Let’s get tecnical…
What does IP density mean?
IP stands for International Protection. IP density follows DIN 40 050, Part 9 standard. The purpose of this standard is an accurate definition of the rules for penetration of solid foreign objects, including dust and water in electrical equipment on vehicles.
Density IP 5K4K
Dust must only enter in such a quantity that the function and safety are not affected. Water, which, with increased pressure, sprays against the housing from all directions, must not have any harmful effects; water pressure approx. 4 bar.
Density IP 9K
Water, directed at the house with a high pressure/steam jet cleaner, must not have any harmful effects; water pressure approx. 80-100 bar.
Density IP 6K7
Do not allow dust to enter. Even in the case of temporary submersion, water must not enter.
IP ratings explained
First Digit (intrusion protection)
0 – No superior protection. It was not rated (or no rating supplied) for protection against the ingress of this type.
1 – Protection from a large part of the body, such as a hand (but no protection from deliberate access), from solid objects greater than 50mm in diameter.
2 – Protection against fingers or other objects not greater than 80mm in length and 12mm in diameter (accidental finger contact).
3 – Protection from entry by tools, wires, etc., with a 2.5 mm diameter or more.
4 – Protection against solid objects larger than 1mm (wires, nails, screws, larger insects, and other potentially invasive small items such as tools/small, etc.).
5 – Partial protection against dust that may harm equipment.
6 – Dust-tight. Full protection against dust and other particulates, including a vacuum seal, tested against continuous airflow.
Second Digit (moisture protection)
0 – No protection.
1 – Protection against vertically falling droplets, such as condensation. The protection ensures that no damage or interrupted functioning of components will be incurred when an item is upright.
2 – Protection against water droplets deflected up to 15° from vertical
3 – Protected against spray up to 60° from vertical.
4 – Protected against water splashes from all directions. Tested for a minimum of 10 minutes with an oscillating spray (limited ingress permitted with no harmful effects).
5 – Protection against low-pressure jets (6.3 mm) of directed water from any angle (limited ingress permitted with no harmful effects).
6 – Protection against direct high-pressure jets.
7 – Protection against full immersion for up to 30 minutes at depths between 15 cm and 1 meter (limited ingress permitted with no harmful effects).
8 – Protection against extended immersion under higher pressure (i.e., greater depths). This test’s Precise parameters will be set and advertised by the manufacturer and may include additional factors such as temperature fluctuations and flow rates, depending on equipment type.
9 – (K): Protection against high-pressure, high-temperature jet sprays, wash-downs, or steam-cleaning procedures – this rating is most often seen in specific road vehicle applications (standard ISO 20653:2013 Road Vehicles – Degrees of protection).