IEC 529/IP Environmental Ratings

The IEC 529/IP standard, published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) , describes a protection rating system for environmental ratings. This standard applies to the classification of protection ratings provided by electrical equipment enclosures with a rated voltage not exceeding 72,5 kV.

According to the mentioned standard, the degrees of protection against solid objects (first digit) represent the following values:

• 0 = Unprotected
• 1 = Protected against solid foreign bodies with a diameter of 50 mm and larger
• 2 = Protected against solid foreign bodies with a diameter of 12,5 mm and larger
• 3 = Protected against solid foreign objects 2,5 mm in diameter and larger
• 4 = Protected against solid foreign objects 1,0 mm in diameter and larger
• 5 = Dust protected (dust ingress is not completely prevented, but not in sufficient quantities to interfere with satisfactory operation of the device or impair safety)
• 6 = Dustproof (no dust ingress)

According to the aforementioned standard, the degrees of protection against water (second digit) represent the following values:

• 0 = No protection
• 1 = Protected against vertically falling water drops
• 2 = Protected against vertically falling water drops when the enclosure is tilted up to 15 degrees
• 3 = Protected against splashing water
• 4 = Protected against splashing water
• 5 = Protected against water jets
• 6 = Protected against strong jets of water
• 7 = Protected against the effects of temporary immersion in water
• 8 = Protected against the effects of continuous immersion in water

The degree of protection provided by an enclosure is specified by the IP code: IP23. In this coding, the first digit indicates that the example is protected against solid foreign objects with a diameter of 12,5 mm and larger, while the second digit indicates that the example is protected against splashing water.

This system is suitable for use with most types of electrical equipment. However, the manufacturer should be contacted to determine the current degrees of protection and the equipment parts to which the specified degree of protection applies.

Our organization, among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors, also provides testing services for IEC 529/IP environmental ratings with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.