IP Rated Enclosures

Dust, water, and moisture are the enemies of electronics and electrical components. A failure to provide adequate environmental protection for your design could result in damage, product returns, and field service calls. Engineers should carefully select an enclosure that provides the proper degree of protection. At Bud Industries, we understand the intricacies of IP ratings and their importance in safeguarding your equipment.

A Wide Selection of IP Rated Enclosures

Bud’s commitment to providing top-tier protection for your equipment is evident in our broad line of IP rated electronic enclosures, including:

• The IP65 rated DCS Series dual-compartment plastic enclosure. It provides protection against dust and low-pressure water spray.
• The IP66 rated CN Series of affordable aluminum enclosures. They can stand up to high-pressure factory washdown and are completely dustproof.
• The IP67 rated PTH fiberglass box. The latched cover seals tightly to protect components from water incursion, including short term submersion.
• Enclosures that carry an IP68 rating, such as the fiberglass PN-A Series boxes and die-cast aluminum AN-A Series boxes, have strongly sealed covers that defend against airborne contaminants, high-pressure water, and even submersion.

IP Enclosure Protection Ratings

The IP or Ingress Protection rating is an internationally accepted standard defining the level of protection that an enclosure provides. It is spelled out in the standard IEC 60529, published by the International Electrotechnical Commission.

The IP rating system follows a standardized format of using the acronym “IP” followed by two numbers, with each number representing a different type and level of protection. The first digit represents protection provided against solid objects, while the second digit represents the level of protection from water. The higher the number, the greater the level of protection for an IP rated electrical enclosure. For example, an IP67 enclosure would offer a greater level of protection than an IP54 enclosure.

Overall, the IP rating numbers can be interpreted as follows:

• First number: This number specifies the level of protection from solids in the environment, ranging from no protection (0) to total protection against dust (6).
• Second number: The second digit indicates the level of protection from water, with a range from no protection (0) to protection even during temporary immersion under pressure (8).

Different global regions rely on either NEMA or IP ratings. Some multinational or global firms prefer enclosures with both ratings to ensure compliance with local regulations and to lend greater flexibility for product distribution.

At Bud Industries, you will find a broad range of enclosures from which to choose an IP rated enclosure box having the appropriate level of protection—not more and not less than the ideal amount. Over specifying protection may add unnecessary cost, and underspecifying may not safeguard your design.

Browse Bud’s IP rated electrical enclosures selection and contact us if you have questions about which IP rating is ideal for your project.