IP Code
This classification represents the level of protection from certain contaminants. IP stands for International Protection Rating or Ingress Protection Rating. The correct format for this rating is: IPXX. See example below. Additional letters can be appended to provide additional information about the level of protection.
(Image source: wazipoint.blogspot.com)
This guide is set forth by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) under standard 60529. The purpose is to give further details about products, as opposed to vague terms like waterproof.
| IP | 6 | 8 |
| Ingress Protection | First Digit: Solid Protection | Second Digit: Liquid Protection |
| Level | Particle Size | Description of Protection |
| 0 | - | No protection |
| 1 | >50 mm | Back of the hand or large surface area |
| 2 | >12.5 mm | Fingers or items similar in size |
| 3 | >2.5 mm | Thick wires, most tools, etc. |
| 4 | >1 mm | Most wires, screws, most insects, etc. |
| 5 | Dust Protected | Dust may enter in small quantities |
| 6 | Dust Tight | Completely protected |
| Level | Protected Against | Description of Protection |
| 0 | - | No protection |
| 1 | Dripping Water | Vertically falling drops |
| 2 | Dripping Water with 15° Tilt | Vertically falling drops |
| 3 | Spraying Water | Spraying water up to 60° from vertical |
| 4 | Splashing Water | Splashing water from any direction |
| 5 | Water Jets (30kPa) | Water projected by a nozzle at 3m |
| 6 | Powerful Water Jets (100kPa) | Water projected by powerful jets at 3m |
| 6K | Powerful Water Jets with Increased Pressure (1000kPa) | Water projected by powerful jets at 3m |
| 7 | Immersion <1m | Water in harmful quantity is not possible |
| 8 | Immersion ≥1m | Totally sealed |
| 9K | Powerful, High Temperature Water Jets (8-10MPa) | Water projected by powerful jets at 0.10-0.15m at 80°C |
| Letter | Definition |
| F | Oil resistant |
| H | High-voltage device |
| M | Device in motion during water test |
| S | Device motionless during water test |
| W | Weather conditions |
Have questions or comments? Continue the conversation on TechForum, DigiKey's online community and technical resource.
Visit TechForum

