Electronic IP protection: meaning and degrees

The IP classification defines the degree of protection afforded by mechanical enclosures against the intrusion of solid bodies (such as dust) or liquids within electronic systems.

It is used to accurately assess the effectiveness of the homes placed in support of electrical installations and circuits, providing a detailed measurement of the level of protection offered by the carpentry that surrounds them.

Due to its decisive importance, the degree of IP protection is an element that we always consider with great attention along the design of our mechanical devices. Let’s go deeper into the topic, to understand what IP factor your electronic system needs.

IP protection: the meaning

The IP classification is determined by the international standard CEI EN 60529/1997, which precisely classifies the degree of protection of enclosures intended for electrical equipment. In addition, the ISO 20653 standard adds details about the protection of electrical equipment installed on vehicles.

The acronym “IP” stands for International Protection, but it is also common to refer to this as an acronym of Ingress Protection, or incoming protection against intrusion.

An IP code is always formed by the two letters I and P, followed by two digits and an optional letter.

• The first digit indicates the degree of protection against the ingress of solid objects.
• The second digit determines the level of protection against liquid ingress.

After the two numbers you can also find the “K”, which refers to special requirements for vehicles not covered by the standard EN 60529 (the detail concerning water resistance under pressure).

In addition, two additional optional letters can be added to the IP code, namely:

• letter A = device protected against access by a hand;
• letter B = device protected against finger access;
• letter C = device protected against access of a tool;
• letter D = system protected against access with a wire;
• letter H = means enclosures suitable for use with high voltage;
• letter M = the protection is tested against the ingress of liquids when the inner parts of the casing are in motion;
• letter S = protection against liquids when the inner parts of the casing are not in motion;
• letter W = degree of protection suitable for use in specific weather conditions or presence of additional components.

 

What class of IP protection for electronics?

Let’s see in more detail what the numbers that determine the degree of IP protection actually mean.

As mentioned, the first figure refers to the level of protection against the entry of solid bodies (therefore also that of people) to the most dangerous parts of the electrical system.

In particular:

• grade 0 = no protection;
• grade 1 = protected against solid bodies greater than 50 mm in diameter;
• grade 2 = protected against solids over 12 mm in diameter;
• grade 3 = protected against foreign bodies with a diameter greater than 2,5 mm;
• grade 4 = protected against solid bodies over 1 mm in diameter;
• grade 5 = protected against dust;
• grade 6 = fully shielded against dust.

The second digit of the IP code indicates, instead, the protection provided by the mechanical device against the ingress of water, liquids and humidity. In the field of electronic equipment is a very fundamental value, especially when devices are intended for particularly challenging contexts of use or designed for outdoor installation.

Here is the classification:

• grade 0 = no protection against liquids;
• grade 1 = protection against vertical falls of water drops;
• grade 2 = protected against falling water or rain up to 15 days from the vertical;
• grade 3 = protected against falling rain or water drops of up to 60 kg from the vertical;
• grade 4 = adequate protection against splashing water from any direction;
• grade 5 = protection against water jets;
• grade 6 = high degree of protection even against the most powerful water jets;
• grade 7 = resistant to temporary diving;
• grade 8 = resistant to continuous diving.

To these eight levels is added a grade 9 (defined IPx9 in EN 60529 or IPx9K), which provides protection against water even during high pressure cleaning or steam jet.

How important is Ingress Protection in our projects?

Each project we deal with in elmec faces a meticulous design phase, which analyzes the requirements of the device required by the customer and identifies the degree of IP protection required to create a safe, efficient and durable product.

For example, a degree of protection of at least IP65, which ensures good resistance against dust, rain and humidity, can generally be defined as sufficient for outdoor use. However, the climatic conditions or the working environment in which the electronic application will be placed can lead to the choice of higher IP grades, such as IP 67 or 68.

Indoor installations are often considered sufficient with IP43 protection, but environmental conditions can cause mechanical devices to be exposed to large amounts of dust or liquids, which could potentially harm the electronics they hold. Raising the degree of protection against water, moisture or foreign objects is an essential step, therefore, to ensure satisfactory performance to the project.

For example, when we designed the smart license plate reader (ANPR) system to identify the license plate number of cars in transit (an outdoor application) we had to ensure the mechanical case a degree of protection IP 67, exploiting the use of cable glands for the entry and exit of wiring harnesses, special sealing rings and NBR seals.

To overcome issues that arose due to an unsuitable IP seal, the LED Matrix Display was redesigned. To make the back of the device reach an IP66 we opted for the construction of a single piece, a unibody shell capable of ensuring a perfect coupling with the front frame and an effective fixing to the walls of the train, exploiting the properties of 5083 and 6082 aluminium alloys. In the world of railway applications, solutions that are well-fitted to pass the necessary vibration tests are essential.

Elmec mechanics at the service of your electronics

Our case studies show with precision the commitment of the elmec team in finding customized solutions to the needs of each client. A thorough knowledge of electronics, The many years of experience in the most transversal sectors and the efficiency of a network of partners now proven allow us to propose ourselves as a reference point for the creation of customized products that are a valid support for your electronics.

Regardless of the end-use context of the devices you ask us to make, we promise strict compliance with project requirements and workmanship that adheres to the highest quality standards.

Do you want to collaborate with us to produce a carpentry that maximizes the performance of your electronics? Contact us now and let’s shape your ideas together!