IP ratings

Getting the IP rating right matters as much as the enclosure itself — under-protecting risks damage or unsafe conditions, while over-specifying adds unnecessary cost.

IP ratings come from the IEC 60529 standard and use two digits: the first covers protection against solids (from no protection up to fully dust-tight), and the second covers protection against liquids (from no protection up to resistance against powerful, high-temperature jets).

The right rating depends on the installation environment — how dusty the area is, how exposed to contact or traffic it will be, and whether it’s likely to face water droplets, splashes, jets, or full submersion. Indoor locations with normal humidity typically need only modest liquid protection, while outdoor or wash-down environments call for a much higher spec, paired with correctly rated cable glands to preserve the enclosure’s protection level once fitted.

Enclosures are independently tested and certified to confirm they meet their stated rating, including options built for long-term underwater use at depth.

Finally, remember that IP ratings say nothing about impact (IK rating), UV stability or temperature range — check those separately for outdoor and industrial installations.

Water resistance is one of the most common priorities customers raise, so enclosures are tested rigorously in a certified lab against the Ingress Protection standards set out in BS EN 60529.

Testing methods scale with the rating being verified. Splash resistance (IPX4) is confirmed by spraying water from multiple directions to check nothing gets inside. Higher ratings involve full submersion — IPX7 enclosures are held at one metre depth for 30 minutes, while IPX8 testing goes deeper and longer depending on requirements.

This layered approach means an enclosure’s rating reflects real performance under rain, pressure washing, or full submersion, not just a paper specification.