How do I tell what degree of protection I need?

The IP rating or IP code classifies the degree of protection provided by an enclosure, for electrical equipment.

What do the two digits in an IP Rating mean?

The rating consists of the letters IP followed by two digits, the higher the number the better the protection.

The first digit indicates the level of protection that the enclosure provides against the ingress of solid foreign objects, from tools or fingers that could be hazardous if they came into contact with electrical conductors or moving parts, or airborne particles that could damage equipment.

The second digit defines the protection against ingress of water liquids or moisture.

Below are tables that describe IP ratings.

1st Number	Protection against contact and ingress of foreign bodies definition
0	No Protection
1	Protection against foreign bodies larger than 50mm (Example: Inadvertent contact with the hand)
2	Protection against foreign bodies larger than 12mm (Example: Inadvertent contact with the fingers)
3	Protection against foreign bodies larger than 2.5mm (Example: Small tools)
4	Protection against foreign bodies larger than 1mm (Example: Small tools, Wires)
5	Protection against dust
6	Complete protection against dust

2nd number	Protection against ingress of water definition
0	No Protection
1	Protection against vertically falling water drops (condensation)
2	Protection against dripping water when inclined by up to 15°
3	Protection against water spray at up to 60° from vertical
4	Protection against water splashed from any direction
5	Protection against water projected by a nozzle from any direction
6	Protection against heavy seas or water projected in powerful jets
7	Protection when submerged between 0.15m and 1m
8	Protection when continuously submerged in water at conditions agreed between the manufacturer and the user

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