Protection Classification IP 54 to DIN EN 60529 (VDE 0470)

(Important: We assume no liability for cited standards)
The degree of protection offered by an enclosure is shown by the letters IP (Ingress Protection) and two indexes. The first index indicates two factors (protection for persons and equipment), the second index indicates only one factor (protection against water).

First digit: 5

Protection for persons:Protection against a wire touching dangerous parts.
Definition: A body 1,0 mm in diameter must not be able to enter.IP 5X

Test conditions:The accessing probe is pushed against every opening of the enclosure with a standardised force or is inserted through the opening.
Conditions for acceptance: The protection is satisfactory if a sufficient distance between the accessing probe and dangerous parts is kept.
Protection for equipment:Protection against dust.
Definition: Dust penetration is not prevented altogether, but dust must not enter in sufficient quantities to prevent the equipment from operating satisfactorily, or to impair safety.
Test conditions: The test is carried out in a dust chamber in which talcum powder is being kept suspended in the air by means of a dust distributor or similar device. The enclosure which is being tested is placed in the test chamber while a vacuum pump keeps the pressure in the enclosure below the atmospheric pressure of the environment according to the standard.
Conditions for acceptance: The protection is satisfactory if the inspection shows that talcum powder has not accumulated in places or in quantities in a way that could impair the good working order of the operating material or represent a safety hazard, regardless of the type of dust concerned.

 

Second digit: 4

Protection against water :Protection against water spray.
Definition: Water splashes on to the enclosure from any direction must not have any harmful effects.IP X4

Test conditions: The enclosure is tested by means of a spray head or a flushing pipe which is aimed at it from all sides according to the standardised testing time / volume flow.
10l/min; 5min
Conditions for acceptance:Should water have penetrated, it must not
- be present in quantities which impair the good working order of the operating material or represent a safety hazard;
- deposit on non-conducting parts where it could lead to creep currents;
- come in contact with live parts or coils which are unsuitable for operating in wet conditions;
- collect near the wire end or possibly penetrate the wire.

Important note:

The degrees of protection given for the enclosures refer to unmachined enclosures as supplied. In the case of protection against water in particular (second index), the test conditions will be met if during the given time for the experiment no water has penetrated, or not in harmful quantities. As the tests to show protection classifications take no account of ageing, the maintenance of the protection class throughout the lifetime of the equipment is not guaranteed. Similarly, changes in temperature, as may occur, for example, outdoors, are not taken into account. Such changes in temperature may cause a loss of pressure in the enclosure,
and damp may be absorbed through the seal area. BOPLA can supply pressure compensation elements for this purpose.