What do IP54, IP65 and IP67 actually guarantee?
According to IEC 60529, IP54: dust protected, resistant to splashing water from any direction. IP65: dust tight, resistant to water jets for at least 15 minutes from a 6.3 mm nozzle at 3 m distance with a flow of 12.5 L/min at approximately 30 kPa. IP67: dust tight, resistant to temporary immersion at 1 m depth for 30 minutes.
The first digit of the IP code indicates protection against solid objects and dust, the second against water. The first digit ranges from 0 to 6, the second from 0 to 9K.
- First digit 5: dust protected. Dust is not completely kept out; it can get in, but not in an amount that would disturb the operation of the device.
- First digit 6: dust tight, full protection.
- Second digit 4: protection against splashing water from any direction.
- Second digit 5: protection against low-pressure water jets. The test condition is a 6.3 mm nozzle, 3 m distance, 12.5 L/min flow, approximately 30 kPa, at least 15 minutes.
- Second digit 7: temporary immersion at 1 m depth for 30 minutes.
Three important reminders: the IP code is a test condition, not an unlimited guarantee. Seals age, protection falls if a gland is used with a cable of the wrong diameter, and one unused open hole voids the whole class. In addition, the IP code says nothing about resistance to chemicals, UV or pressurised steam beyond water and dust. Finally, a high second digit does not automatically cover a lower one; the coverage relationship depends on the type of test.
The full topic: Complete guide to IP protection ratings