IP protection classes – differences and applications

We encounter countless electronic devices in modern industry and in everyday life. Whether controllers in production, outdoor lighting or robust mini PCs for the control cabinet - they all have to function reliably, even under demanding conditions. This is exactly where IP protection classes come into play. They indicate how well a device is protected against the ingress of dust, dirt and water.

What does IP mean?

The letters "IP" in the IP protection class stand for "Ingress Protection" or "International Protection".

• Ingress Protection describes the degree of protection of a device against the ingress of foreign bodies and liquids.
• International Protection indicates that these types of protection are defined worldwide according to standards (IEC 60529).

The IP classification ensures that manufacturers and users can objectively compare the resistance of devices, regardless of brand and model.

Structure of the IP protection class

It consists of two digits:

First digit (0-6) - Protection against solid foreign bodies: dust, dirt, contact.
Second digit (0-9K) - Protection against water: dripping water, splashing water, water jets or submersion.

For example: IP65

6 = dust-tight ; 5 = protection against water jets from all directions

This combination indicates that the device is both fully protected against dust and resistant to water jets that hit the device from any direction.

Protection against solid foreign bodies (first digit)

Protection against water (second digit)

Typical applications of IP protection classes

• IP20: For dry indoor areas such as offices or server rooms.
• IP44: Suitable for workshops or bathrooms, protection against splashing water.
• IP65: Ideal for outdoor areas, warehouses and industrial production environments as it resists dust and water jets.
• IP68: For underwater devices or applications with permanent exposure to liquids.

The correct selection of the IP protection class ensures that devices function reliably under the respective environmental conditions and that the failure rate is minimized. Denios has explained the applications for IP protection classes in more detail in an article.

Why IP protection classes are important

The IP classification is not just a marketing label - it is a decisive criterion when selecting devices:

• Durability:
  Devices that cannot withstand environmental stress wear out more quickly.
• Safety:
  Electrical devices that are damaged by water or dust can cause short circuits or failures.
• Planning security:
  IP classes enable an objective selection of devices for specific areas of application, whether in industry, outdoors or in medical facilities.

IP protection classes for industrial PCs and control cabinet PCs

IP protection is particularly important in industry:

• Control cabinet PCs are often operated in harsh environments where dust, vibrations or splash water occur.
• Robust enclosures, often with DIN rail mounting, reliably protect electronics.
• IP65 or higher is common for devices that are used directly in production lines.

This enables companies to ensure that their control systems, machine PCs or industrial tablets work permanently and reliably - without the devices being damaged by external influences.

Conclusion and spo-comm products with IP protection classes

IP protection classes provide a clear, standardized indication of how well a device is protected against dust and water. Whether for private, commercial or industrial use - choosing the right IP class is crucial for the safety, reliability and service life of electronic devices. Particularly in areas such as industrial PCs, control cabinet PCs or outdoor applications, users should always pay attention to the right protection class in order to avoid expensive failures.

Keywords such as IP protection class are no longer a rarity in our product portfolio either; the SQUARE 18, SQUARE 21 and our RUGGED tablets, for example, are IP 65 dust and water-protected. In addition, some RUGGED tablets are even MIL-STD-810G certified. This certification is a US military standard that defines the suitability of equipment for use in military applications.