IP Protection Rating

Dust, water splashes and cleaning with water jets: industrial equipment can be exposed to a wide range of conditions. To select an industrial fan suited to its environment, it is essential to understand its IP protection rating and precisely which part of the product it covers.
 

What is an IP protection rating?
The IP protection rating, commonly associated with the term Ingress Protection, is defined by the IEC 60529 standard. It indicates the protection provided by the enclosure of electrical equipment against access to hazardous parts, the ingress of solid objects and the harmful effects of water ingress.

The IP code consists of two digits:

• The first digit, from 0 to 6, indicates the level of protection against solid objects and dust.
• The second digit, from 0 to 9, indicates the level of protection against water.
   

First digit: protection against solid objects and dust
The first digit indicates the size of the solid objects whose ingress is prevented. Levels 5 and 6 relate specifically to dust.

• 0: No specified protection against solid objects. Example: completely exposed electronics.
• 1: Protection against solid objects with a diameter greater than or equal to 50 mm. Example: protection against contact with a large part of the body or the back of the hand.
• 2: Protection against solid objects with a diameter greater than or equal to 12.5 mm. Example: finger.
• 3: Protection against solid objects with a diameter greater than or equal to 2.5 mm. Example: tools and thick wires.
• 4: Protection against solid objects with a diameter greater than or equal to 1 mm. Example: small wires, screws, etc.
• 5: Dust-protected: limited ingress of dust, with no harmful deposits. Example: some dust may enter, but it must not interfere with operation.
• 6: Dust-tight: no ingress of dust.
   

Second digit: protection against water
The second digit indicates the level of protection against the harmful effects of water ingress, based on defined tests involving dripping water, spraying, water jets or immersion.

• 0: No specified protection against water. Note: water may enter freely.
• 1: Protection against vertically falling water droplets. Example: condensation or vertical dripping.
• 2: Protection against water droplets when the enclosure is tilted at an angle of up to 15°. Example: slightly tilted equipment; this level is more stringent than IPX1.
• 3: Protection against rain and water spraying at angles of up to 60° from the vertical. This level is more stringent than IPX2.
• 4: Protection against water splashing from all directions. Example: splashes; this level is more stringent than IPX3.
• 5: Protection against water jets from all directions. Example: garden hose; this level is more stringent than IPX4.
• 6: Protection against powerful water jets from all directions. Example: cleaning with water jets; this level is more stringent than IPX5.
• 7: Protection against the effects of temporary immersion. Example: equipment accidentally submerged; this level is not necessarily more stringent than IPX6.
• 8: Protection against the effects of continuous immersion under specified conditions. Example: equipment designed to remain submerged; this level is more stringent than IPX7.
• 9: Protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets. Example: industrial washing; this level involves severe mechanical and thermal conditions.

The following examples help explain the IP ratings commonly encountered in industry:

• IP20: Indoor equipment (e.g. finger guards)
• IP44: Outdoor equipment protected against solid objects larger than 1 mm and water splashes
• IP54: Industrial machinery protected against dust and water splashes
• IP65: Equipment that is dust-tight and protected against water jets (e.g. electrical enclosures in factories)
• IP67: Equipment resistant to temporary immersion (e.g. sensors used in wet environments)
• IP68: Submersible equipment or equipment used in extreme environments (e.g. pumps and underwater robots)
   

Does a higher digit cover all lower protection levels?
Each level corresponds to specific test conditions. An IPX9 device is not necessarily compliant with IPX8 or IPX7, as these are different tests that must be validated separately.

When several protection levels have been validated, they may be indicated using a multiple designation, such as IP66/IP68.
 

IP68: why is it important to know the immersion conditions?
IPX7 corresponds to a temporary immersion test lasting 30 minutes, at a depth determined according to the dimensions of the enclosure. For small equipment, the commonly used reference is one metre above its lowest point, such as the bottom of the fan.

For IPX8, the test conditions are defined by the applicable product standard or agreed between the manufacturer and the user. They must be more stringent than the IPX7 conditions and take the intended operating conditions into account.
 

What does the letter X mean in an IP rating?
The letter X indicates that no degree of protection is specified for the characteristic concerned.

For example, IPX5 indicates protection against water jets without specifying the level of protection against solid objects. The letter X is therefore not equivalent to the digit 0.
 

IP ratings for fans: distinguishing the motor from the complete assembly
For our products, the stated IP rating applies to the motor in the configuration specified in the technical documentation.

This distinction is essential: a fan circulates air through its openings. The motor’s protection rating does not therefore mean that the complete fan prevents dust or water from passing through, nor that the equipment into which it is integrated benefits from the same IP rating.
 

Protection levels adapted to the motor’s construction
For our compact DC/EC external-rotor fans, the configurations validated to date offer protection ratings of up to IP66. IPX7, IPX8 or IPX9 protection levels may be considered depending on the requirements, subject to specific adaptations and testing.

The construction of an internal-rotor motor can make sealing easier to achieve. Cable entries, terminal boxes, covers and bearings are among the sealing points that must be addressed.
 

What role do filters play?
Filters can limit the amount of dust entering the ventilated equipment.

However, they also create a pressure drop that may reduce airflow. This must be taken into account when sizing the fan, along with the gradual clogging of the filter medium. Regular cleaning or replacement helps maintain ventilation performance.
 

How do you choose the right IP rating for an industrial fan?
The required protection level must be determined according to the actual operating conditions:

• Presence and quantity of dust
• Risk of liquid splashes
• Cleaning method, water pressure and temperature
• Risk of immersion, including its depth and duration
• Mounting configuration and protection of electrical connections

Other constraints require separate assessment. The IP rating alone does not indicate resistance to chemicals, corrosion or condensation. Resistance to mechanical impacts is covered by the IK rating.

Our standard catalogue fans listed on the website are IP20 by default.

Are you looking for a fan suited to a dusty environment or one exposed to liquids? Contact our technical team to determine the protection level and configuration best suited to your application.