Understanding Electric Motor Ingress Protection (IP) Rating

Electric Motor IP Rating / Ingress Protection (IP) Rating: It is often observed that various electrical equipment comes with an IP(Ingress Protection) rating or an IP code. For example, motors often have an IP code, which we can notice if we pay attention. This article will discuss IP ratings in detail.

What Does IP (Ingress Protection) Stand For and Some Key Points

IP stands for International Protection, also known as Ingress Protection. It essentially indicates the level of protection provided by electrical devices.

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There are various types of protection, but IP primarily provides external protection for electrical devices, such as preventing dust, water, etc., from entering through mechanical casing.

Typically, an IP rating consists of two or three numbers. Below, the first number corresponds to 1, the second number to 2, and the third number to 3.

1. The 1st digit indicates the level of protection against solid objects.
2. The 2nd digit indicates the level of protection against liquid substances.
3. The 3rd digit indicates the level of protection against mechanical impacts.

Further details on this will be discussed below.

Why Do Electrical Devices and Electric Motors Have IP Rating Codes?

We have already learned what IP stands for. Now, regarding Electric Motor IP Rating, the first thing to consider is motor safety. We use motors in various environments. Depending on how safe that environment is for the motor, different manufacturers apply IP codes to the motors.

The first digit indicates the protection rating against solid objects. The range typically goes from 0 to 6.

The second digit indicates the protection rating against liquids. The range typically goes from 0 to 8.

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The third digit indicates the protection rating against mechanical impacts. The range typically goes from 0 to 9 but not beyond that.

In most cases, only the first and second digits are used.

What Does a Higher or Lower Electric Motor IP Rating Indicate?

In the Case of the First Digit

For the first digit of the IP rating:

• 0 means no protection.
• 1 means that objects larger than 50mm in size cannot enter the equipment from the outside.
• 2 means that objects larger than 12.5mm in size cannot enter from the outside.
• 3 means that objects larger than 2.5mm in size cannot enter from the outside.
• 4 means that it will protect against objects larger than 1mm in size.
• 5 means it provides protection against dust, but not completely.
• 6 means it provides complete protection against dust and dirt.

In the Case of the Second Digit

• 0 means no protection against liquids.
• 1 means that if a liquid falls vertically onto the device, it will not enter the device.
• 2 means that if a liquid falls at a 15-degree angle from above, it will provide protection.
• 3 means that even if a liquid is sprayed at a 60-degree angle, it will not enter the device.
• 4 means that even if liquid is sprayed from any direction, it will not enter the device.
• 5 means that even if water is sprayed with a 6.3mm pipe, it will not enter the device.
• 6 means that even if water is sprayed with a 1.4mm nozzle, it will provide protection.
• 7 means that if submerged in water up to 1 meter, it will provide partial protection.
• 8 means that if submerged in water up to 1 meter, it will provide full protection. This is mainly for submersible motors.

What Does an IP Rating of 68 Indicate?

An IP rating of 68 means the device provides the highest level of protection. The first digit, 6, represents the highest protection against solid objects, providing complete protection against dirt. The 8 indicates the highest protection against liquids, meaning the device will not let water enter even when submerged.

FAQ: Electric Motor IP Rating Codes