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IEC60529 Brief Introduction to IP Code

The IP Code is a coding system designed to indicate the degrees of protection provided by enclosures against access to hazardous parts, ingress of solid foreign objects, and ingress of water .

It consists of the letters “IP” followed by two characteristic numerals, with optional additional and supplementary letters .

The first numeral (0-6) indicates protection against solid objects and access to dangerous parts, ranging from no protection to dust-tight .

The second numeral (0-9) denotes protection against water, from no protection to high-pressure/temperature water jets .

For example, IP54 means the enclosure is dust-protected and protected against water splashing from all directions . Optional letters like A, B, C, D provide higher protection against access to hazardous parts , while H, M, S, W offer supplementary information .

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