The IP rating (Ingress Protection) is a standardized system describing how well an electronic device enclosure is protected against solid particles, such as dust, and liquids, mainly water. It is defined by the international standard IEC 60529; its European equivalent, EN 60529, is required for CE compliance.
The IP code consists of the prefix “IP” followed by two digits: the first (0–6) specifies protection against solids and dust, the second (0–9) protection against water. For example, IP65 means complete dust-tightness and protection against water jets from any direction.
High IP ratings are essential in industrial, medical and outdoor applications, where equipment must operate reliably in demanding conditions. IEC 60529 is used to classify and certify industrial displays, monitors and touch panels designed for harsh environments.
How to read an IP code
The first digit describes protection against solid objects and dust, the second protection against water. An X replaces a digit that was not tested, e.g. IPX7. The water digits are not fully cumulative: IPX7 (immersion) does not automatically include IPX5 or IPX6 (water jets), which is why products are often marked with two codes, such as IP65/IP67.
| Digit | First digit – solids | Second digit – water |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection | No protection |
| 1 | Objects ≥ 50 mm (back of the hand) | Vertically dripping water |
| 2 | Objects ≥ 12.5 mm (fingers) | Dripping water, enclosure tilted up to 15° |
| 3 | Objects ≥ 2.5 mm (tools) | Spraying water up to 60° from vertical |
| 4 | Objects ≥ 1 mm (wires) | Splashing water from any direction |
| 5 | Dust-protected (limited ingress) | Water jets (6.3 mm nozzle) |
| 6 | Dust-tight | Powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle) |
| 7 | – | Temporary immersion (up to 1 m for 30 minutes) |
| 8 | – | Continuous immersion, conditions specified by the manufacturer |
| 9 | – | High-pressure, high-temperature water jets |
Front and rear protection of a display
For built-in displays the IP rating often applies only to the front – the side that faces the user after installation – for example IP65 at the front and IP20 at the rear. The front rating is achieved by sealing the cover glass to the bezel or housing with gaskets, adhesive tapes or potting, and it holds only when the display is mounted exactly as the manufacturer specifies.
Which IP rating do you need?
- IP54 – dust and splashes, e.g. indoor industrial panels.
- IP65/IP66 – dust-tight and resistant to water jets: outdoor kiosks, machines cleaned with a hose.
- IP67 – temporary immersion: handheld devices, marine and vehicle equipment.
- IP69 – high-pressure, high-temperature cleaning, e.g. in food processing.
IP ratings cover dust and water only. Resistance to impacts is classified separately by the IK rating, and resistance to condensation and humidity by the environmental tests in the product specification.
