IP Code (Ingress Protection) Guide

IP (Ingress Protection) codes define how electrical enclosures resist the ingress of solids (dust) and liquids (water). Proper IP-rated enclosures are critical in industrial, outdoor, telecom, and utility applications to ensure long-term equipment reliability.

As a factory specializing in sheet metal enclosures, we manufacture enclosures that meet a range of IP ratings for different operating environments.

Understanding IP Ratings for Electrical Enclosures

IP Code Structure

An IP rating consists of two digits:

0 – No protection
1 – Objects >50 mm
2 – Objects >12 mm
3 – Objects >2.5 mm
4 – Objects >1 mm
5 – Dust-protected
6 – Dust-tight

0 – No protection
1 – Dripping water
2 – Dripping water when tilted
3 – Spraying water
4 – Splashing water
5 – Water jets
6 – Powerful water jets
7 – Temporary immersion
8 – Continuous immersion

First Digit (Solid Protection) Indicates protection against dust and solid objects.

Second Digit (Liquid Protection) Indicates protection against water ingress.

Common IP Ratings for Electrical Enclosures

Rating Solid Protection Water Protection Typical Applications

IP54 Dust-protected Splashing water

IP55 Dust-protected Water jets

IP65 Dust-tight Water jets

IP66 Dust-tight Powerful water jets

IP67 Dust-tight Temporary
immersion
IP68 Dust-tight Continuous
immersion

Indoor and light outdoor use

Industrial automation, outdoor cabinets

Telecom, outdoor controls

Harsh outdoor and industrial environments

Submersible or high-humidity installations

Specialized underwater or harsh environments

IP CODE Materials and Manufacturing Considerations

Why IP Ratings Matter

Indoor Use

IP54 or IP55 is typically sufficient for industrial and commercial indoor environments.

Outdoor Use

IP65 or IP66 recommended for exposure to rain, splashes, and weather conditions.

Submersible or Wet Environments

IP67 or IP68 is required for temporary or continuous immersion.

Dusty Environments

Minimum first digit of 5 (dust-protected) is recommended, 6 for extreme dust.

Typical Applications

Submersible or Washdown Equipment

Equipment Protection: Ensures sensitive electronics and components are safe from dust, moisture, and water damage.
Industrial Compliance: Helps meet safety and operational standards.
Outdoor Durability: Critical for telecom, utility, and outdoor automation applications.
Long-Term Reliability: Reduces maintenance, downtime, and equipment failure.

Materials and Manufacturing Considerations

IP Code Selection Guidelines

FULEI METAL
Custom Sheet Metal Enclosures & Cabinets Manufacturer

Stainless Steel 304

Mild Steel

Industrial Automation and Control Panels

Outdoor Telecom Cabinets

IP-rated enclosures are fabricated with robust sheet metal and sealing systems:

Mild Steel: Powder-coated for dust and water protection.
Stainless Steel 304: For humid or corrosive indoor environments.
Stainless Steel 316: For marine, chemical, or coastal environments.
Aluminum: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant solution for outdoor installations.

Factory production ensures tight tolerances, high-quality gaskets, and proper sealing to achieve certified IP ratings.