IP Protection / Codes

What actually is this IP protection class, or IP codes?

Protected systems are divided into IP codes regarding their applicability for miscellaneous environmental conditions. The abbreviation IP stands for “international protection”. The IP code defines the degree of protection of the housing against contact, foreign bodies and water, and it is put together as follows:

IPXY, whereby the X stands for “protection against foreign bodies and protection against contact”, and the Y stands for “protection against water”.

1. Key number(X)
DIN 40 050 part 9 DIN EN 60529 Protection against foreign objects Protection against contact
0 0 no protection no protection
1 1 Protected against solid foreign bodies with diameter as from 50 mm Protected against contact with the back of the hand
2 2 Protected against solid foreign bodies with diameter as from 12,5 mm Protected against contact with one finger
3 3 Protected against solid foreign bodies with diameter as from 2,5 mm Protected against access with a tool
4 4 Protected against solid foreign bodies with diameter as from 1,0 mm Protected against access with a wire
5K 5 Protected against dust in harmful quantities Complete protection against contact
6K 6 Dust tight Complete protection against contact
2. Key number(Y)
DIN 40 050 part 9 DIN EN 60529 Protection against water
0 0 no protection
1 1 Protection against vertically falling dripping water
2 2 Protection against falling dripping water when the housing is tilted up to 15°
3 3 Protection against falling spraying water up to 60° against the vertical
4 4 Protection against splashing water from any direction
4K Protection against splashing water from any direction with increased pressure
5 5 Protection against jet water (nozzle) from any angle
6 6 Protection against powerful jet water
6K Protection against powerful jet water under increased pressure, specifically for road vehicles
7 7 Protection against short immersion
8 8 Protection against continuous immersion
9K Protection against water at high pressure/steam jet cleaning, specifically for road vehicles