Info about IP-classification

The International Protection (IP) classification is a standard used to determine how well electrical enclosures protect against water, dust, foreign objects, and accidental contact (such as child-proofing in electrical outlets). The classification is written as IP followed by two digits, and sometimes an optional letter.

• The first digit indicates protection against solid objects, dust, and accidental contact.
• The second digit indicates protection against water ingress.
• The optional letter describes the level of protection against accidental contact.
• If a specific protection level is not applicable, the digit is replaced with "X".

Example: Olight LED Flashlights (IP68 Rated): Many Olight LED flashlights are rated IP68, meaning they are:

• Completely protected against dust (dust-tight)
• Waterproof for continuous submersion (typically up to 2 meters depth)

First Digit – Protection Against Contact & Solid Objects

• IP0X No protection
• IP1X Protected against objects ≥ 50 mm (e.g., back of a hand)
• IP2X Protected against objects ≥ 12.5 mm (e.g., fingers)
• IP3X Protected against objects ≥ 2.5 mm (e.g., tools, thick wires)
• IP4X Protected against objects ≥ 1 mm (e.g., small wires)
• IP5X Dust-protected (limited dust ingress, no operational interference)
• IP6X Dust-tight (complete protection against dust)

Second Digit – Protection Against Water Ingress

• IPX0 No protection
• IPX1 Drip-proof (vertical water drops only)
• IPX2 Drip-proof at up to 15° tilt
• IPX3 Protected against spraying water (rain-resistant)
• IPX4 Protected against splashing water (splash-proof)
• IPX5 Protected against water jets (hose-proof)
• IPX6 Protected against powerful water jets (stronger water resistance)
• IPX7 Waterproof (submersible up to 1 meter for 30 minutes)
• IPX8 Pressure-waterproof (submersible beyond 1 meter, depth varies by manufacturer)

Additional Letters – Protection Against Direct Contact

• IPXXA Protected against contact with the back of the hand (Ø 50 mm)
• IPXXB Protected against finger contact (Ø 12 mm, length 80 mm)
• IPXXC Protected against tools or small objects (Ø 2.5 mm, length 100 mm)
• IPXXD Protected against thin wires or fine objects (Ø 1 mm, length 100 mm)

Other IP Standards: IP69K

In addition to IEC 60529, there is a newer classification: IP69K (according to DIN 40050).

This rating is primarily used for industrial environments, including laboratories, food processing industries, chemical plants

Devices rated IP69K can withstand:

• High-pressure and high-temperature water jets
• Strong detergents and harsh cleaning chemicals
• Exposure to steam cleaning without degradation