What Is IP Rating & Why Is It Important?
IP stands for Ingress Protection; thus, IP Rating means Ingress Protection Rating. And what does that mean? We are so glad you asked!
IP Ratings, sometimes referred to as a "Protection Class," describe the level of protection an enclosure provides against solids, liquids, and mechanical impact. These ratings are given to electrical devices, systems, components, enclosures, and panels to indicate how much they protect against or resist physical (solid) and liquid entry (ingress). The rating then allows users to quickly determine if a component, device, etc., is suitable for the intended installation environment (assuming the user knows how to read the rating). Don't worry! Keep reading to learn how to read IP Ratings, and then we will go over a few common questions about IP Ratings and what a good IP Rating is for turnstiles specifically.
How to Read IP Rating
IP Ratings will read "IP##," with the first corresponding to a Solids Ingress Protection Rating and the second corresponding to a Liquids Ingress Protection Rating. The solids rating ranges from 0 to 6, and the liquids rating ranges from 0 to 8. Sometimes has a third number, though it is not part of the IEC 60529, which will be further explained in the FAQ section. The third number corresponds to the mechanical impact protection rating it received, ranging from 0 to 6. A 0 or X indicates no protection for that criterion in all cases.
As the explanation above indicates, the first number will come from the Solids Chart, and the second rating will come from the Liquids Chart. The often omitted third number will come from the Mechanical Impact Chart.
Solids Ingress Protection Rating Chart
| IP Rating: First # and Explanation | |
|---|---|
| 0 : No special protection. | |
| 1 : Protection from a large part of the body such as a hand (but no protection from deliberate access); from solid objects greater than 50mm in diameter. | 
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| 2 : Protection against fingers or other objects not greater than 80mm in length and 12mm in diameter. | 
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| 3 : Protection from entry by tools, wires, etc., with a diameter of thickness greater than 2.5mm. | 
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| 4 : Protection from entry by solid objects with a diameter or thickness greater than 1.0mm. | 
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| 5 : Protection from the amount of dust that would interfere with the operation of the equipment. | 
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| 6 : Protection from all dust that would interfere with operation. | 
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Liquids Ingress Protection Rating Chart
| IP Rating: Second # and Explanation | |
|---|---|
| 0 : No special protection. | |
| 1 : Protected against vertically falling drops of water or condensation. | 
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| 2 : Protected against falling drops of water, if the case is disposed up to 15° from vertical. | 
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| 3 : Protected against sprays of water from any direction, up to 60° from the vertical. | 
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| 4 : Protected against splash water from any direction. Limited ingress permitted. | 
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| 5 : Protected against low pressure water jets from any direction. Limited ingress permitted. | 
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| 6 : Protected against high pressure water jets from any direction. Limited ingress permitted. | 
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| 7 : Protected against short periods of immersion in water - between 15cm and 1m. | 
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| 8 : Protected against long, durable periods of immersion in water, under pressure. | 
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Mechanical Impact Protection Rating Chart
| IP Rating: Third # and Explanation | |
|---|---|
| 0 : No impact protection. | |
| 1 : Protects against impacts up to 0.225 joules (equivalent to a 150g weight falling from a height of 15cm). | 
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| 2 : Protects against impacts up to 0.375 joules (equivalent to a 150g weight falling from a height of 15cm). | 
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| 3 : Protects against impacts up to 0.5 joules (equivalent to a 150g weight falling from a height of 20cm). | 
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| 4 : Protects against impacts up to 2.0 joules (equivalent to a 500g weight falling from a height of 40cm). | 
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| 5 : Protects against impacts up to 6.0 joules (equivalent to a 1.5kg weight falling from a height of 40cm). | 
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| 6 : Protects against impacts up to 20.0 joules (equivalent to a 5kg weight falling from a height of 40cm). | 
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FAQ about IP Ratings
What is the Best IP Rating?
The best IP Rating would be one not covered in the charts above, as it is rarely awarded to residential and commercial devices and systems: IP69(K). This 9(K) is a liquid protection against high-pressure and high-temperature hoses or jets commonly used in industrial factory settings. Otherwise, the "best" IP Rating is IP68, but IP Rating standards apply to its intended use and installation environment.
Who Decides the IP Rating?
The International Electromechanical Commission created and published the IP Rating system; however, no official body or set of third-party companies handle IP certifications. Generally, the manufacturer will have a research team to test the product and award it an IP Rating based on the results. Often, the results lead to companies purchasing, using, and manufacturing quality components that will allow the IP Rating to increase before a new product is released. If you do not see a rating, check with the manufacturer, but take care of your devices/systems for the best results.
When and Where are IP Ratings Used?
IP Ratings should be given to all electrical equipment used in settings where dust, debris, and liquids may encounter the device or system. While IP Ratings can be found on household devices like laptops, TVs, and phones, they are more relevant to machinery, including turnstiles, gate opener systems, garage door openers, etc.
Can an IP Rating Improve or Worsen?
IP Ratings can improve and worsen as replacement parts and accessories are needed or added. If a component is deteriorating, the IP Rating worsens, though a replacement will bring it back up. The initial manufacturer rating is upheld once the device/system is maintained.
What IP Ratings Mean "Waterproof"?
IP Ratings at or above IP65 are considered "waterproof," though to differing extents. IP65 will protect against water from a hose or nozzle, while IP68 will protect the electrical device from immersion in water.
What is NEMA-Rating?
NEMA ratings come from the United States National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), which publishes protection ratings like IP Ratings for enclosures but with additional factors, including corrosion resistance, gasket aging, and construction practices. In short, NEMA ratings can meet/exceed IP Ratings, but IP Ratings will not meet NEMA criteria. Here are some general equivalencies:
- NEMA 1 meets IP20
- NEMA 3 meets IP54
- NEMA 4 and 4X meets IP66
- NEMA 6 meets IP67
- NEMA 6P meets IP68
Again, PLEASE NOTE: IP Ratings CANNOT meet NEMA Ratings.
IP Standards by Industry
While there is no certifying body for IP Ratings, most applicable industries will set a standard for their products to maintain regulatory compliance and ensure safety to users and longevity and reliability. Here are a few industries, their standard IP Rating, and why they exist:
Electronics and Consumer Goods Standard IP Rating
Devices like smartphones and smartwatches often have IP Ratings of IP67 to provide complete protection from dust and temporary immersion in water. This ensures they remain functional during accidental spills, submersion, or exposure to dusty environments.
Industrial and Manufacturing Standard IP Rating
Industrial equipment like motors and control panels typically uses IP Ratings like IP65 to protect against dust and low-pressure water jets. This is critical for equipment reliability in harsh environments with frequent dust or moisture exposure.
Construction and Infrastructure Standard IP Rating
Outdoor lighting and electrical enclosures usually require a minimum of IP54 to safeguard against limited dust ingress and splashing water. Higher ratings, such as IP67, are often necessary for equipment exposed to heavy weather or underground conditions.
Automotive and Transportation Standard IP Rating
Vehicle sensors and lighting commonly have an IP Rating of IP55 for protection against moderate dust and water spray. IP67 ensures functionality during submersion and exposure to challenging terrains for off-road or marine vehicles.
Security and Access Control Standard IP Rating
Turnstiles, cameras, and intercoms generally have an IP Rating of IP55 to provide basic weatherproofing against rain and dust. In areas with harsher climates, IP67 ensures reliable operation despite extreme exposure.
Energy and Utilities Standard IP Rating
Solar inverters and outdoor electrical panels are typically rated IP65 or IP66 for full protection against dust and heavy water jets. These ratings ensure the equipment performs reliably in outdoor environments with varying weather conditions.
IP Rating for Turnstiles and Electric Gates
A good IP Rating for Turnstiles depends on the installation location, as the IP Rating factors are solids (generally dust) and liquids (generally water). Indoor and outdoor installation, as well as the environment or geographical location, will help you determine the IP Rating suitable.
Consider our product selection. MagneticPedestrian offers stainless steel turnstiles and gates for perimeter protection and indoor travel facilities. A safe standard rating of IP44 to IP54 may be appropriate for indoor installation and use, while a higher rating of IP65 to IP68 may be more appropriate for outdoor installation and use.
Now that you know an IP Rating, how to read one, and the industry standards, you can make informed electrical device and system purchases. And even better, you have a cool party trick!
If you have further questions, please get in touch with our sales representatives. They are happy to help in any way they can!
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