IP Code – what does IP stand for?
What does the IP in several product names stand for? A
question many may ask, especially while flipping through
our outdoor illumination chapter. To put it simple: The digits
show how suitable spots and the like are for outdoor use –
it is about the device being protected from water. Now
more detailed information:
IP stands for International Protection, sometimes also
named Ingress Protection. This is the degree of protection
which provides information about the use of electrical
equipment under various environmental conditions – in our
case this means the protection from dust and water.
Additionally, it comprises the hazard protection for persons
during use.
First position: protection against contact / protection
Second position: protection against ingress of water
against
foreign
material
/
impurity
First position:
0
Neither protection against contact, nor protection against foreign material
1
Back of the hand protection; protection against foreign material with a diameter of > 50 mm.
2
Keep away fingers; protection against foreign material with a diameter of > 12,5 mm
3
Protection against contact with tools; protection against foreign material with a diameter of > 2.5
mm
4
Keep away tools, and the like; protection against foreign material with a diameter of > 1 mm
5
Complete contact protection; protection against damaging inner dust accumulation
6
Complete contact protection; protection against dust penetration (airtight)
Second position:
0
No protection
1
Protection against vertically falling rain/dripping water
2
Protection against inclined (up to 15°) falling rain/dripping water
3
Protection against falling rain inclined up to 60° from the vertical
4
Protection against all-round splash water
5
Protection against water jets (nozzle) from arbitrary angles
6
Protection against strong water jets (flooding)
7
Protection against temporary submersion
8
Protection against permanent submersion