Which IP rating do you need for an enclosure?
An enclosure's first IP digit describes protection against solid objects and its second describes water protection under specified tests. Choose the rating against the actual exposure and the manufacturer's installation conditions. IP ratings alone do not establish UV resistance, corrosion resistance or suitability for every outdoor, washdown or flood condition.
Reading the two digits
IEC 60529 classifies protection provided by an enclosure. The first digit describes protection against access to hazardous parts and solid objects, including dust. The second describes water ingress under a defined test. X means that a digit has not been specified; it is not a zero rating.
The table describes test categories. It does not approve a location: exposure, enclosure materials, cable entries, seals, mounting orientation and the installation instructions all affect the finished assembly.
| Rating | Protection tested | Selection check |
|---|---|---|
| IP20 | Objects 12.5 mm and larger; finger access protection; no water protection | Use only where the installation requires no water protection. |
| IP43 | Objects 1 mm and larger; spraying water up to 60 degrees from vertical | Assess the actual water direction and solid-object exposure. |
| IP54 | Dust protected; splashing water from any direction | Dust protected is different from dust-tight. |
| IP65 | Dust-tight; water jets under specified test conditions | Outdoor and washdown suitability also depends on materials, jet conditions and installation. |
| IP67 | Dust-tight; temporary immersion under specified test conditions | Temporary immersion only within the manufacturer's stated test and installation conditions. |
IK rating describes impact resistance
IP describes ingress protection. IK describes resistance to mechanical impact. Specify the impact requirement separately where an enclosure could be struck, and use the selected enclosure model and its mounting instructions to establish the required performance.
The material question that IP rating does not answer
UV exposure, corrosion, chemicals and temperature need separate consideration. Compare the declared material and environmental limits with the project exposure, alongside the IP test rating. Precision offers polycarbonate and ABS all-weather enclosures with an IP67 rating; the selected model and completed cable entries must suit the installation.
Enclosure selection checklist
Record whether the exposure is dust, spray, jets or temporary immersion. Specify the mounting position, cable-entry arrangement, temperature, UV and chemical exposure, corrosion conditions and impact requirement.
Temporary immersion only within the manufacturer's stated test and installation conditions. An immersion rating alone does not establish resistance to water jets or continuing flood exposure. Have the project designer assess the complete enclosure assembly against the required conditions.
Sources and further reading
Published by Electrolite Systems. Last updated
Last reviewed 27 October 2026. This guide explains how the decision is made; it is not a substitute for a design calculation for your specific installation.