Light Encyclopedia

IP20, IP30, IP40, IP44, IP54, IP55, IP65, IP66, IP67, IP68 .... protection classes

Protection & Isolation classes
Spotlights, lighting fixtures and other electrical appliances have a casing, wich protects human against touching electrical parts, against humidity or other ambient influences.
For each purpose this protection can differ. For an easy selection, wich apparatus is capable for wich application, all fixtures are classified in protection classes and isolation classes, defined by the german VDE.



The protection grades are defined to DIN 40050.
This code begins with IP, followed by a 2-digits number, like e.g. IP65.
The meaning of the first and the second digit is listed in the below table:

The IP codes and their meaning:

Overview of the IP grades to VDE 0710 DIN 40050
1. digit	Protection against ingress of particles		2. digit	Protection against water	Samples
0	not protected		0	not protected
1	Protection against ingress of parts with a diameter > 50 mm		1	Protection against straight water drops
2	Protection against ingress of parts with a diameter > 12,5 mm		2	Protection against water drops with 15° inclination	Sample IP20
3	Protection against ingress of parts with a diameter > than 2,5 mm		3	Protection against spraying water inclination max. 60°	Sample IP33
4	Protection against ingress of parts with a diameter > than 1 mm		4	Protection against splashing water	Sample IP44
5	dust protected		5	Protection against water beam	Sample IP65
6	dust proof		6	Protection against intensive water beam	Sample IP66
			7	Protection against temporary flooding	Sample IP67
			8	Protection against continuous flooding An additional digit shows the maximal diving deepth in meters.	Sample IP68
			9K	Protection against a very intensive water beam, like a high pressure steam cleaner for cars.	Sample IP69