What an IP rating tells you
An IP (Ingress Protection) code from IEC 60529 rates how well an enclosure keeps out solids and liquids. It is written as the letters IP followed by two characteristic digits — for example IP67. The first digit covers solid particles and dust; the second covers water and moisture. Understanding the code tells you whether a device is suitable for dusty workshops, wet environments, outdoor use, or submersion.
How it works
The two digits are independent scales rated separately:
First digit — solid particle protection (0–6):
| Digit | Protection level |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Objects > 50 mm (large body parts, hand) |
| 2 | Objects > 12.5 mm (fingers) |
| 3 | Objects > 2.5 mm (tools, wires) |
| 4 | Objects > 1 mm (fine wires, screws) |
| 5 | Dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) |
| 6 | Dust-tight (complete seal, no ingress) |
Second digit — water ingress protection (0–9K):
| Digit | Protection level |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Dripping water (vertical) |
| 2 | Dripping water up to 15° tilt |
| 3 | Spraying water (60° arc) |
| 4 | Splashing water (any direction) |
| 5 | Water jets (nozzle, any direction) |
| 6 | Powerful water jets / heavy seas |
| 7 | Temporary immersion (up to 1 m, 30 minutes) |
| 8 | Continuous immersion (depth specified by manufacturer) |
| 9K | High-pressure, high-temperature close-range jets |
Either position can be replaced by X when that property was not tested — IPX8 specifies water protection only and makes no claim about dust.
Common IP ratings in consumer products
- IP44 — dust-protected, splash-proof: outdoor light fittings, bathroom zone 2 lights.
- IP54 — dust-protected, splash-proof from any angle: garden tools, some outdoor cameras.
- IP65 — fully dust-tight, protected against water jets: outdoor luminaires, sealed enclosures.
- IP67 — dust-tight, temporary immersion to 1 m for 30 minutes: most flagship smartphones.
- IP68 — dust-tight, continuous immersion at manufacturer-specified depth: higher-end phones, action cameras, industrial gear.
- IP69K — dust-tight, withstands high-pressure hot water jets: food-processing equipment, agricultural vehicles.
Important caveats when comparing IP ratings
The water scale is not strictly cumulative. A device rated IP67 (immersion) has not necessarily been tested against water jets (level 5 or 6). A device that passes immersion may still fail if hit with a strong hose. Always check whether the specific ingress scenario you care about is covered by the second digit, not just whether the number is “high.”
IP68 depth varies by manufacturer. The standard requires the manufacturer to state the depth and duration for IP68 immersion, but different products set different conditions. One phone’s IP68 may be 1.5 m for 30 minutes; another’s may be 3 m for 1 hour. Look at the product specification, not just the rating code.
Consumer warranties often exclude water damage despite IP ratings. IP ratings describe test conditions in a controlled environment. Real-world salt water, chlorinated water, or drops from height may void the warranty even on a highly rated device.
Notes
This lookup runs entirely in your browser using the built-in IEC 60529 tables. No input is uploaded or stored. For a mechanical or industrial installation, consult the full IEC 60529 standard or a qualified engineer — ratings carry specific test conditions that a lookup tool cannot reproduce.