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IP Codes (International Protection) Protection Levels - IEC 529/ EN 60529, DIN,VDE 0470 Part 1
IEC 529 outlines an international classification system for the sealing effectiveness of enclosures of electrical equipment against the intrusion into the equipment of foreign bodies (i.e., tools, dust, fingers) and moisture. This classification system utilizes the letter "IP" (International or Ingress Protection) followed by two digits. (An "X" is used for one of the digits if there is only one class of protection; i.e., IP X4 which addresses moisture resistance only.)

First Digit
Degree of protection against contact with moving parts (other than smooth rotating shafts, etc.) and the ingress of solid foreign bodies.

Second Digit
Degree of protection against the harmful entry of various forms of moisture (i.e., dripping, spraying, submersion, etc.

1st
digit
Protection From
Solid Objects
2st
digit
Protection
From Moisture
0 No special protection 0 No special protection
1 Protection from a large part of the body such as a hand (but no protection from deliberate access); from solid objects greater than 50mm in diameter. 1 Protection from dripping water
2 Protection against fingers or other objects not greater than 80mm in length and 12mm in diameter. 2 Protection from vertically dripping water
3 Protection from entry by tools, wires, etc., with a diameter or thickness greater that 2.5mm 3 Protection from sprayed water
4 Protection from entry by solid objects with a diameter or thickness greater than 1.0mm 4 Protection from splashed water
5 5 Protection from the amount of
dust that would interfere with the
operation of equipment
5 Protection from water projected from a nozzle
6 Dust-tight 6 Protection against heavy seas, or powerful jets of water
7 Protection against immersion
8 Protection against complete continuous submersion in water
Note: All first digits and second digits up to and including characteristic digit 6, imply compliance also with the requirements for all lower characteristic digits in their respective series (first or second). Second digits 7 and 8 do not imply suitability for exposure to water jets (second characteristic digit 5 or 6) unless dual coded; i.e., IP _5/IP_7.

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