IP Ratings: Selecting the correct machine for the working environment

IP – or ‘Ingress Protection’ – ratings are standardized codes that identify the protection a piece of equipment has against intrusion of solid particles (dust) and liquid (water). These ratings are critical in industrial environments where equipment and electronic components can be exposed to challenging conditions.

IP ratings are defined in IEC 60529, which is an international standard that rates the resistance of enclosures of electric and electronic devices against the intrusion of dust and liquids. It also rates how easy it is to access the potentially hazardous parts inside the enclosure. IEC 60529 ratings allow manufacturers to sell their products in Europe and other areas outside of North America.

The standard uses an IP code to rate the degree of protection, which consists of the letters “IP” followed by one or two digits. The first digit describes the protection against solid particles, while the second digit indicates the protection against water or other liquids.

Why IP ratings are important

For solid particles, if the IP rating of an enclosure is not considered, dust can collect on components and act as an insulator. This means moving parts such as fans could get clogged, and dust on removable pieces can interrupt electrical contacts. Depending on the level of humidity and dust, the electrical components could operate improperly or short out, or parts could overheat, resulting in advanced failure or degraded performance.

Regarding liquids, moisture could be drawn into the machine and settle on components, causing corrosion and rust. Depending on the amount of moisture allowed to enter the enclosure, the electrical components could operate improperly or short out, casing parts to prematurely fail or not function optimally. Enclosures with an IP65 rating are suitable for dirty/dusty conditions and wash-down environments.

IP54 vs IP65 ratings

Two of the most common IP ratings for industrial equipment are IP54 and IP65. Let’s look at the difference between the two rating levels.

IP54:? The IP54 rating level with a leading digit of 5 means that for solid particle protection, the equipment is dust protected. The enclosure provides complete protection from contact and prevents large quantities of dust from entering. The second digit of 4 indicates protection is provided against water splashing against the enclosure from any direction. Enclosures carrying an IP54 rating are suitable for “moderately” dusty environments or settings where water may splash on the outside of the equipment.

IP65:? The first digit of 6 in this rating level means the sold particle protection provided is dust tight, with complete protection from contact and no entry of dust. The second digit being 5 means the enclosure is protected against water projected by jets coming from any direction.

Why consideration of IP ratings is important when selecting equipment

Selecting equipment with appropriate IP ratings is vital in industrial settings for several reasons:

• Operational Reliability: Ensuring that machinery can withstand environmental factors helps prevent unexpected downtime and maintains productivity.
• Longevity: Proper protection against dust and water helps extend the life of equipment, reducing the need for recurring parts replacement and repairs.
• Safety: Preventing harmful particles and liquids from entering equipment helps safeguard both the machinery and the operators, minimizing risks of electrical hazards and malfunctions.
• Compliance: Adhering to industry standards and regulations is essential for legal and operational reasons, helping ensure that the equipment meets safety and performance requirements.

Understanding and selecting the appropriate IP ratings for production equipment helps in creating a prolific, efficient, and safe working environment, tailored to the specific demands of industrial operations.

Videojet inkjet printers, laser marking systems, thermal transfer printers, and labeling solutions deliver varying degrees of IP protection. Most systems are available with IP54 as standard with the option to upgrade to IP65 classification.