Degrees of protection IP. Decoding values

When buying electronic devices, most users pay attention to technical documentation. However, not all parameters can be understood by a common man in the street. For example, the degree of protection IP. The interpretation of this term is not related to computer technologies, as it might seem from the very beginning, but refers to the security level of a particular device.

Definition

What is the degree of IP protection? Decoding (GOST 14254-96) is made according to the official definition and means the ability of the device's enclosure to resist penetration into objects. In other words, it is an indicator of how firmly and holistically the device is made and how long it can resist the external environment. The main component of IP is protection. The deciphering of the term, though tricky, but on closer examination with it, even a child will understand.

This indicator has the form IPXX, where X is a certain number, indicating the level of protection from a certain type of threat. Sometimes in the technical characteristics and leave X, if the test for this type of protection is not carried out.

The first figure

Now let's take a closer look at the degree of IP protection. Decoding will be done from left to right. So, the first figure is responsible for the penetration into the frame of the device of solid objects.

• 0 - the absence of any protection.
• 1 - in the device you can shove large objects or it is not protected from conscious intervention.
• 2 - protection from objects is more than 1.25 centimeters, for example, fingers.
• 3 - more than 0.25 centimeters. Cables and tools.
• 4 - in excess of 1 millimeter. Small wires and similar items.
• 5 - dustproof. Such a device is completely protected from any external influence. The dust trapped inside can not disturb its performance.
• 6 - dustproof. An apparatus that absolutely does not let anything in.

Thus, if you see the designation IP4X in the documentation, it means that the device is protected from damage that the person could inflict on the body parts, and also it is safe to use. What does the second X mean in IP protection? Explanation below.

The second figure

It should be noted, speaking about the degree of IP protection, - the decoding is quite simple. The second X means the value, according to which, the device is protected from penetration into any liquids.

• 0 - the absence of any protection.
• 1 - protection against vertically falling drops.
• 2 - a similar shell, but the performance of the device is not violated, if you tilt it by 15%.
• 3 - falling splashes. The shell of the device provides protection from a slight rain.
• 4 - spray. Similar to the previous version, however, moisture resistance is provided from all sides.
• 5 - protection from jets from any direction.
• 6 - waves. If you spray the device with water from a bucket, then it does not hurt.
• 7 - immersion. A good example is a waterproof watch that can be used under water at a shallow depth (up to 1 meter).
• 8 - the device remains operable for a long time immersed in water.

Both parameters affect each other if we consider the total degree of IP protection. Decoding sometimes leads to the fact that the device, protected from moisture at level 4, automatically provides dustproofness (5).

Letter

The last character in the encoding can be an additional letter. It is not always written and it indicates the narrow and specific areas of application of the device. The first four letters are responsible for protecting the dangerous parts of the device.

• And - from the back of the hand.
• B - from the fingers.
• C - tools.
• D - wires.

Thus, if the device can only be protected from large objects and is labeled IP1X, but dangerous parts are protected from penetrating even the wire, then the instruction will indicate IP1XD. The next four letters indicate the test conditions and the general characteristics of the device.

• H - high-voltage equipment.
• M - the device was switched on during the water test.
• S - the device was turned off when checking with a liquid.
• W - provides protection from extreme weather conditions.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the expansion of the German standard IP69K, which is responsible for high-temperature pressure washing. Initially, vehicles could be an example, but now similar technologies are used in other industries.