IP Ratings According to IEC 60529 Protection Against Solid Foreign Objects, Dust, and Water (IP1X–IP6X / IPX1–IPX8)

What does “IP” mean?

The IP rating consists of the letters “IP” and two digits:

1st digit (IP1X–IP6X): Protection against electric shock and protection against solid foreign objects (including dust)
2nd digit (IPX1–IPX8): Protection against water

Note: “X” means that this digit has not been rated (e.g., IPX7 = water protection tested, protection against solid foreign objects not rated).

Example: IP44 – a common protection rating in practice

IP44 combines solid basic protection for many everyday and installation applications:

The first digit, “4,” indicates protection against solid foreign objects ≥ 1 mm (e.g., thin wires, small tools) and a higher level of protection against contact. The second digit, “4,” indicates protection against water splashes from all directions.

Typical products/applications for which IP44 is often required or advertised:

• Light fixtures and electrical equipment in damp areas (e.g., bathrooms, laundry rooms) as well as certain outdoor light fixtures
• Outlets, power strips, and installation devices in areas exposed to splashing water or the elements (e.g., covered outdoor areas)
• Small appliances and household devices potentially exposed to splashing water (e.g., kitchen/utility room)
• Control and connection boxes, small control units, or sensors in industrial environments without jet water protection requirements

Solid-object and dust protection (IP1X to IP6X)

The first digit describes protection against contact and the ingress of solid foreign objects. IP5X and IP6X are particularly relevant for dust:

IP1X–IP4X: Protection against solid foreign objects of various sizes as well as protection against contact (e.g., fingers/tools)

IP5X: dust-protected (dust ingress is possible, but not in quantities that impair function or safety)

IP6X: dust-tight (no dust ingress under standard test conditions)

Water Protection (IPX1 to IPX8)

The second digit defines the level of protection against water—ranging from dripping water to submersion:

• IPX1: Protection against vertically falling water droplets
• IPX2: Dripping water when the housing is tilted
• IPX3: Spraying water
• IPX4: Splashing water from all directions
• IPX5: Water jets
• IPX6: powerful water jets
• IPX7: temporary submersion (defined conditions)
• IPX8: continuous submersion (conditions are determined between the manufacturer and the testing laboratory)

Here’s how the test is conducted in practice:

• Define the scope and production configuration (seals, closures, connectors, cable entries, pressure equalization, accessories).
• Define the test setup in accordance with IEC 60529 (protection class, test method, test duration, functional criteria).
• Conduct the test (solid objects/dust and/or water, depending on the target IP rating).
• Evaluation & functional testing (before/after exposure; if necessary, opening the device and visually inspecting points of ingress).
• Documentation in the test report (test conditions, results, statement regarding the achieved protection rating).

What we need from you

• Target protection rating(s) (e.g., IP54, IP65, IPX7, etc.) and application profile (indoor/outdoor, dust/water exposure).
• Test specimen(s) in their standard production configuration, including relevant accessories/covers.
• Brief product description (function, power supply, critical openings/interfaces).
• If IPX8: desired immersion conditions (depth, duration) or manufacturer specifications.

Your Results

You will receive an IEC 60529-compliant test report with traceable documentation and a clear statement regarding the achieved IP protection rating. In the event of non-conformities, we provide support with specific guidance on typical weak points (e.g., sealing design, pressure equalization, connectors, gap dimensions).

Interested in IP classification? Contact Kiwa’s ECP sales office with your target IP rating, product data sheet/drawing, and production configuration—we’ll recommend the appropriate test program.