The IP rating consists of two numbers, the first of which indicates the dust protection rating, which is the degree of protection against solid particles, ranging from 0 (no protection) to 6 (dust protection). The second number indicates the waterproof rating, i.e. the level of protection against the ingress of liquids, ranging from 0 (no protection) to 8 (can withstand the effects of high-pressure water and steam).
Dustproof rating
IP0X: This rating indicates that the device does not have a special dustproof ability, and solid objects can freely enter the inside of the device. This is not advisable in environments where seal protection is required.
IP1X: At this level, the device is able to prevent the ingress of solid objects larger than 50mm. Although this protection is relatively weak, it is at least able to block larger objects.
IP2X: This rating means that the device can prevent the ingress of solid objects larger than 12.5mm. It may be sufficient in some less harsh environments.
IP3X: At this rating, the device can prevent the ingress of solid objects larger than 2.5mm. This protection is suitable for most indoor environments.
IP4X: The device is protected against solid objects larger than 1 mm in this class. This is very useful for protecting equipment from small particles.
IP5X: The device is able to prevent the ingress of smaller dust particles, and while not completely dustproof, it is sufficient for many industrial and outdoor environments.
IPX3: This rating indicates that the device can prevent rain splashing in, which is suitable for some outdoor environments.
IPX4: This level provides more comprehensive protection against liquids by resisting water sprays from any direction.
IPX5: The device is able to withstand the jetting of a water jet gun, which is useful for environments that require regular cleaning, such as industrial equipment.
IPX6: The device is capable of withstanding large jets of water at this level, e.g. for high-pressure cleaning. This grade is often used in scenarios that require strong water resistance, such as marine equipment.
IPX7: A device with an IP rating of 7 can be immersed in water for a short period of time, usually 30 minutes. This waterproofing capability is suitable for some outdoor and underwater applications.
IPX8: This is the highest waterproof rating, and the device can be continuously immersed in water under specified conditions, such as a specific water depth and time. This protection is often used in underwater equipment, such as diving equipment.
IP6X: This is the highest level of dust resistance, the device is completely dustproof, no matter how small the dust is, it cannot penetrate. This protection is often used in very demanding special environments.
How to know the IP protection level of industrial switches?
01
Instances of IP ratings
For example, industrial switches with IP67 protection can perform well in a variety of environments, whether in dusty factories or outdoor environments that can be subject to flooding. IP67 devices can work well in most harsh environments without worrying about the device being damaged by dust or moisture.
02
Areas of application for IP ratings
IP ratings are not only used in industrial equipment, but are also widely used in a variety of electronic products, including mobile phones, TVs, computers, etc. By knowing the IP rating of a device, consumers can understand how protective the device is and can make more appropriate purchasing decisions.
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The importance of IP ratings
IP rating is an important criterion for evaluating a device’s ability to protect against it. Not only does it help consumers understand the protective capabilities of their devices, but it also helps manufacturers design devices that are better suited to specific environments. By testing a device with an IP rating, manufacturers can understand the protective performance of the device, make the device better suited to its application environment, and improve the reliability and durability of the device.
04
IP rating test
When performing an IP rating test, the device is exposed to a variety of conditions to determine its protective capabilities. For example, a dust protection test may involve spraying dust into a device in an enclosed test chamber to see if any dust can get inside the device. Water resistance testing may involve submerging the device in water, or spraying water onto the device to see if any water has gotten inside the device.
05
Limitations of IP ratings
While IP ratings can provide a lot of information about a device’s ability to protect itself, it doesn’t cover all possible environmental conditions. For example, the IP rating does not include protection against chemicals or high temperatures. Therefore, when choosing a device, in addition to the IP rating, you also need to consider other performance and usage environment of the device.
Post time: Jul-16-2024