IP Ratings Guide
Ingress Protection ratings for electrical equipment
BS EN 60529
What is an IP Rating?
IP stands for Ingress Protection. The two-digit code indicates how well an enclosure protects against solid objects (first digit) and liquids (second digit). Higher numbers mean better protection.
| IP | Protection |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection Open equipment |
| 1 | Protected against solid objects over 50mm Back of hand |
| 2 | Protected against solid objects over 12.5mm Fingers |
| 3 | Protected against solid objects over 2.5mm Tools, wires |
| 4 | Protected against solid objects over 1mm Small wires |
| 5 | Dust protected (limited ingress) Most outdoor |
| 6 | Dust tight (no ingress) Hazardous areas |
| IP | Protection |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection - |
| 1 | Dripping water (vertical) Indoor only |
| 2 | Dripping water (15° tilt) Sheltered |
| 3 | Spraying water (60° angle) Light rain |
| 4 | Splashing water (any direction) Outdoor |
| 5 | Water jets (any direction) Hose down |
| 6 | Powerful water jets Ship decks |
| 7 | Temporary immersion (1m for 30 mins) Submersible |
| 8 | Continuous immersion (depth specified) Underwater |
Common IP Ratings
Finger safe, no water protection
Indoor dry locations only
- • Indoor consumer units
- • Light switches
- • Socket outlets
- • Indoor luminaires
Tool safe, no water protection
Indoor dry locations
- • Industrial enclosures
- • Control panels
- • Distribution boards
Tool safe, splash proof
Semi-protected outdoor
- • Outdoor sockets (covered)
- • Bathroom zones 2+
- • External lights (sheltered)
Dust protected, splash proof
General outdoor
- • Outdoor junction boxes
- • Patio lights
- • Car parks
Dust protected, jet proof
Exposed outdoor
- • Industrial outdoor
- • Food processing
- • Wash-down areas
Dust tight, jet proof
Fully exposed outdoor
- • Floodlights
- • Bollards
- • Sign lighting
- • Wash-down equipment
Dust tight, powerful jets
Marine/severe conditions
- • Marine
- • Swimming pools (non-submerged)
- • High-pressure cleaning areas
Dust tight, temporary immersion
Submersible (temporary)
- • Pool lights (1m depth)
- • Garden pond lights
- • Flood-prone areas
Dust tight, continuous immersion
Permanently submerged
- • Underwater lights
- • Fountain lights
- • Deep pool installations
BS 7671 Section 701
| Zone | Minimum IP | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 0 | IPX7 minimum | Inside bath or shower (submerged) |
| Zone 1 | IPX4 minimum (IPX5 if jets used) | Above bath/shower to 2.25m |
| Zone 2 | IPX4 minimum | 0.6m from Zone 1 |
| Outside zones | Suitable for location | Beyond Zone 2 |
Quick Selection Guide
Indoor (Dry)
- • Consumer units: IP2X minimum
- • Light switches: IP20
- • Socket outlets: IP20
Outdoor
- • Sheltered: IP44 minimum
- • Exposed: IP65 recommended
- • Marine/severe: IP66 or higher