The Comprehensive Guide to IP Ratings Including IP55

An IP rating is a grading system which is applied to an electrical or mechanical item’s enclosure. Its full form is Ingression Protection mark and is also referred to as the International Protection mark. An IP rating gives the customers an indication of the electrical or mechanical item’s resistance to different types of intrusion. 

NEMA Enclosure Manufacturing Corporation uses International Electrotechnical Commission’s standardized IP code system to measure the capabilities of enclosures. The IP codes reflect the level of protection as IP, which is followed by two numbers, wherein the first digit indicates the extent or level to which the enclosures or electric items are protected against particles as well as the protection offered to users from different enclosed hazards. And, the second digit shows the level of protection against water. For example, IP 55 enclosures demonstrate complete protection against particles as well as water. In addition, NEMA’s enclosures adhere to a set of guidelines, such that you can count on cost-effective and outstanding enclosures. 

In IP rating’s context, ‘intrusion’ has a threefold definition: 

• IP codes signify the extent of protection to the end-users from electrical or mechanical parts.
• The extent of protection offered by an enclosure to the important components against dirt, dust, and other foreign bodies. For example, IP 55 enclosure ensures protection against dust, oil, dirt, and other non-corrosive material.
• Overall resistance against moisture.

You might come across differences in IP ratings; this is because it depends on from which country you are buying the item. IP ratings are standardized in many regions, such as in the UK; the codes are assigned according to BS EN 60529:1992. 

Why is it Important to Have an IP Rating System?

It is important to have an IP rating system that is universally applicable so that the users and buyers can stay confident about the safety of certain mechanical or electrical goods in specific applications and environments. 

Unlike unclear and vague terms like ‘waterproof’- which do not give a clear meaning of where and to what level an electrical item can resist moisture, an IP rating provides a far more specific meaning. 

Characteristics of IP 55 Enclosures

On a fixture, an IP55 rating denotes that it is intended to provide protection against dust, which is otherwise harmful to the fixture’s standard operation. Find below a few more characteristics of IP 55 ratings: 

• Protection against dust, oil, dirt, and other non-corrosive material
• Comprehensive protection from contact with the enclosed equipment
• Available in carbon steel, aluminium, and carbon steel
• Available in free-standing, wall-mounted, JIC box and trough
• Silk-screening, anodizing, and engraving services are available 
• Custom with hinges, latches, insulation, and cutouts
• Protection against water, up to the level of water that is projected by a nozzle against enclosure from any direction

IP Rated Enclosures

There is a wide range of different types of  IP-rated enclosures which are available across industries and sectors, including a plethora of options for all types of mechanical and electronic systems aimed at industrial as well as home settings. 

Enclosure IP ratings are usually assigned to everything from junction boxes to mobile phone housings, outdoor/bathroom lighting setups, and instrument cases which are intended for resilient protection in harsh chemical or marine environments. 

As we all know, it is important to use electrical equipment carefully and responsibly to prevent severe electrical hazards. Therefore, it is important to check for such crucial IP ratings such as IP 55, IP 65, IP 66, and others on devices like electrical sockets. For example, IP 55 and IP66 rated outdoor socket outlets offer great weather resistance. So, as a responsible user, it is crucial to check for such ratings before investing in an electrical or mechanical item.