IP Ratings Explained                                                                       << back to main technical page

IP stands for 'Ingress Protection'. An IP number is used to specify the environmental protection of enclosures around electronic equipment. The IP rating consists of two numbers, i.e. an IP54 plastic enclosure. The first number refers to the protection against solid objects and the second against liquids. The higher the number the better the protection. The diagrams below illustrate the levels of protection.

First Digit
As explained, the first digit rates the degree that persons are protected against solid objects or the degree that the equipment is protected against solid objects intruding into an enclosure.

Second Digit
As explained, the second digit rates the level of protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against entry of liquids and moisture.