• The IP (Ingress Protection) rating you need depends on the environment and conditions where your device will be used. The IP rating consists of two digits: the first digit indicates the level of protection against solid objects (like dust), and the second digit indicates the level of protection against liquids (like water). Here’s a brief guide to help you determine the appropriate IP rating:

Protection Against Solid Objects

• 0: No protection.
• 1: Protection against objects > 50 mm (e.g., hands).
• 2: Protection against objects > 12.5 mm (e.g., fingers).
• 3: Protection against objects > 2.5 mm (e.g., tools, thick wires).
• 4: Protection against objects > 1 mm (e.g., most wires, screws).
• 5: Dust protected (limited ingress allowed, no harmful deposits).
• 6: Dust tight (no ingress of dust; complete protection).

Protection Against Liquids

• 0: No protection.
• 1: Protection against vertically falling water drops (e.g., condensation).
• 2: Protection against vertically falling water drops when the enclosure is tilted up to 15°.
• 3: Protection against sprays of water up to 60° from vertical.
• 4: Protection against water splashing from any direction.
• 5: Protection against low-pressure water jets from any direction.
• 6: Protection against powerful water jets.
• 7: Protection against immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
• 8: Protection against continuous immersion in water (specific conditions specified by the manufacturer).
• 9K: Protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets.

Determining Your Needs

Consider the following when choosing an IP rating:

Environment: Is it dusty, wet, or both?

• Exposure: Will the device be exposed to rain, water jets, or submerged in water?
• Usage: How and where will the device be used (indoors, outdoors, industrial settings)?