protected against dust	5	Low-pressure jets of water
6	Protected against dust	6	Powerful jets of water
		7	Temporary water immersion up to 1m in depth for up to 30 minutes
		8	Prolonged immersion in water in depths over 1m
		9	High temperature and high pressure jets of water

Sometimes an IP rating will contain an X, for example, IPX4 or IP5X. This means the appliance was not tested for this rating. It is also important to note, that whilst an appliance may meet the criteria to be rated IPX7 or X8, it does not necessarily mean it also meets the criteria to be rated IPX5 or X6

Therefore, if an appliance has an IP21 rating, it is not suitable to place outside where it is exposed to the weather, as it may become damaged by rainwater or dust in the air. An outdoor light IP rating is usually a minimum of IP44.

What Are IP Waterproof Ratings?

An appliance which is water-resistant is not the same as it being waterproof. A water-resistant appliance cannot be submerged but is resistant to some degree of water, whereas a waterproof appliance can be submerged as no water will enter it. IPX7 and IPX8 ratings are waterproof, whereas IPX1-6 and X9 are water-resistant. When purchasing appliances where water resistance is important always double-check the IP rating to ensure the device is sufficiently protected for the intended use.

What IP rating for bathroom appliances?

When installing appliances within bathrooms it is vital to pay attention to IP ratings due to the high levels of moisture in the space. The minimum IP rating of an appliance used in a bathroom depends on the zone the appliance will be fitted in.

Extractor fans are an example of a common appliance where it is vital to know the IP rating as it will determine the location in the bathroom the extractor can be installed. Similarly, the IP rating for bathroom lights will determine if the light bulbs are suitable for bathroom use.

Bathroom zones

Zone 0	Area inside the bath or shower tray itself. Appliances installed within this area must have a minimum rating of IP67 for water immersion, and have a maximum voltage of 12V.
Zone 1	Above the bath or shower. It is recommended to use appliances with an IP rating of IP65 however, the minimum requirement is IP44. The circuit the appliance is connected to must be protected with a 30mA RCD and conform to current Wiring Regulations.
Zone 2	60cm around any bath or shower or basin. The minimum requirements are the same as in zone 1.
Zone 3	Areas 2.4m outside of zone 2. No minimum IP rating applies.