What is the IEC en 60529 standard?

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) en 60529 standard, also known as the Ingress Protection (IP) code, defines the level of protection provided by electrical enclosures against various elements such as dust, water, and impact. This standard is widely used in international trade, manufacturing, and product design to ensure the safety and reliability of electronic devices.

Understanding the IP Code

The IP code consists of two digits following the letters "IP". The first digit represents the degree of protection against solid objects such as dust, while the second digit represents the degree of protection against water. Each digit has a specific meaning and range, allowing manufacturers and consumers to determine the suitability of a device for particular environments or applications.

Decoding the First Digit: Protection against Solid Objects

The first digit of the IP code provides information about the level of protection against solid objects. It ranges from 0 to 6, with each number indicating a different level of protection. Here is a breakdown:

0 - No protection: The enclosure provides no special protection against solid objects.

1 - Protection against objects larger than 50mm: The enclosure prevents the penetration of large objects such as hands or fingers.

2 - Protection against objects larger than 12.5mm: The enclosure protects against medium-sized objects.

3 - Protection against objects larger than 2.5mm: The enclosure safeguards against small tools and thick wires.

4 - Protection against objects larger than 1mm: The enclosure prevents entry of most wires, screws, and similar small objects.

5 - Dust protected: The enclosure allows minimal dust entry but does not completely eliminate it.

6 - Dust tight: The enclosure provides complete protection against the ingress of dust.

Decoding the Second Digit: Protection against Water

The second digit of the IP code defines the level of protection against water. This digit also ranges from 0 to 8, with each number indicating a different level of water resistance. Here is what each number means:

0 - No protection: The device offers no special protection against water.

1 - Protection against vertically falling drops of water: The enclosure can handle dripping water, such as condensation.

2 - Protection against sprays up to 15 degrees from vertical: The device can withstand light spraying water.

3 - Protection against sprays up to 60 degrees from vertical: The device is resistant to water spray from various angles.

4 - Protection against water splashes from any direction: The device is suitable for use near water sources or in wet environments.

5 - Protection against low-pressure jets of water: The enclosure can withstand directed water jets, like those from a garden hose.

6 - Protection against powerful jets of water: The device can handle high-pressure water jets or heavy seas.

7 - Protection against temporary immersion in water: The device remains functional even after being submerged for a certain time.

8 - Protection against continuous immersion in water: The device can be continuously submerged under specific conditions.

By familiarizing yourself with the IEC en 60529 standard and understanding the IP code, you can make informed decisions when choosing electronic devices based on their level of protection. Having this knowledge ensures that devices meet the necessary requirements for the intended environment and minimizes the risk of damage or malfunction due to solid objects or water ingress.