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What do Ingress Protection (IP) Ratings mean?

by | Apr 16, 2022 | Technical Resources | 0 comments

IP RATINGS -stands for Ingress Protection mark

What is it?  – A universal standard that rates the lock for a level of resistance to dust and moisture. This is important for an aquatic or humid environment or where there are high levels of dust.

Resistance against:

  • Dust/Dirt
  • Other foreign bodies
  • Moisture

IP has two digits (sometimes followed by a letter representing specific materials, hazards and testing scenarios):

  1. First digit 0 -6 gives the degree of protection against dust, dirt or foreign objects.
  2. Second digit 0 -9 shows the quality of protection against moisture
  3. Additional letter indicates certified resistance to specific materials/hazards.   

Examples:      IP 43                                     IP 67M

IPX RATINGS

The X shows a numerical rating has only been provided for one of the two main ingress types (foreign body or moisture).

Examples:    IPX7                   IP5X

IPX4: Is resistant to water splashes from any direction.

IP RATED ENCLOSURE ACCESSORIES

Usually focussed around the component – specific mounting solutions, attachment methods and additional security features eg. Brackets, screw and nuts.

  • Additional panels, rack, dividers to add to basic enclosure frame.
  • Lock keys and keypads
  • Stability accessories eg. Self-adhesive feet for added security and robustness.

    IP RATINGS CHART

     FIRST DIGIT – Protection from foreign body/minute separate particles

     0(x) Not rated for protection
     1Protection against solid objects larger than 50mm (accidental hand contact)
     2Protection against solid objects larger than 12mm (accidental finger contact)
     3Protection against solid objects larger than 2.5mm (tools and wires)
     4Protection against solid objects larger than 1 mm (fine tools, wires, nails, screws and other potentially invasive small objects)
     5Partial Protection against dust – ingress will not damage/impede satisfactory performance of internal components
     6Full Protection against dust (including a vacuum seal, tested against continuous air flow)

SECOND DIGIT – Protection from moisture ingress

     0(x) Not rated for protection
     1Protection against vertically falling objects (droplets, condensation) so no damage or interrupted functioning when item is upright.
     2Protection against vertically dripping water when enclosure is tilted up to 15% off vertical.
     3Protection against direct moisture spray at angles 60% off vertical spray.
     4Protection against splashing water, tested for a minimum of 10 minutes with oscillating spray.
     5Protection against low pressure jets (6.3mm) of directed water.
     6Protection against powerful jets (12.5mm) of directed water.
     7Protection against full immersion (up to 30 minutes) and depths of between 15cm and 1 metre.
     8Protection against extended immersion under high pressure (greater depths). Test may include factors such as temperature fluctuation and flow rates.
     9KProtection against high pressure, high temperature jet sprays, wash downs and steam cleaning procedures.

Contact K-Mack to explain about the range of IP rated digital locks that will be best suited to your particular needs.

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