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MODULE 2 · UNIT 4 OF 5

Reading IP Protection Ratings

approx. 6 min · Learning goals, example, knowledge check

Learning goals — after this unit, you will be able to …

  • Explain the structure of the IP code (first digit: foreign objects/dust; second digit: water);
  • Assign common IP ratings (IP54, IP55, IP65, IP67, IP69K) to the appropriate operating environments;
  • Estimate a plausible minimum IP rating for a given industry.

Structure of the IP code

IP stands for “Ingress Protection.” According to IEC 60529 / DIN EN 60529, the two-digit code indicates how well electrical equipment is protected against the ingress of foreign objects (first digit) and water (second digit). For the second digit (water), each higher level up to 6 includes the lower levels. The digits 7, 8, and 9K, on the other hand, represent separate test criteria: An IP67 device is not automatically protected against water jets (digits 5/6)—this requires a dual designation such as IP66/IP67.

Meaning of the digits in the IP code
1. Digit Foreign objects/dust 2. Digit Water
5Dust-protected (not completely sealed)4Splash water from any direction
6Dust-tight (completely)5Water jet (nozzle ⌀ 6.3 mm) from any direction
––7Short-term submersion (1 m, 30 min)
––9KHigh-pressure hot-water jet (ISO 20653)

After the two digits, the code may optionally include a letter indicating personal protection (A = protection with the back of the hand, B = with a finger, C = with a tool, D = with a wire) as well as an additional letter for special conditions (H = high voltage, M = testing while in motion, S = testing at a standstill, W = weather protection). These letters appear less frequently in drive technology but are an integral part of the IP code and are specified when the level of personal protection is higher than what the first digit alone indicates.

Figure 2.4-1: Structure of the IP code. Schematic representation of the code structure; not a complete list of values. Schematic illustration, not to scale. Source: Guide: IP Degrees of Protection – Complete Reference
Description of the figure

The IP code consists of the abbreviation “IP,” followed by two mandatory digits: the first (0 to 6) describes protection against solid foreign objects and dust, and the second (0 to 9K) describes protection against water. Optionally, a letter for personal protection and an additional letter for special conditions may follow. Using IP65 as an example, the illustration shows how the digits 6 (dust-tight) and 5 (water jets) combine to form the complete code.

Typical classes and their environments

Five combinations are particularly common in drive technology: IP54 for standard industrial motors in dry to slightly damp production facilities (for enclosed industrial motors, TEFC, a common class). IP55 differs only in the second digit (water jets instead of water splashes) and is suitable for outdoor installation. IP65 offers complete protection against dust and water jets—the minimum requirement for food processing and wash-down applications. IP66/IP67 provide additional protection against powerful water jets or brief submersion (freezer areas, mining, maritime shipping). IP69K is the highest standard rating for high-pressure hot-water cleaning from the outside (food, beverage, and pharmaceutical manufacturing).

Industry or environment and minimum IP
Industry / Environment Minimum IP
Mechanical engineering, dry production hallIP54
General outdoor installationIP55
Food Processing (Wash-Down)IP65
High-pressure hot-water cleaning from the outside (food, beverages, pharmaceuticals)IP69K

Mnemonic

IP + first digit (foreign objects/dust, 0–6) + second digit (water, 0–9K). IP54 = common for standard motors, IP55 = outdoor installation, IP65 = food industry/wash-down, IP69K = high-pressure hot-water cleaning from the outside. The entire system is only as watertight as its weakest link—cable glands must have at least the same protection class as the motor housing.

Knowledge check

Answer all three questions, then click "Check". From 2 of 3 correct answers, the unit counts as completed. You can retry at any time.

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Question 1 of 3: What does the first digit in the IP code stand for (e.g., the 5 in IP54)?
Explanation

The first digit (0–6) indicates protection against solid foreign objects and dust; the second digit (0–9K) indicates protection against water.

Source: Degrees of Protection Reference →
Question 2 of 3: What IP rating does the reference specify as the minimum requirement for wash-down applications in food processing?
Explanation

For food processing applications involving regular cleaning (wash-down), the standard specifies IP65 as the minimum requirement—dust-tight, with protection against water jets.

Source: Degrees of Protection Reference →
Question 3 of 3: What does the second digit, 7, in the IP code (e.g., IP67) mean?
Explanation

The number 7 indicates temporary submersion (1 m depth, 30 minutes)—for continuous submersion, the number 8 is required, subject to manufacturer-specific conditions.

Source: Degrees of Protection Reference →

Please answer all three questions to activate "Check".

Further reading (optional)

Guide: IP Degrees of Protection – Complete Reference (opens in a new tab)

Learning purpose: calculation methods and figures are simplified teaching examples. For a real machine, the manufacturer’s specifications, the relevant standards and a check by a qualified person apply.

Curriculum v0.1 (Beta) · Status 17.09.2026 · content carefully prepared and reviewed – final sign-off to follow

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