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🛡️ GUIDE

Degrees of protection IP (protection class)

Interactive guide per IEC 60529. Select an IP code or installation location to get a full breakdown.

⚙️ IP Code Selection

IP54
⭐ Common combination
💨
FIRST DIGIT: 5
Dust-protected
Complete protection against contact. Dust ingress not totally prevented but does not enter in quantities that impair operation.
🌊
SECOND DIGIT: 4
Splashing
Protection against splashing water from any direction.

📍 Reverse lookup

Where will the equipment be installed?

📋 Application recommendations

Dry room (bedroom, living room)
IP20
Kitchen
IP44
Bathroom (zone 0)
IP67
Bathroom (zone 1)
IP45
Bathroom (zone 2)
IP44
Bathroom (zone 3)
IP21
Basement / utility room
IP44
Outdoor (under canopy)
IP44
Outdoor (exposed)
IP55
Outdoor (near ground)
IP65
Industrial premises
IP54
Panel (indoor)
IP30
Panel (outdoor)
IP55

IP degree of protection according to IEC 60529 (EN 60529)

IP (Ingress Protection) — international classification according to IEC 60529, which defines the level of protection of electrical equipment against solid objects, dust and moisture. The code consists of two digits: the first — protection against dust (0–6), the second — against water (0–9).

For electricians and designers, the IP code is critically important when selecting enclosures, sockets, luminaires and equipment. An incorrectly chosen degree of protection can lead to equipment damage or a hazardous situation.

Most common combinations: IP20 — for dry rooms, IP44 — kitchen and bathroom zone 2–3, IP54 — industrial premises, IP55 — outdoor enclosures, IP65/IP67 — outdoor and humid environment.

When designing an electrical enclosure, it is important to correctly select the degree of protection of the enclosure. In the ElectroBoard designer you can set the IP of the enclosure when creating a project — the system will automatically check the compliance of the degree of protection for the selected installation location (indoor/outdoor/industrial).

For enclosures in bathrooms or outdoors, IP55 or higher is recommended. If the enclosure is installed in a basement with high humidity — IP44. For dry rooms, IP30 is sufficient. All these parameters can be set in the designer, and the system will indicate whether the selected enclosure complies with IEC 60364 standards.

IP20, IP44, IP54, IP55, IP65, IP67 — what each code means

IP20 — minimum protection for dry rooms. First digit 2 means protection against finger (solid bodies >12.5 mm), second 0 — no water protection. Application: distribution boards in apartments, offices, corridors. Not suitable for kitchen or bathroom.

IP44 — protection against splashes from any direction. Both digits 4: solid bodies from 1 mm + splashes. Minimum for kitchen near sink, zones 2–3 of bathroom, basements with humidity.

IP54 — dust-protected + splashes. First digit 5 guarantees that dust will not disrupt device operation. Standard for industrial premises, garages, workshops.

IP55 — dust protection + protection against water jets (12.5 mm nozzle). Minimum for outdoor enclosures under a canopy. Withstands rain and medium-pressure washing.

IP65 — dust-tight + protection against water jets. Full protection against dust (digit 6). For outdoor lighting, enclosures near ground, external sockets.

IP67 — dust-tight + immersion up to 1 m for 30 min. Mandatory for zone 0 of bathroom (inside bathtub or shower). IP68 — continuous immersion at depth specified by manufacturer.

Frequently asked questions about IP degrees of protection

What do the digits in an IP code mean?+
An IP code consists of two digits per IEC 60529. The first (0-6) rates protection against solid objects and dust: 0 = no protection, 5 = dust-protected, 6 = dust-tight. The second (0-9) rates protection against water: 0 = no protection, 4 = splashing, 7 = immersion to 1 m for 30 min.
What IP rating is needed for a bathroom?+
Per IEC 60364-7-701: Zone 0 (inside the tub or shower enclosure) - IP67; Zone 1 (directly above, up to 2.25 m) - IP45; Zone 2 (60 cm from fixture) - IP44; outside all zones - IP21 minimum. Sockets are not permitted in zones 0 and 1.
What IP rating is required for an outdoor enclosure?+
For an exposed outdoor enclosure - minimum IP55. Under a canopy - IP44. Near ground level or in contaminated environments - IP65. Per IEC 60529 and IEC 60364-5-51.
What is the difference between IP54 and IP55?+
Both have dust-protected first digit (5). IP54 provides protection against splashing water (lower pressure); IP55 provides protection against water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, higher pressure). IP55 is suitable for outdoor installations; IP54 is standard for industrial premises.
What does IPX4 (X instead of the first digit) mean?+
X means that protection against solid objects was not tested or is not specified. IPX4 indicates only splash protection with no dust ingress guarantee. Similarly, IP2X means the housing is finger-safe but has no water protection requirement. Defined in IEC 60529 Section 4.
Are IP 'degree' and 'class' of protection the same thing?+
Yes. In common usage 'IP class' and 'IP degree of protection' both refer to the classification system defined in IEC 60529. The standard's precise term is 'degree of protection'. 'Class' is a widely used synonym among manufacturers and installers.

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