The degree of protection offered by an enclosure is shown by the letters IP (Ingress Protection) and two indexes. The first index indicates the protection for persons and equipment, the second indicates the protection against water.*
*citation of standards without guarantee
Protection Classification IP 30 to DIN EN 60529 (VDE 0470)
First code number: 3 | IP 3X | |
| Degree of protection for persons: | Protected against access to dangerous parts with a tool | |
| Definition: | The access probe, 2.5 mm diameter, must not penetrate | |
| Test conditions: | The access probe is pressed against each opening of the enclosure with a force defined by the standard or it is inserted through this opening. | |
| Acceptance conditions: | The protection is satisfactory if sufficient distance is maintained between the access probe and hazardous parts. | |
| Degree of protection for equipment: | Protected against solid foreign objects 2.5 mm in diameter and larger | |
| Definition: | The object probe, 2.5 mm diameter sphere, must not fully penetrate | |
| Test conditions: | The object probe is pressed against each opening of the housing with a force defined by the standard. | |
| Acceptance conditions: | The protection is satisfactory if the full diameter of the probe does not pass through an opening. | |
Second code number: 0 | IP X0 | |
| Degree of protection against water: | Not protected | |
| Definition: | - | |
| Test conditions: | - | |
| Acceptance conditions: | - | |
Note:
The degrees of protection specified for the enclosures refer to unprocessed standard enclosures as delivered. In particular, the test conditions for protection against water (second code number) are fulfilled if no water or a non-harmful amount of water has penetrated during the specified test period. As the protection class tests do not take ageing into account, it is not guaranteed that the protection class will be maintained over the service life of the device. Temperature changes, such as those that can occur during outdoor weathering, are also not taken into account. Such temperature changes lead to negative pressure in the housing and moisture may be sucked in through the sealing areas. BOPLA has pressure compensation elements available for installation.
