Distinction Between Protection Type and Protection Class
The terms "protection type" and "protection class" are often mistakenly used interchangeably. However, the protection type is distinct from the protection class. While the protection type describes the enclosure's protection of a device against the ingress of foreign objects (such as tools or fingers) and water, the protection class defines measures designed to protect against hazardous voltages. The protection classes are distinguished as follows: I (devices with protective earth), II (devices with double or reinforced insulation), and III (devices with low voltage).
What Are IP Codes?
The term IP Codes stands for "International Protection." IP protection classes indicate the suitability of electrical equipment for various environmental conditions and the protection of people from potential hazards during use. They show how well a product is protected against the ingress of foreign objects or water. To determine the specific protection class, extensive tests are conducted. The products are then classified according to the results of these tests and assigned the corresponding protection class.
First Digit – Protection Against Foreign Objects and Contact
The first digit indicates protection against contact and the ingress of foreign objects.
0 = No protection
1 = Protected against solid foreign objects ≥ 50 mm
2 = Protected against medium-sized solid foreign objects ≥ 12.5 mm
3 = Protected against small solid foreign objects ≥ 2.5 mm
4 = Protected against granular solid foreign objects ≥ 1.0 mm
5 = Protected against dust in harmful amounts
6 = Protected against dust ingress (dust-tight)
Second Digit – Protection Against Moisture or Ingress of Water
The second digit indicates protection against water. 0 represents no protection and 8 represents protection against continuous immersion.
0 = No protection
1 = Protected against vertically falling water drops
2 = Protected against oblique falling water drops up to 15°
3 = Protected against falling spray water up to 60° from vertical
4 = Protected against water splashing from all directions
5 = Protected against water jets (nozzle) from any direction
6 = Protected against strong water jets
7 = Protected against temporary immersion
8 = Protected against continuous immersion
9 = Protected against water during high-pressure/steam cleaning in agriculture
The higher the value of each digit, the greater the protection of the product.
IP67 Protection Class
The IP67 protection class describes protection against dust and temporary immersion in water up to a maximum depth of 1 meter.
First Digit: 6 = Protection against dust ingress (dust-tight), complete protection against contact.
Second Digit: 7 = Protected against temporary immersion in water.
Protection up to IPX6 (according to DIN EN 60529) or IPX6K (according to ISO 20653) includes the lower protection levels. For higher protection classes, this does not automatically apply to water protection grades 7, 8, and 9K. If inclusion of a lower protection class is required, this is indicated by a double designation, for example, IPX6K/IPX9K.
Other IP Protection Classes and Their Meanings
IP20: Protection against contact with solid foreign objects larger than 12 mm; no protection against liquids.
IP54: Protection against dust ingress and contact; effective protection against splash water.
IP44: Protection against granular solid objects; protection against access with a wire; protection against splash water from all directions.
IP66: Protection against dust; protection against contact; protection against powerful water jets.
IP68: Protection against dust; protection against contact; protection against continuous immersion.
Protection Classes Overview
The classification into protection classes indicates the level of risk associated with an electrical device. In Germany, there are 3 protection classes, each represented by symbols. The protection classes for all electrical equipment are defined by the standards EN 61140 and VDE 0140-1. The corresponding symbols can be found in IEC 60417.
Protection Class 0
Devices in Protection Class 0 are only protected by basic insulation. The protection must be ensured by the environment, as there are no special safety measures. Protection Class 0 is not permitted in Germany.
Protection Class 1 Protection through protective conductors
All electrically conductive parts of a device in Protection Class 1 are connected to a protective earth conductor. Movable electrical devices have a plug connection with a protective earth contact for safety. In case of a fault, a live conductor touching the earthed housing will cause a short circuit. The circuit breaker will then disconnect the device from the power supply.
Examples: Washing machine, coffee maker
Protection Class 2 Protection by Double or Reinforced Insulation
Devices in Protection Class 2 feature enhanced or double insulation against hazardous body currents. All conductive parts must be protected by reinforced insulation from live parts. The devices are not connected to a protective earth conductor. They usually have two-pin plugs (Euro plugs).
Protection class 3 Protection through safety extra-low voltage
Devices in protection class 3 may only be operated with safety extra-low voltage or protective extra-low voltage (SELV/PELV). They may only be connected to SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage) or PELV (Protective Extra Low Voltage) power sources. The limit values for alternating voltage are ≤ 50V, for direct voltage (DC) ≤ 120V. Suitable voltage sources are rechargeable batteries, batteries, or safety transformers.
Examples: Power supplies, laptop power supplies
Protection Class 3 Protection by Safety Extra Low Voltage (SELV) or Protective Extra Low Voltage (PELV)
Devices in Protection Class 3 may only be operated with safety extra low voltage or protective extra low voltage (SELV/PELV). They should only be connected to SELV or PELV power sources. The limits for alternating voltage are ≤ 50V, and for direct current (DC) ≤ 120V. Suitable power sources include batteries, accumulators, or safety transformers.
Examples: Power supplies, laptop power adapters
What You Should Know About Labeling Requirements
The labeling requirements for protection classes are defined in the standard DIN EN 61140. Different regulations apply to each class. While Protection Class 1 does not necessarily have to be labeled, Protection Classes 2 and 3 are required to have labeling. Network connections must be marked with appropriate conductor labels. Failure to comply may result in significant penalties for the manufacturer.