IP Protection Grade Decryption: Why Does Your Device Need This "Shield"?

IP Protection Grade Decryption: Why Does Your Device Need This "Shield"?

In modern life, electronic devices have become an indispensable part of our daily routines. However, in harsh environmental conditions, factors such as dust, water, and oil stains may cause damage to the devices, affecting their lifespan and performance. To address these challenges, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has established the IP protection grade standard to assess the protective capabilities of electrical equipment against foreign objects and liquid intrusion.

What is IP protection grade?

"IP (Ingress Protection) protection grade" is a standard for equipment dust and water resistance set by the International Electrotechnical Commission. It consists of two numbers:

The first number: Dust protection grade (0-6)

From 0 (no protection) to 6 (fully dust-proof), the higher the number, the stronger the protection

The second number: Water resistance grade (0-9)

From 0 (no protection) to 9 (resistant to high-temperature and high-pressure water jets), covering all kinds of water environments

Dust protection level:

  0: No dust protection

IP1X: Prevents entry of solid foreign objects with a diameter greater than 50mm

IP2X: Prevents entry of solid foreign objects with a diameter greater than 12.5mm

IP3X: Prevents entry of solid foreign objects with a diameter greater than 2.5mm

IP4X: Prevents entry of solid foreign objects with a diameter greater than 1mm

IP5X: Prevents dust entry

IP6X: Completely dust-proof

Waterproof rating:

    0: No waterproof protection

IPX1: Prevents vertical dripping water

IPX2: Prevents dripping water within an inclination of 15°

IPX3: Prevents sprayed water

IPX4: Prevents splashed water

IPX5: Prevents low-pressure water column (within 3 minutes, 12.5cm away from the nozzle, using a φ12.5mm water column sprayed at a 30° angle)

IPX6: Prevents powerful sprayed water

IPX7: Prevents brief immersion (depth not exceeding 1m, time not exceeding 30 minutes)

IPX8: Prevents long-term immersion (depth exceeding 1m)

IPX9K: Prevents high-temperature and high-pressure water column (10cm away from the nozzle, using 80°C hot water sprayed at a flow rate of 17.5L/min for 15 minutes)

Why is the IP rating so crucial for inspection equipment?

1. Ensuring measurement accuracy

Dust and moisture intrusion can affect the sensor's accuracy, leading to measurement data deviations. In precise inspections, a micrometer-level error can mean the difference between a product being qualified or not.

2. Extending equipment lifespan

Good protection can reduce the corrosion and wear of internal components, significantly increasing the equipment's lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.

3. Expanding application scenarios

Equipment with a high protection rating can operate stably in more demanding environments, opening up a broader market space for you.

Actual demands for IP ratings in various fields

l Electronic manufacturing workshops (recommended IP54 and above)

Demand: Protection against fine dust (such as tin slag, plastic particles), protection against splashing liquids

Application: PCB inspection, component testing, SMT production line monitoring

l Outdoor testing scenarios (recommended IP65 and above)

Demand: Complete dust protection, protection against rain erosion

Application: Building quality inspection, bridge monitoring, environmental monitoring stations

l Food and pharmaceutical industry (recommended IP66/IP67)

Demand: Protection against high-pressure rinsing, protection against disinfectant corrosion

Application: Packaging integrity inspection, cleanroom measurement

l Automotive manufacturing (recommended IP67/IP68)

Demand: Protection against oil mist, protection against high-pressure cleaning

Application: Engine component inspection, painting workshop measurement

l Extreme industrial environments (recommended IP68/IP69K)

Demand: Protection against continuous immersion, protection against high-temperature and high-pressure cleaning

Application: Petrochemicals, mining machinery, shipbuilding

Selection misunderstandings and practical suggestions

Misunderstanding 1: The higher the protection level, the better

In fact, excessively high protection levels will increase equipment costs and size. The appropriate level should be selected based on the actual usage environment.

Misunderstanding 2: Only look at the IP number

The same IP level may vary in different brand devices. Attention should be paid to specific test reports and actual usage cases.

Practical suggestions:

Evaluate the dust concentration, liquid contact type and frequency of the equipment usage environment

Consider possible future expansion of application scenarios

Pay attention to the quality of sealing materials and interface design details of the equipment

The IP protection solutions of Skye Industry

At Skye Industry in Dongguan, we provide customized protection solutions according to the needs of different industries:

Basic industrial version: IP54 standard configuration, meeting the needs of most indoor industrial environments

Outdoor enhanced version: IP65/IP66 protection, equipped with UV-resistant shell and wide temperature range design

Special protection version: IP67/IP68 grades, suitable for extreme conditions and special industry needs

Each of our devices undergoes strict protection tests before leaving the factory to ensure that the nominal level is consistent with the actual performance.