An IP (Ingress Protection) rating tells you how well an enclosure keeps out solids and water. Specifying it correctly protects both people and equipment.
What the digits mean
- First digit (0–6) — protection against solid objects and dust. 5 is dust-protected; 6 is dust-tight.
- Second digit (0–9) — protection against water, from dripping (1) to jets (5–6) to immersion (7–8).
- Example: IP54 = dust-protected and splash-proof; IP65 = dust-tight and jet-proof.
Common choices
- Clean indoor electrical room → around IP42–IP54.
- Dusty or damp indoor areas → IP54–IP55.
- Outdoor or washdown → IP65 and above, with a suitable finish.
Higher isn't always better — a fully sealed enclosure may need thermal management for the heat inside. NIXCO fabricates enclosures to the IP rating and finish your environment needs, balancing protection and heat.