In modern life, electronic devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. However, in harsh environmental conditions, factors such as dust, water, and oil pollution may damage the equipment, affecting its service life and performance. In order to meet these challenges, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has developed the IP protection level standard to evaluate the protection of electrical equipment against solid foreign objects and liquid intrusion.

The "IP protection level" consists of two numbers. The first number indicates the dustproof level, and the second number indicates the waterproof level. The larger the number, the stronger the protection.

Dust protection level

0: No dust protection

IP1X: Prevents intrusion of solid foreign objects with a diameter greater than 50 mm

IP2X: Prevents intrusion of solid foreign objects with a diameter greater than 12.5 mm

IP3X: Prevents intrusion of solid foreign objects with a diameter greater than 2.5 mm

IP4X: Prevents intrusion of solid foreign objects with a diameter greater than 1 mm

IP5X: Prevents intrusion of dust IP6X: Completely dustproof

Waterproof level

0: No waterproof protection

IPX1: Protected against vertical dripping

IPX2: Protected against dripping within 15°

IPX3: Protected against jetting water

IPX4: Protected against splashing water

IPX5: Protected against low-pressure water column (within 3 minutes, 12.5 cm from the nozzle, spray with a φ12.5 mm water column at a 30° tilt)

IPX6: Protected against strong jetting water

IPX7: Protected against short-term immersion in water (depth not exceeding 1 m, time not exceeding 30 minutes)

IPX8: Protected against long-term immersion in water (depth exceeding 1 m)

IPX9K: Protected against high-temperature and high-pressure water column (80°C hot water sprayed at a flow rate of 17.5 L/min at a distance of 10 cm from the nozzle for 15 minutes)

Application Areas

1、Industrial control equipment: usually works under harsh environmental conditions such as dust, oil, high temperature, high humidity, etc., so it is necessary to select equipment with a high IP protection level to ensure its normal operation.

2、Household appliances: such as washing machines, air conditioners, etc., also need to consider dust and water resistance. For example, washing machines need to prevent water splashing, while air conditioners need to prevent dust from entering.

3、Outdoor lighting equipment: It is exposed to wind and rain for a long time, so it is necessary to choose equipment with a high IP protection level to ensure its durability.