An IP code says how well an enclosure keeps out solid objects and water, and keeps fingers and tools off the live parts inside. AS 60529 defines it. It reads like this: IP, two numerals, then an optional letter or two.
The first numeral: objects and access
| Numeral | Keeps out | Keeps off |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Nothing | Nothing |
| 1 | Objects of 50 mm and larger | The back of a hand |
| 2 | Objects of 12.5 mm and larger | A finger |
| 3 | Objects of 2.5 mm and larger | A tool |
| 4 | Objects of 1.0 mm and larger | A wire |
| 5 | Dust, enough not to harm | A wire |
| 6 | All dust | A wire |
The second numeral: water
| Numeral | Resists |
|---|---|
| 0 | Nothing |
| 1 | Water dripping straight down |
| 2 | Dripping water with the enclosure tilted up to 15 degrees |
| 3 | Spraying water, up to 60 degrees from vertical |
| 4 | Splashing water from any direction |
| 5 | Water jets |
| 6 | Powerful water jets |
| 7 | Temporary immersion |
| 8 | Continuous immersion, on terms the maker sets |
Up to 6, a numeral includes every lower one: IPX6 also resists splashing. But 7 and 8 are about immersion, not jets. An IP67 enclosure need not survive a hose. A product for both carries a dual code such as IP66/IP67.
X and the letters
- X stands for a numeral that is not stated. IPX4 makes no claim about objects or fingers.
- An additional letter A, B, C or D marks protection against the back of a hand, a finger, a tool or a wire that is better than the first numeral gives. IP2X and IPXXB both keep a finger off.
- A supplementary letter H, M, S or W adds information for a product standard: high-voltage apparatus, water tests with parts moving or still, or stated weather conditions.
AS 60529-2004 stops the second numeral at 8. A 9, as in IPX9K, comes from a later IEC edition.
Where AS/NZS 3000 sets a code
- an enclosure around live parts, IP2X or IPXXB, and IP4X on a top surface you can reach (Cl 1.5.4.4);
- an accessory outdoors, outside the area an eave protects, IP33 (Cl 4.1.3);
- a sauna room, IPX4B or IP24 (Cl 6.5.4.1);
- a hosed area, IPX5, or IPX6 at high pressure (Cl 6.7.4.1);
- a switchboard in a hosed zone, IPX6, and near sprinklers, IPX4 as one way to meet the exception (Cl 2.10.2.5);
- the zones around baths, showers, pools and spas, by zone (Section 6).
Decode a code, or find the code a place needs, with the IP rating lookup. A worked outdoor point and hosed shed are in IP ratings for an outdoor point and a hosed shed.