IP Ratings Explained: Dust & Water Protection
Complete guide to Ingress Protection ratings for connectors, enclosures, and electrical equipment.
Quick Definition
IP Rating (Ingress Protection) is a two-digit code indicating how well an enclosure protects against solids and liquids. Format: IP[Solids][Liquids]. For example, IP67 means dust-tight (6) and waterproof to 1m immersion (7).
How to Read IP Ratings
First Digit: Solid Protection
| Digit | Protection Level | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection | Open contacts |
| 1 | >50mm objects | Back of hand |
| 2 | >12.5mm objects | Fingers |
| 3 | >2.5mm objects | Tools, wires |
| 4 | >1mm objects | Small wires |
| 5 | Dust protected | Limited dust ingress |
| 6 | Dust tight | No dust ingress |
Second Digit: Liquid Protection
| Digit | Protection Level | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection | |
| 1 | Vertical drips | Condensation |
| 2 | Drips at 15° tilt | Light rain |
| 3 | Spraying water | Rain |
| 4 | Splashing water | All directions |
| 5 | Water jets | 6.3mm nozzle |
| 6 | Powerful jets | 12.5mm nozzle |
| 7 | Immersion 1m | 30 min |
| 8 | Continuous immersion | Per manufacturer |
| 9K | High-pressure steam | Close-range jets |
Common IP Ratings by Application
Protected from fingers, not water. Standard for indoor panels.
Splashproof. Common for garden lights, exterior outlets.
Dust and splash protected. Factory floor equipment.
Dust tight, water jet resistant. Outdoor control boxes.
Dust tight, powerful jet resistant. Marine, washdown.
Dust tight, 1m immersion. Connectors, sensors.
Continuous immersion. Subsea, pool equipment.
Steam cleaning resistant. Food processing, pharma.
⚠️ Important Considerations
Ratings are not cumulative
IP68 doesn't include IP65 protection automatically. If you need jet resistance AND immersion, specify "IP65/IP68" or verify with the manufacturer.
Mated vs unmated
Connector IP ratings apply when mated. An unmated IP67 connector is not waterproof. Use dust caps or dummy plugs when not connected.
Temperature and pressure
IP tests are at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Thermal cycling or pressure changes (like airplane cargo holds) may affect seal performance.
Related Glossary Terms
Design Environmental Protection
WireIt helps you specify the right connectors and protection levels for your wire harness applications.