Electric Motor Control Basics - Book - Page 92
Understanding IP Ratings
What Do These Numbers Mean?
Starting at the IP Ratings Chart and feeling like you’re back in high school calculus class
all of a sudden? That’s normal! If you’ve never seen it before, it’s easy to get confused.
A chart can help you break the data down into easy categories. Let’s take a look.
Protection from Solids
You’ll find your enclosure’s level of solids protection right after the letters “IP.” This
number will range from 1 to 6, with 6 offering the strongest level of protection.
If yours has a zero here, that means the component in question offers no protection
against object contact. Here’s a breakdown of the levels, moving from 1-6.
Level 1: Greater Than 50mm
A large part of the body, such as a hand, can touch or graze the component. There is
no protection against direct and deliberate handling. The object must be greater than
50 millimeters.
Level 2: Greater Than 12mm
This rating protects against the intrusion of fingers or small objects. Each object must
be less than or equal to 80mm in length and 12mm in diameter.
Level 3: Greater Than 2.5mm
This rating protects against most tools and heavy-duty wires. The object must be
greater than 2.5 millimeters.
Industrial Control
Basics:
Part 1, Contactors
Industrial Control
Basics: Part 2,
Overload Relays
Industrial Control
Basics: Part 3,
Starters
The Benefits of Type E/F
Motor Protection
Circuit Breakers
Basic Pump Control:
Three Phase DOL Starter
Control of an Electric Pump
Applying Motor Control
in a Wastewater
Application
NEMA vs IEC Motor
Controls
Understanding
IP Ratings
92
