Have you ever noticed a code like “IP67” or “IPX5” somewhere on your electronic devices or their product specs? These short codes provide valuable information that help you understand the device's level of protection against external elements.

What Are IP Ratings?

IP stands for "Ingress Protection”. These ratings tell you the degree of protection a device has, provided by enclosures of electrical equipment, against solid particles and liquids. The rating system, developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), uses a two-digit code to indicate the level of protection.

1. First Digit (0-6): Indicates protection against solid particles.
2. Second Digit (0-8): Indicates protection against liquids.

Breaking Down the IP Code

The two numbers depict the following levels of protection:

Protection Against Solids (1st number)

IP Number	Protection Against	Additional Details	Examples
IP0_	No protection	Not protected against any ingress
IP1_	Solid objects larger than 50mm	Blocks large body parts like a hand	Some industrial machinery, large appliances, or wall mounted devices
IP2_	Solid objects larger than 12.5mm	Blocks fingers or similar-sized objects	Indoor light fixtures, electrical outlets, small appliances
IP3_	Solid objects larger than 2.5mm	Blocks thick tools, wires	Powertools, handheld electronics, junction boxes
IP4_	Solid objects larger than 1mm	Blocks most wires, screws	Electrical enclosures, outdoor lighting
IP5_	Dust-protected	Limited ingress of dust; no harmful deposits	TVs, industrial equipment that operates in dusty environments, outdoor sensors
IP6_	Dust-tight	Completely sealed against dust	iPhones, industrial sensors, ruggedized equipment

Protection Against Liquids (2nd number)

IP Number	Protection Against	Additional Details	Examples
IP_0	No protection	No water ingress protection	Standard desktops
IP_1	Vertically dripping water	Blocks vertically falling water drops	Indoor electronics (e.g., radios, some TVs)
IP_2	Dripping water when tilted up to 15 degrees	Blocks water drops when tilted up to 15 degrees	Some bathroom vanity lights or under-cabinet kitchen lighting, certain types of kitchen appliances, electronics with limited outdoor use
IP_3	Spraying water	Blocks water spray up to 60 degrees	Outdoor lighting fixtures, some weatherproof speakers, many consumer electronics with basic water resistance
IP_4	Splashing water	Blocks splashing water from any direction	Many smartwatches, portable Bluetooth speakers, kitchen appliances (coffee makers)
IP_5	Water jets	Blocks water jets from any direction	Outdoor equipment (some security cameras), some rugged phones, this 3/8'' 5 pneumatic solenoid valve
IP_6	Powerful water jets	Blocks strong water jets	Marine equipment (boat speakers, radios), outdoor PA systems, high-end outdoor gear
IP_7	Immersion up to 1 meter	Protects against temporary water immersion	Smartphones, most waterproof fitness trackers, this ¾” stainless steel electric ball valve
IP_8	Continuous immersion beyond 1 meter	Suitable for continuous underwater use	iPhone 11 and newer, underwater cameras, certain types of submersible pumps
IP_9K	High-temperature, high-pressure water jets	Protection against close-range, high-pressure, high-temperature sprays.	High-pressure industrial cleaning equipment, food processing machinery, car wash systems

Examples:

• IP67: Dust-tight and can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
• IP54: Protected from most dust and splashing water from any direction.
• IPX8: No solid particle protection rating, but can be submerged deeper than 1 meter (check manufacturer details).

To quickly look up what each combination of IP codes means, jump below to the IP Rating Chart.

Supplementary Letters

Occasionally, there will be a third character after the 2-digit IP rating. These are called “supplementary letters” which provide additional information about the product's protection levels.

Common Supplementary Letters

• H: High Voltage: This indicates the device is designed to handle higher voltages than usual, typically above 1000 volts.
• M: Device Moving During Water Test: The device was tested for water resistance while in motion.
• S: Device Stationary During Water Test: The device was tested for water resistance while stationary.
• W: Weather Conditions: The device has protection against specific weather conditions, such as solar radiation or windblown dust.
• F: Oil Resistant: Indicates the device is protected against the ingress of oil.
• K: High-Pressure/High-Temperature Water Jets: This is a more stringent test than IPX9, often used for equipment in food processing or car wash environments.
• D: Protection Against Wire (High Current Probe): Indicates the device is safe from accidental contact with wires or probes carrying high currents.
• B: Protection Against Specific Hazardous Parts: This indicates the device is protected against specific hazards, like access to dangerous parts or harmful radiation.

Example of IP Ratings with Supplementary Letters

• IP69K:
  • 6: Dust-tight.
  • 9: Protection against high-temperature, high-pressure water jets.
  • K: Suitable for cleaning with high-temperature, high-pressure water jets from close range
  • Examples: High-pressure cleaning equipment, food processing machinery, car wash systems
• IP54D:
  • 5: Dust-protected (limited) and water splashing from any direction, and protected against access with a 9mm wire.
  • 4: Protection against water splashing from any direction.
  • D: Protection against access with a wire
  • Examples: Some outdoor electrical enclosures

Importance of IP Ratings for Valves

When it comes to valves, especially solenoid valves, checking their IP ratings is critical before installing them in your system. Here are a few reasons why understanding IP ratings is essential:

1. Environmental Suitability: Valves with appropriate IP ratings can be selected based on the environmental conditions they will be exposed to. For example, a valve used in an outdoor setting should have a high level of water resistance (e.g., IP67 or IP68).
2. Durability and Maintenance: Valves with higher IP ratings tend to have better seals and construction, making them more durable and requiring less maintenance over time.
3. Safety: Properly rated valves help prevent electrical hazards caused by water ingress, creating a safer operation in potentially hazardous environments.

Common IP Ratings for Electric Solenoid Valves

At ElectricSolenoidValves.com, we offer a wide range of valves with varying IP ratings to suit different applications. Here are some examples of commonly used IP ratings:

• IP54: Protection against dust ingress as well as protection against splashing water.
  • Example - 1-1/2'' Inch Normally Open Brass Solenoid Valve with IP54 Rating
• IP64: Dust-tight and protected against splashing water from all directions.
  • Example - 1/2" Stainless Steel Steam Solenoid Valve with IP64 rating
• IP65: Dust-tight and protected against water jets. Ideal for outdoor applications where the valve might be exposed to rain and dust.
  • Example - 1.5" Plastic Zero Differential Solenoid Valve with IP65 rating
• IP67: Dust-tight and protected against immersion up to 1 meter. Suitable for environments where the valve might be temporarily submerged.
  • Example - 1" Stainless Steel Electric Motorized Ball Valve with IP67 rating
• IP68: Dust-tight and protected against continuous immersion beyond 1 meter. Perfect for underwater applications or areas prone to flooding.

Choosing the Right Valve

When selecting a valve, consider both the environmental conditions and the specific requirements of your application. Our product line includes solenoid valves made from materials like brass, stainless steel, and plastic, available in various sizes and configurations. Whether you need a valve for a dry, indoor environment or a wet, outdoor setting, understanding IP ratings will help you make an informed choice.

Conclusion

IP ratings are a valuable tool for consumers to make informed decisions when purchasing electronic devices. For our customers, these ratings are a vital aspect of selecting the right electric control valves for their projects. By understanding what these ratings mean and how they apply to different environments, you can ensure optimal performance, durability, and safety of your valves.

Find the perfect IP-rated valve for your needs. Browse our selection today!

FAQ

Q: How do IP ratings work?

A: IP ratings use a two-digit code to indicate the level of protection. The first digit represents protection against solid particles (ranging from 0 to 6), and the second digit represents protection against liquids (ranging from 0 to 9).

Q: What does the "X" in an IPX rating mean?

A: The "X" in an IPX rating simply means that the device hasn't been tested for protection against solids. It doesn't mean there's no protection, just that it wasn't officially rated.

Q: Can IP ratings change over time?

A: Yes, they can. Seals and gaskets can degrade with wear and tear, potentially reducing a device's protection.

Q: What does the 'X' in an IP rating mean?

A: The 'X' simply means that the device hasn't been rated for protection against that particular element (solids or liquids). For instance, IPX7 means the device is protected against immersion but hasn't been tested for dust resistance.

Q: What's the difference between water-resistant and waterproof?

A: "Water-resistant" generally means a device can withstand some water exposure, like splashes or light rain. "Waterproof" typically refers to devices with higher IP ratings, like IPX7 or IPX8, that can handle submersion.

Q: Which IP rating is waterproof?

A: There's no single IP rating that guarantees a device is completely "waterproof" in every situation. However, devices with an IPX7 rating or higher are generally considered waterproof, as they can withstand immersion in water up to a certain depth and duration. IPX8 offers even greater protection, with the specifics depending on the manufacturer's testing and specifications.

Q: Is IP65 enough for rain?

A: Yes, an IP65 rating is sufficient for protection against rain. It means the device is dust-tight and protected against water jets from any direction. This makes it suitable for outdoor use where it may be exposed to rain or water splashes.

IP Rating Chart

IP Rating	Protection Against Solids	Protection Against Liquids
IP00	No protection	No protection
IP01	No protection	Vertically dripping water
IP02	No protection	Dripping water when tilted up to 15 degrees
IP03	No protection	Spraying water
IP04	No protection	Splashing water
IP05	No protection	Water jets
IP06	No protection	Powerful water jets
IP07	No protection	Immersion up to 1 meter
IP08	No protection	Continuous immersion beyond 1 meter
IP09	No protection	High-temperature, high-pressure water jets
IP10	Solid objects larger than 50mm	No protection
IP11	Solid objects larger than 50mm	Vertically dripping water
IP12	Solid objects larger than 50mm	Dripping water when tilted up to 15 degrees
IP13	Solid objects larger than 50mm	Spraying water
IP14	Solid objects larger than 50mm	Splashing water
IP15	Solid objects larger than 50mm	Water jets
IP16	Solid objects larger than 50mm	Powerful water jets
IP17	Solid objects larger than 50mm	Immersion up to 1 meter
IP18	Solid objects larger than 50mm	Continuous immersion beyond 1 meter
IP19	Solid objects larger than 50mm	High-temperature, high-pressure water jets
IP20	Solid objects larger than 12.5mm	No protection
IP21	Solid objects larger than 12.5mm	Vertically dripping water
IP22	Solid objects larger than 12.5mm	Dripping water when tilted up to 15 degrees
IP23	Solid objects larger than 12.5mm	Spraying water
IP24	Solid objects larger than 12.5mm	Splashing water
IP25	Solid objects larger than 12.5mm	Water jets
IP26	Solid objects larger than 12.5mm	Powerful water jets
IP27	Solid objects larger than 12.5mm	Immersion up to 1 meter
IP28	Solid objects larger than 12.5mm	Continuous immersion beyond 1 meter
IP29	Solid objects larger than 12.5mm	High-temperature, high-pressure water jets
IP30	Solid objects larger than 2.5mm	No protection
IP31	Solid objects larger than 2.5mm	Vertically dripping water
IP32	Solid objects larger than 2.5mm	Dripping water when tilted up to 15 degrees
IP33	Solid objects larger than 2.5mm	Spraying water
IP34	Solid objects larger than 2.5mm	Splashing water
IP35	Solid objects larger than 2.5mm	Water jets
IP36	Solid objects larger than 2.5mm	Powerful water jets
IP37	Solid objects larger than 2.5mm	Immersion up to 1 meter
IP38	Solid objects larger than 2.5mm	Continuous immersion beyond 1 meter
IP39	Solid objects larger than 2.5mm	High-temperature, high-pressure water jets
IP40	Solid objects larger than 1mm	No protection
IP41	Solid objects larger than 1mm	Vertically dripping water
IP42	Solid objects larger than 1mm	Dripping water when tilted up to 15 degrees
IP43	Solid objects larger than 1mm	Spraying water
IP44	Solid objects larger than 1mm	Splashing water
IP45	Solid objects larger than 1mm	Water jets
IP46	Solid objects larger than 1mm	Powerful water jets
IP47	Solid objects larger than 1mm	Immersion up to 1 meter
IP48	Solid objects larger than 1mm	Continuous immersion beyond 1 meter
IP49	Solid objects larger than 1mm	High-temperature, high-pressure water jets
IP50	Dust-protected	No protection
IP51	Dust-protected	Vertically dripping water
IP52	Dust-protected	Dripping water when tilted up to 15 degrees
IP53	Dust-protected	Spraying water
IP54	Dust-protected	Splashing water
IP55	Dust-protected	Water jets
IP56	Dust-protected	Powerful water jets
IP57	Dust-protected	Immersion up to 1 meter
IP58	Dust-protected	Continuous immersion beyond 1 meter
IP59	Dust-protected	High-temperature, high-pressure water jets
IP60	Dust-tight	No protection
IP61	Dust-tight	Vertically dripping water
IP62	Dust-tight	Dripping water when tilted up to 15 degrees
IP63	Dust-tight	Spraying water
IP64	Dust-tight	Splashing water
IP65	Dust-tight	Water jets
IP66	Dust-tight	Powerful water jets
IP67	Dust-tight	Immersion up to 1 meter
IP68	Dust-tight	Continuous immersion beyond 1 meter
IP69	Dust-tight	High-temperature, high-pressure water jets