IP stands for Ingress Protection. It is an international standard rating used to denote the effective level of protection against the intrusion of solids and liquids for electrical enclosures.
How to represent the IP rating
IP rating consists of two digits, each indicating a specific level of protection:
- 1st digit - Protection against solids; 0 denotes no effectiveness and 6 denotes most effectiveness.
- 2nd digit - Protection against liquids; 0 denotes no effectiveness and 8 denotes most effectiveness.
Example: IP65 means full protection against dust (6) and protection against low-pressure water jets from any direction (5).
Significance of numbers in IP rating
Here's a reference chart that will help you determine what each number denotes -
| Level | Solids | Liquids |
| 0 | No protection | No protection |
| 1 | >50mm - Objects with a surface more than 50mm (such as a hand) | Vertically dripping drops of water; limited ingress allowed |
| 2 | >12.5mm - Objects greater than 12.5mm (such as finger) | 15° vertical tilt - Vertically dripping drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position on any side; limited ingress allowed |
| 3 | >2.5mm - Objects greater than 2.5mm (like screwdrivers, thick wires) | Water Spray - 60° vertical tilt on any side - Vertically dripping drops of water when the enclosure is tilted 60° from its normal position; limited ingress allowed up to 3 minutes |
| 4 | >1mm - Objects greater than 1mm (like slender screws, wires) | Water Splashed from all direction; limited ingress allowed |
| 5 | Dust Protected - Limited dust permitted. Minimal or no interference with the equipment's operation from 2-8 hours | Water Jets - projected through Jets from any direction |
| 6 | Dust Tight - Tight contact; particles, vacuum, and airflow tested | Powerful Water Jets from any direction |
| 7 | N/A | Protection against the effects of immersion in water between 15cm and 1m for 30 minutes. |
| 8 | N/A | Continuous immersion in water under pressure for long periods. |
- Check this rating if you are buying battens, bulbs, and ceiling fans for rooms that are in any way exposed to water and dust (bathroom, laundry, garage, patios, etc.). Higher the number, the greater the level of protection.
- Also, there are products where labels read IPX ratings (for example IPX6). The position of 'X' after IP signifies that the electrical enclosure of a particular product is not protected against solids. Commonly rated for bathroom heaters and exhaust fans.
- DETA products are designed in accordance with Australian and New Zealand safety standards and are IP-rated for use in rooms with moisture and dust. Explore sections on our page to find a suitable range of ceiling fans, exhaust fans, lights, and bulbs for your home and office.
