IP Ratings For Electrical Enclosures

Understanding IP Protection for Electrical Enclosures According to AS 60529

When designing or selecting an electrical enclosure, ensuring adequate protection against environmental ingress is critical. The degree of protection provided by enclosures is formally defined in the AS 60529 standard, which aligns with the international IEC 60529 standard. This classification system commonly known as the IP Code (Ingress Protection Code) establishes clear benchmarks for the enclosure’s ability to prevent the intrusion of solids (like dust) and liquids (like water). Electrical enclosures protect components from the environment while protecting people from electrical shock. The level of protection is defined by IP Ratings. IP ratings identify the level of protection provided by electrical enclosures. Specifically, the protection of people from hazardous parts inside enclosures and the protection of contents from ingress of solids and water. Understanding IP Ratings helps to select electrical enclosures.

Explanation of the IP Code

The IP Code is denoted by the letters “IP” followed by two digits. These digits indicate the enclosure’s level of protection:

The first digit (0–6) represents protection against solid foreign objects, such as dust or tools.

The second digit (0–9K) indicates protection against water ingress, such as rain, spray, or immersion.

For example, an IP66 enclosure is dust-tight (6) and protected against powerful water jets (6).

AS 60529: The Australian Standard

AS 60529 is the Australian adoption of IEC 60529, providing consistent criteria for evaluating electrical enclosures. We test our electrical enclosures against this standard to ensure equipment can withstand environmental conditions relevant to industrial, infrastructure, and outdoor applications. Under AS 60529, dust-tight enclosures (IP6X) must undergo vacuum testing with talcum powder. Waterproof enclosures (e.g., IPX6 or IPX8) are subjected to high-pressure water jets or prolonged immersion tests, respectively. IP69K, originally a DIN standard, now harmonised adds a further requirement for protection against steam cleaning, making it ideal for hygienic or food-grade environments.

Importance of IP Ratings in Application

Industrial Automation & Control

In factory automation environments, enclosures are often exposed to dust, oil, and water. An IP66 or higher rating ensures protection for PLCs, relays, and terminals under washdown conditions.

Outdoor and Field Installations

Field cabinets for telecommunications, transport infrastructure, or utilities are exposed to rain, UV radiation, and wind-blown dust. Enclosures must meet IP65 or IP66 to prevent ingress that could damage sensitive electronics or cause safety hazards.

Hygienic and Food Processing Environments

Stainless steel enclosures with IP69K ratings are essential for equipment exposed to high-pressure cleaning, as seen in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical production facilities.

Thermal Management Considerations

While higher IP ratings improve ingress protection, they can limit passive ventilation. Enclosure design must account for thermal management through options like filtered vents, heat exchangers, or active cooling without compromising the IP rating.

Testing and Certification

We conduct rigorous testing in accordance with AS 60529. Certified enclosures provide assurance to end-users and specifiers that the stated IP ratings are accurate and repeatable, supporting compliance, longevity, and reliability in service.

Selecting the Correct IP Rating for Electrical Enclosures

Understanding and applying the correct AS 60529 IP rating is essential in selecting the right enclosure for any environment. It ensures that valuable electrical and electronic components remain protected from environmental threats, operational disruptions, and safety risks. IP Enclosures provides a wide range of robust, certified enclosures designed to meet or exceed the most demanding protection standards across industries. Refer to the list of IP Codes below to assist with selection of IP rated electrical enclosures.

Second Characteristic Numeral (IP-X_)

Degrees of protection against ingress of water

1 – Protection from vertically dripping water

2 – Protection from sprays/dripping of water up to 15° from vertical

3 – Protection from spraying water up to 60° from vertical

4 – Protection from spraying water (all directions)

5 – Protection from low pressure jets of water (all directions)

6 – Protection against powerful jets of water

7 – Protection from temporary immersion

8 – Protection from continuous immersion

9, 9K – Protection from high pressure and temperature water jet

For a copy of AS60529-2004, Degrees of Protection provided by enclosures (IP Code), refer to SAI Global.