The IP (International Protection or Ingress Protection) code for electrical equipment enclosures consists of the letters IP followed by two digits and an optional letter. As defined in BS EN 60529: 1992, the IP rating system classifies the degree of protection provided against the intrusion of solid foreign objects (including body parts like hands and fingers), dust or water in electrical enclosures.The aim of IP ratings is to provide users with more detailed information than that provided by vague terms such as waterproof.First number of IP code – Protection against solid foreign objects or dustSecond number of IP code – Protection against water 1st No.Definition2nd No.Definition0No protection0No protection1Protected against solid objects over 50mm diameter (e.g. accidental touch by hands)1Protected against vertically falling drops of water (e.g. condensation)2Protected against solid objects over 12.5mm diameter (e.g. fingers)2Protected against direct spray up to 15° from the vertical3Protected against solid objects over 2.5mm diameter (e.g. tools and wires)3Protected against direct spray up to 60° from the vertical4Protected against solid objects over 1mm diameter (e.g. tools, wires and small wires)4Protected against spray from any direction – limited ingress permitted5Dust protected – limited ingress (no harmful deposit)5Protected against low pressure jets of water from any direction – limited ingress permitted6Dust tight – no ingress of dust6Protected against strong jets of water e.g. for use on ship decks – limited ingress permitted7Protected against the effects of ‘temporary’ immersion between 15cm and 1m8Protected against ‘continuous’ immersion under pressureFurther details about IP ratings can be found in BS EN 60529: 1992 – ‘Specification for degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code)’.