IP Rating of Panel Enclosures

By Shakeer Meeran, 5 Jan 2025 IP Ingress Protection Ratings for Electric Control Panels The Ingress Protection (IP) ratings, as defined by IEC 60529, classify the degree of protection provided by enclosures for electrical equipment against solid objects and liquids. Below is a detailed table summarizing various IP ratings relevant to electric control panels. IP Code Definition Protection Against Solid Objects Protection Against Liquids IP20 Protection against solid objects larger than 12.5mm in diameter and not protected against water Yes No IP30 Protection against solid objects larger than 2.5mm in diameter and not protected against water Yes No IP40 Protection against solid objects larger than 1mm in diameter and not protected against water Yes No IP41 Protection against solid objects larger than 1mm in diameter and dripping water Yes Yes, vertically dripping water IP42 Protection against solid objects larger than 1mm in diameter and dripping water at an angle of up to 15 degrees from vertical Yes Yes, dripping water at an angle of up to 15 degrees IP43 Protection against solid objects larger than 1mm in diameter and splashing water from any angle up to 60 degrees from vertical Yes Yes, water splashing from any angle up to 60 degrees IP44 Protection against solid objects larger than 1mm in diameter and splashing water from all directions Yes Yes, water splashing from any angle IP54 Protection against dust and splashing water Yes Yes, water splashing from any angle IP55 Protection against dust and water jets from any direction Yes Yes, water projected by a nozzle from any direction Additional Notes While these ratings are crucial for assessing the suitability of electric control panels in various environments, it is important to note that the IEC also defines structural forms (Form 1, Form 2, Form 3, and Form 4) for these panels. Each form offers varying degrees of protection against contact with live parts as well as ingress of solid and liquid foreign objects.