Waterproof Connector IP Rating

The IP rating is represented in the format of "IPXX", with the first digit indicating the dustproof rating and the second digit indicating the waterproof rating. The larger the value, the stronger the protection ability. The first number indicates the range of dust resistance of the device, I represents the level of preventing solid foreign objects from entering, and the highest level is 6; The second number indicates the degree of waterproofing of the device, where P represents the level of water ingress prevention, with the highest level being 9 (or 9K, preventing high temperature and high pressure water spray) [3-4] [6] [16].

The dust protection level (first digit) ranges from 0 to 6, where 0 indicates no protection [6] [9]. Level 1 can protect solid foreign objects with a diameter greater than 50mm. Level 2 can protect solid foreign objects with a diameter greater than 12.5mm, such as fingers. Level 3 can protect solid foreign objects with a diameter greater than 2.5mm, such as tools and thick wires. Level 4 can protect solid foreign objects with a diameter greater than 1.0mm, such as most wires and screws. Level 5 is dust-proof, although it cannot completely prevent dust from entering, the amount of dust entering is not enough to affect the normal operation of the equipment. Level 6 is dust tight, completely preventing dust from entering [6] [13] [15].

The waterproof rating (second digit) ranges from 0 to 9, where 0 indicates no protection [6] [9]. Level 1 can prevent vertical dripping. Level 2 can prevent tilting and dripping at 15 degrees. Level 3 is water-resistant, meaning the water spray angle is less than 60 °. Level 4 can prevent splashing water from any direction. Level 5 can prevent water spray from any direction, using a 6.3mm nozzle. Level 6 can prevent strong water spray from any direction, using a 12.5mm nozzle. Level 7 can prevent short-term immersion, usually with a water depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes. Level 8 can prevent continuous immersion, and its immersion depth and time conditions are usually stricter than Level 7, to be negotiated between the manufacturer and the user [6] [13] [15]. Level 9 (or 9K) can prevent high temperature and high pressure water spray, with a water temperature of 80 ± 5 ℃

Common combination levels include IP55, IP57, IP65, IP66, IP67, and IP68. IP55 stands for dustproof (level 5) and water-resistant (level 5). IP57 stands for dust prevention (level 5) and short-term water immersion prevention (level 7). IP65 indicates dust tightness (level 6) and water spray resistance (level 5), while IP66 indicates dust tightness (level 6) and strong water spray resistance (level 6). IP67 indicates dust tightness (level 6) and short-term water immersion resistance (level 7). IP68 indicates dust tightness (level 6) and continuous immersion resistance (level 8), and its immersion conditions are usually stricter than IP67 [13-15]. In addition, the IP69K rating (dustproof level 6, anti high temperature and high pressure spray) is marked as IPx9 in the IEC 60529 standard, and the test with "K" is defined by the ISO 20653 standard