IP Ratings Explained
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What is an IP rating?
An IP rating indicates how waterproof and dustproof the internal housing of an electrical product is.
The IP rating system was formed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to define levels of sealing effectives of electrical enclosures against foreign bodies.
This system for measuring ingress protection is defined in standard EN 60529 (British BS EN 60529:1992, European IEC 60509:1989) and describes how foreign bodies can enter an electrical products housing.
What do the IP numbers mean?
The two digits in an IP rating will define how protected the product is from foreign bodies entering the electrical product’s housing. The first number refers to protection against solids such as dust and dirt, and the second number refers to liquids such as water.
Our IP rating chart and guide explains everything you need to know about ingress protection and what you should look for when buying electronics for outdoor use.
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Protection from objects greater than 50mm in diameter e.g. a hand |
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Protection from condensation |  |
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Protection from objects greater than 12mm in diameter but no greater than 80mm e.g. fingers |  |
Protection against water droplets |  |
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Protection from entry by objects with a diameter of 2.5mm or more e.g. tools |  |
Protected against spraying water |  |
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Protection against foreign bodies larger than 1mm e.g. fine tools |  |
Protected against water spray and splashes |  |
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Limited ingress of dust |  |
Protection against low pressure water jets |  |
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Completely dust tight |  |
protection against high pressure water jets |  |
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Protection against temporary immersion in water |  |
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Protection against immersion in water over long periods |  |
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Protection against close range, powerful and high temperature water jets |  |
Explore our ELITE Product Range
Brigade’s top of the range systems are ideal for vehicles and machines that require exceptional quality and consistent performance in the hardest conditions.
Rigorously tested to higher standards, the superior components and build quality are reflected in their 3 years, 5 year and lifetime warranties. Ideal for severe conditions.
Why Backsense® Radar Obstacle Detection for Commercial Vehicles and Machines?
Industries such as mining, quarrying, agriculture and construction use machines and plant equipment, which by their very nature pose a danger if they are not managed safely.
Blind spots tend to be much larger on these vehicles and include not only the rear and nearside but also the front, especially with elevated driver positions. Terrains are harsh, vehicles are exposed to the elements more aggressively whilst thick dust and darkness decrease visibility further.
The ISO 5006 standard for earthmoving equipment addresses the problem of blind spots around a vehicle. It states that in order to enable proper, effective and safe operation the operator must be able to ‘detect the presence of a standing person (of approximately. 1.5m tall), 1m out from the perimeter of the machine.’ Camera monitor systems provide this to some extent, but in difficult conditions a range of complementary devices are vital to give visual and audible operator warnings.
Product Example
Brigade’s Backsense® radar is rated at IP69. The ‘6’ means that it is completely dust tight. The ‘9’ means it is protected against close range, powerful water jets.
