Understanding IP Rating for Electronics
Author by TITANIUMMICRO on Apr 8th 2024
Introduction to IP66 Rating:
When it comes to selecting electronic devices for use in challenging environments, understanding their level of protection against solids and liquids is crucial. One commonly referenced standard for this purpose is the IP (Ingress Protection) rating system. Among the various IP ratings, IP66 stands out as a testament to robust design and resilience against both dust and water ingress. IP66-rated devices are engineered to withstand demanding conditions, making them ideal choices for industries where reliability is paramount. Let's delve deeper into what the IP66 rating entails and how it assures the durability and performance of electronic equipment
First Digit (Protection against Solids):
| First Digit | Protection Level | Description |
| X | No Data Available | Indicates that there is no data available to specify a protection rating for this criterion. |
| 0 | No Protection | No protection against contact or ingress of objects. |
| 1 |
Protection against objects
>50 mm (2.0 in) |
Protection against large surfaces, such as the back of a hand, but no protection against deliberate contact with a body part. Testing involves checking for harmful effects from vertically falling drops of water. |
| 2 |
Protection against objects
>12.5 mm (0.49 in) |
Protection against fingers or similar objects. Testing includes checking for harmful effects when the enclosure is tilted at an angle of 15° from its normal position. |
| 3 | Protection against objects > 2.5 mm (0.098 in) | Protection against tools, thick wires, etc. Testing involves verifying that tools and wires do not penetrate the enclosure. |
| 4 | Protection against objects > 1 mm (0.039 in) | Protection against most wires, slender screws, large ants, etc. Testing involves ensuring that these objects do not enter the enclosure. |
| 5 | Dust Protected | Ingress of dust is not entirely prevented, but it must not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment. |
| 6 | Dust-Tight | No ingress of dust; complete protection against contact (dust-tight). A vacuum must be applied. Test duration of up to 8 hours based on airflow. |
Second Digit (Protection against Liquids):
| Second Digit | Protection Level | Description |
| X | No Data Available | Indicates that there is no data available to specify a protection rating for this criterion. |
| 0 | No Protection | No protection against the ingress of water. |
| 1 | Protection against vertically dripping water | Dripping water (vertically falling drops) shall have no harmful effect on the specimen when mounted in an upright position onto a turntable and rotated at 1 RPM. |
| 2 | Protection against dripping water when tilted at 15° | Vertically dripping water shall have no harmful effect when the enclosure is tilted at an angle of 15° from its normal position. |
| 3 | Protection against spraying water | Water falling as a spray at any angle up to 60° from the vertical shall have no harmful effect. |
| 4 | Protection against splashing water | Water splashing against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect. |
| 5 | Protection against water jets | Water projected by a nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects. |
| 6 | Protection against powerful water jets | Water projected in powerful jets against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects. |
| 6K | Protection against powerful water jets with increased pressure | Water projected in powerful jets against the enclosure from any direction, under elevated pressure, shall have no harmful effects. |
| 7 | Protection against immersion, up to 1 meter depth | Ingress of water in harmful quantity shall not be possible when the enclosure is immersed in water up to 1 meter depth. |
| 8 | Protection against immersion,1 meter or more depth | The equipment is suitable for continuous immersion in water under specified conditions. |
| 9K | Protection against powerful high-temperature water jets | Protected against close-range high pressure, high-temperature spray downs. |
