IP Rating & Type Rating

For any equipment to be protected from dust, water, snow, or leakage to prevent short circuiting or damage, IP rating and Type rating have been coined by the industry. While both are similar, there are key differences. The level of protection tells how much ingress is allowed. You will often find enclosures, phones, other devices with certain IP rating or Type rating. For Hazardous locations, this is very serious and enclosure design should be done for the type of environments for which your equipment can pass a certain IP/Type Rating. 

Type Ratings

Type Ratings are used to classify the environmental protection provided by electrical enclosures. These ratings are defined by standards such as NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) in the United States, which categorize enclosures based on their ability to withstand various environmental conditions.

Common Type Ratings and Their Meanings:

• Type 1: General Purpose – Provides protection against light indoor moisture and dust. Suitable for general indoor use.

• Type 2: Drip-Proof – Protects against dripping water and light splashes. Ideal for use in environments where water might be dripping from above.

• Type 3: Weatherproof – Offers protection against rain, sleet, and snow. Suitable for outdoor use.

• Type 4: Water-Tight – Provides protection against water ingress from any direction, including high-pressure water jets. Suitable for harsher outdoor environments.

• Type 12: Industrial – Protects against dust and non-corrosive liquids. Often used in industrial environments where dust and liquids are present.

• Type 13: Dust-tight – Offers protection against dust and splashes of water from any direction. Used in environments where dust and splashes are present but where enclosure integrity must be maintained.

Example: A control panel marked as Type 4X means it is water-tight and corrosion-resistant, suitable for outdoor or harsh environments where both moisture and corrosive elements are present.

IP Ratings

IP Ratings (Ingress Protection Ratings) are defined by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standard IEC 60529. They specify the degree of protection provided by an enclosure against solid objects (like dust) and liquids (like water). The IP rating system uses two digits to indicate protection levels. First digit tells level of protection against dust/solid objects, and the second digit tells you about the level of protection against water.

Common IP Ratings and Their Meanings:

• IP20: Protection against solid objects ≥12.5 mm – No protection against water.

• IP44: Protection against solid objects ≥1 mm and splashing water from any direction.

• IP65: Dust-tight and protection against water jets from any direction.

• IP67: Dust-tight and protection against temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter.

• IP68: Dust-tight and protection against continuous immersion in water beyond 1 meter, as specified by the manufacturer.

Example: An enclosure with an IP66 rating is completely dust-tight and protected against powerful water jets, making it suitable for outdoor environments where strong water exposure is a concern.

Differences Between Type Ratings and IP Ratings

1. Scope and Focus:

   • Type Ratings: Typically used in North America, focusing on the general environmental conditions an enclosure can withstand. They often address a combination of environmental factors like moisture, dust, and corrosive agents.

   • IP Ratings: Used internationally, specifically detailing protection against solid objects and liquids. It provides a more detailed and standardized measurement of ingress protection.

2. Rating System:

   • Type Ratings: Use a descriptive system with alphanumeric designations (e.g., Type 4X) to indicate the level of protection. Each type rating encompasses a range of environmental protections.

   • IP Ratings: Use a two-digit code to indicate protection levels. The first digit specifies protection against solids, and the second digit specifies protection against liquids.

3. Standardization:

   • Type Ratings: Primarily based on NEMA standards and are commonly used in the United States and Canada.

   • IP Ratings: Based on IEC standards and are internationally recognized. They are used across Europe and many other countries globally.

4. Application and Use:

   • Type Ratings: Often used for specifying general-purpose enclosures and equipment in various industries. The types are broad and can cover different environmental factors.

   • IP Ratings: Provide precise information about the degree of protection, making them useful for applications where exact specifications are critical. They are often used in technical specifications and product datasheets.

Conclusion

Both Type Ratings and IP Ratings play crucial roles in ensuring the safety and reliability of equipment in challenging environments. Type Ratings offer a broader categorization of environmental protection, while IP Ratings provide specific details about the protection against solids and liquids. Understanding these ratings helps in selecting the right equipment for specific applications and ensuring compliance with safety standards. By choosing equipment with appropriate ratings, you can ensure optimal performance and longevity in various environmental conditions.