An Ingress Protection (IP) rating is a measure of the degree of protection provided by an electrical connector against the ingress of solid particles and water. The ingress of solid particles and water can cause damage to equipment, potentially leading to malfunction or failure. By selecting electrical equipment with the appropriate IP rating or ‘code,’ you can ensure the equipment is able to withstand the conditions in which it will be used, minimizing the risk of damage or failure.
How IP Ratings Work
The IP rating system uses two numbers to indicate the level of protection provided by an electrical connector or other piece of equipment against the ingress of solid particles and water. Sometimes, a letter will follow the numerical code to indicate additional information about the product. IP codes are determined using standardized test methods. The International Electrotechnical Commission's (IEC) standard 60529, Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures (IP Code), provides detailed guidelines for testing and rating the protection provided by enclosures against the ingress of solid particles and water.
How IP Ratings are Determined
To identify the level of protection provided by an electrical connector or other piece of equipment. For the protection against solid particles, the IP rating is based on several factors, including the size of the particles that the equipment can resist, the amount of dust that can enter the equipment, and the ability of the equipment to maintain its protective characteristics after exposure to dust.
For protection against water, the IP rating is based on several factors, including the type of water (e.g., rain, spray, jet, etc.), the duration of exposure to water, and the pressure of the water.
The specific test methods used to determine the IP rating of a piece of equipment are outlined in the International Electrotechnical Commission's (IEC) standard 60529, Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures (IP Code). This standard provides detailed guidelines for testing and rating the protection provided by enclosures against the ingress of solid particles and water.
Common IP-Rated Products
There are several common IP (Ingress Protection) ratings for electrical connectors. However, it's important to note that these ratings are only a guide: there can be variations in the level of protection offered by connectors with the same rating. It's always a good idea to carefully review the specific ratings and certifications of any connector you are considering using in your application. To minimize your risk of selecting a product that does not perform as well as the IP rating listed, only work with trusted manufacturers, such as iCONN Systems.
Some of the most common IP-rated connectors that we deliver include:
All iMINI iSENSOR connectors in this series are rated IP67, meaning these connectors are dust tight and can withstand immersion in water up to a depth of one meter for up to 30 minutes.
Our iMATE series also comes in an IP67 rating. However, this product line features numerous connector sizes that can be customized to meet even higher IP rating requirements, including the following:
IP68
These connectors are completely dust-tight and can be submerged in water to a depth of at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) for an extended period of time (typically at least 30 minutes) without any water ingress or damage.
IP69K
These connectors are built for the most extreme environments. They are completely dust-tight and can withstand high-pressure, high-temperature water jets from any direction without any water ingress or damage. The "K" in the rating signifies that the testing was conducted under high pressure (up to 1450 PSI or 100 bar) and high temperature (up to 80°C or 176°F) conditions.
What Else Should You Consider When Choosing Electrical Connectors?
While this IP ratings chart offers helpful guidelines, there are many other factors you should consider when choosing a connector assembly. Our buyer’s guide, How to Get the Best Connector For Your Project, will help you avoid costly mistakes by considering the most important factors, including logistics, regulations, your environment and more.
Our team can help you find standard connectors or design and manufacture custom solutions to withstand the harshest environments. If you’d like to learn more, schedule a time to connect with us.
