IP Ratings Explained

The IP Code Symbols
The IP rating is a standard used on many items of electrical equipment, and is often used in deciding the suitability of equipment in certain conditions. This could be if the equipment is to be used within a bathroom, outdoors or even in or close to a swimming pool. The chart below illustrates the numbers used to show the level of protection offered. The first column shows the level of protection against solid objects, and the second column the protection against moisture which is the more relevant when designing installations for the scenarios mentioned above. You will see that in the second column the numbers 3-8 are sometimes replaced by droplet symbols which although not the standard mark are still often found on electrical equipment.