Frequently Asked Questions

About Empire Magnetics

The IP rating system provides a means of classifying the degrees of protection from dust, water and impact afforded by electrical equipment and enclosures. The system is recognized in most European countries and is set out in a number of British and European standards.

Details of a third IP numeral are also shown. While not specified by the British Standards Institute, this figure is used in corresponding international standards to indicate degrees of resistances to impact.

 

First Number - Protection against solid objects
IP
0.... No protection.
1.... Protection against solid objects above 50 mm (excludes contact with hand).
2 Protection against solid objects above 12 mm (excludes finger).
3 Protection against solid objects above 2.5 mm (excludes tools and wires).
4 Protection against solid objects above 1 mm (excludes tools and small wires).
5 Protection against dust with limited egress (no harmful deposits).
6 Fully protected against dust.
... ...
Second Number - Protection against liquids
IP
0 No protection
1 Protection against vertical falling drops of water.
2 Protection against direct spray with drops 15° from vertical.
3 Protection against direct spray with drops 60° from vertical.
4 Protection against sprayed drops from all directions - limited egress permitted.
5 Protection against low pressure jets of water from all directions.
6 Protection against strong jets of water for use on ships - limited ingress permitted.
7 Protection against effects of immersion between 15 cm and 1 m.
8 Protection against effects of immersion for a long time - maximum depth to be prescribed by manufacturer.
...
Number Three - Protection against mechanical impacts
IP
0 No protection.
1 Protection against 150 g impact at .225 joule.
2 Protection against 250 g impact at .375 joule .
3 Protection against 250 g impact at .5 joule.
5 Protection against 500 g impact at 2.0 joule.
7 Protection against 1500 g impact at 6 joule.
9 Protection against 5000 g impact at 20,000 joule.