The IP code (IEC 60529) tells you how well an enclosure protects against solid objects and water. Choose the two digits, or tap a product, to see what they guarantee.
IP67 does not automatically include IP66. Immersion (7, 8) and water jets (5, 6) are different tests: a product suited to both carries the dual marking, for example IP66/IP67. The calculator takes this rule into account.
IPX9 is a test of its own. High-pressure, high-temperature jets (9, IEC 60529/A2) do not include water jets (5, 6) or immersion (7, 8): a product also suited to these tests carries the multiple marking, for example IP66/IP69.
First digit: solid bodies
| Digit | Protection | Indicative test |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection | — |
| 1 | Bodies > 50 mm | Back of the hand |
| 2 | Bodies > 12.5 mm | Fingers |
| 3 | Bodies > 2.5 mm | Tools, thick wires |
| 4 | Bodies > 1 mm | Thin wires, screws |
| 5 | Dust-protected | Limited ingress, not harmful |
| 6 | Completely dust-tight | No dust ingress |
Second digit: water
| Digit | Protection | Indicative test |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection | — |
| 1 | Vertical drops | Condensation, dripping |
| 2 | Drops inclined up to 15° | Inclined dripping |
| 3 | Rain | Spray up to 60° from vertical |
| 4 | Splashes | From any direction |
| 5 | Water jets | 6.3 mm nozzle, from any direction |
| 6 | Powerful water jets | 12.5 mm nozzle, 100 l/min, heavy seas |
| 7 | Temporary immersion | Up to 1 m for 30 minutes |
| 8 | Continuous immersion | Beyond 1 m, conditions stated by the manufacturer |
| 9 | High-pressure, high-temperature water jets | Jets at 80 °C, 80–100 bar, from 10–15 cm |
Which one does a traffic light need?
Outdoors, exposed to driving rain and washing, the safe choice is IP65 or higher. Chronos, Apollo, Apollo Plast, ERA200 and ERA80 are IP66: protected against dust and powerful water jets. For loading bays cleaned with a pressure washer, check the digit 6.
What is the IP Degree of Protection?
The IP (Ingress Protection) code is defined by IEC 60529 and indicates the level of protection an enclosure provides against solid objects and liquids.
Reference standard: IEC 60529 (adopted as EN 60529 in Europe)
The code consists of the prefix 'IP' followed by two mandatory digits. An optional additional letter (A, B, C, D) can indicate protection of persons; a supplementary letter (H, M, S, W) specifies special conditions.
Code structure
1st First digit Protection against ingress of solid foreign objects (0 = none, 6 = fully dust-tight)
2nd Second digit Protection against ingress of water and other liquids (0 = none, 9 = high-pressure, high-temperature jets)
Note on the X character: The digit can be replaced by 'X' when the degree of protection for that parameter is not specified or not relevant (e.g. IPX4 = solids protection not declared, water protection grade 4).
Practical Examples of IP Ratings
The most common IP ratings in electrical installations with their typical applications.
IP20 Indoor device Switchboards in dry environments, household sockets
IP44 Basic outdoor use Outdoor devices protected from rain and splashes
IP54 Industrial standard Cabinets and motors in dusty, humid environments
IP55 Weather-resistant outdoor Signage, traffic lights, street lighting fixtures
IP65 Dust-tight + jets LED floodlights, panels in washing plants
IP66 High outdoor resistance Cameras, actuators in marine or chemical environments
IP67 Temporary immersion Phones, connectors, field measuring instruments
IP68 Continuous immersion Underwater sensors, pumps, marine cameras
IP69 High pressure and heat Food equipment, industrial chemical plants
Selection guide by environment
| Environment | Minimum recommended IP | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dry indoor (residential/commercial) | IP20 | Offices, homes |
| Bathrooms and kitchens | IP44 / IP45 | Bathroom zones 2–3, domestic kitchens |
| General outdoor | IP54 | Junction boxes, IP sockets |
| Traffic light and road installations | IP55 / IP65 | Poles, signal heads, control units |
| Heavy industrial | IP65 / IP66 | Machine tools, chemical industry |
| Underwater | IP67 / IP68 | Swimming pools, port installations, marine equipment |
| High pressure/industrial cleaning | IP69 / IP69K | Food industry, butchery, pharmaceutical |