If you’re the owner of a battery system, the chances are you’ve probably come across an IP rating once or twice. But what does the number actually represent? Certifications are all well and good, but it doesn't mean much unless you understand how the Ingress Protection (IP) system and its testing processes work.
The International Electrotechnical Commission thought up the IP rating system to standardise and grade how well a device protects against dust and liquids. The IP code is essentially a measurement of how well an enclosure keeps water, dust and dirt out of the internals. The standard that brought the IP rating system also created the testing process needed for certification.
Understanding the Numbers
The two digits in an IP rating represent two separate factors. The first number shows how resistant the item is against solid objects and is rated on a scale from 0 (no protection) to 6 (no dust intrusion).
The second number, however, refers to the enclosure’s protection against liquids. Here, the scale is from 0 (no protection) to 9 (high-pressure hot water from different angles).
Here’s a Full Rating Guide
Think of yourself as more of a visual learner? Then refer to the handy table below:
| IP Rating | |
|---|---|
| First Numeral: | Second Numeral: |
| 0: No protection | 0: No protection |
| 1: Protected against solid foreign objects of 50mm ⌀ and greater | 1: Protected against vertically falling water drops |
| 2: Protected against solid foreign objects of 12.5mm ⌀ or greater | 2: Vertically falling drops shall have no harmful effects when the enclosure is tilted at any angle up to 15° on either side of the vertical |
| 3: Protected against solid foreign objects of 2.5mm ⌀ or greater | 3: Protected against spraying water |
| 4: Protected against solid foreign objects of 1mm ⌀ or greater | 4: Protected against splashing water |
| 5: Dust-protected | 5: Protected against water jets |
| 6: Dust-tight | 6: Protected against powerful water jets |
| 7: Protected against the effects of temporary immersion in water | |
| 8: Protected against the effects of continuous immersion in water | |
| 9: Protected against high-pressure and temperature water jets | |
Explaining The Testing Process
To see how well an item stops particle ingress, a process called dust testing is carried out. The product gets placed into a chamber, where dust is moving freely around throughout. Once it’s all done, the exterior of the item is cleaned up. The item’s casing is then opened to see the amount of dust that managed to find its way inside.
There are a few different methods used to check a product’s level of waterproofing. These can include exposing the product to dripping water tests, driving rain or water spray tests, as well as immersion testing.
Immersion testing involves submerging the product fully in water, where the depth of submersion and time of exposure (as well as how long it lasts against these factors) determine the rating given to the item.
In Summary
When it comes to understanding an IP rating, it's all about knowing what those numbers mean and how they're determined. Lower ratings offer basic protection against splashes and dust, higher-level ratings like IP65 can handle heavy rain and rough outdoor conditions, and the highest ratings, like IP67 and above, mean the product can survive accidental drops in water or even be used underwater for longer periods.
It doesn’t matter if you're thinking about rugged outdoor gear or a delicate piece of electronics, getting to grips with the meaning behind an IP rating lets you know exactly what it can and can’t handle.
Here at iTechworld, our products always meet the highest standards and are built for any adventure. Take a look at some of our X Range batteries, all with an impressive IP67 rating that makes them the perfect addition to all kinds of trips, whether on road, river, or sea.
Looking for an expert opinion on what’s best for your needs? Give us a quick call on 1300 483 249, get in touch by sending us an email, or drop in to see our Perth team at 291 Great Eastern Highway, Burswood, WA 6100!
