Published on: January 12, 2021 by Blair Haas
Among the most frequently asked questions we receive relate to IP ratings, especially IP65. In the US, it used to be that people focused on NEMA ratings and IP were only used in foreign sales. Today, this is no longer the case and we find increasing interest in the IP structure as the method of certification. In this blog, I will address a few of the questions that we seem to hear most often.
The PN series provides excellent IP65 protection for all types of electronic components
WHAT IS IP65
Basically it means that the product is protected when sprayed with water. However, a more in depth explanation is called for. In IP (ingress protection) ratings, each digit has meaning. The “6” (first digit) deals with solid particle testing and that rating means that the product is “dust tight” and is tested by using a vacuum and testing the airflow for up to 8 hours. The “5” deals liquid ingress protection and it is tested by spraying water for at least 15 minutes at a volume of 12.5 liters per minute with a pressure of 30kPa at a distrance of 3 meters.
Does IP65 MEAN THE PRODUCT IS WATERPROOF
Waterproof is not a technical term but to give an easy answer, it is not waterproof. It cannot necessarily be submerged and it has not been tested for longer term sprays. Basically, it is water resistant and should be used only in situations that are less extreme than the tests listed above
CAN AN IP65 ENCLOSURE BE USED OUTDOORS
Not necessarily. An IP65 rating does not test for the impact of the sun (uv rays) on the box so many plastics would not withstand these rays without additional protection. Also, once again, the outdoors can be quite a general term so they would not withstand an area where there is often flooding or even extreme temperatures
IS AN IP RATING ENOUGH TO WITHSTAND RAIN
Generally, the answer to this is yes. It is pretty rare for the rain to have a greater pressure than that at which the boxes are tested.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us or check out our website (www.budind.com) for further questions on IP 65 and all IP ratings.
