laptop, IP-rating 67 gasket
IP (Ingress Protection or International Protection) ratings are a common way to define how protected an electrical enclosure is from foreign matter that does not belong in the said enclosure. Gaskets are frequently used to provide the protection set forth in this specification
Explanation of Specification – What does IP Ratings do?
IP Ratings give the user an explanation of how protected a product is from ingress by foreign matters. Solid, and Liquid ingress.
Reading IP Rating Designations
Furthermore, the document sets forth a code that describes how resistant the enclosure must be to this foreign matter. The way to read the designation is fairly simple. The steps are provided below:
- The IP is obvious, this basically sets forth the designation of International Protection.
- The first numeral indicates whether the enclosure can/cannot be accessed by a foreign object, such as a hand, tool, wire, or dust.
- The second numeral indicates the enclosure can/cannot be accessed by an ingress of water when the water is under certain conditions. These conditions include, dripping, spraying, splashing, high pressure, temporary immersion, and continuous immersion of water.
The below is a small table on what numbers mean what, and what characters mean what:
The ANSI/IEC 60529 also sets forth a recommendation on how to test the enclosure in accordance with the specification and the characters which indicate the restriction of ingression of certain matter. The lower the number, the lower level of protection offered. For example 6 is the highest for solid, while 8 is the highest for liquid ingress.
Solid Matter Ingression Prevention Table
| First Numeral | Indication |
| 0 | Non-Protected(Sometimes X is utilized instead of 0) |
| 1 | Protected against objects greater than and equal to 50mm |
| 2 | Protected against objects greater than and equal to 12.5mm |
| 3 | Protected against objects greater than and equal to 2.5mm |
| 4 | Protected against objects greater than and equal to 1.0mm |
| 5 | Dust protected |
| 6 | Dust Tight |
Liquid Matter Ingression Prevention Table
| Second Numeral | Indication |
| 0 | Non-protected(Sometimes X is utilized instead of 0) |
| 1 | Protection against vertically dropping water. |
| 2 | Protection against vertically dropping water when the enclosure is tilted at 15 degrees.. |
| 3 | Protection from spraying |
| 4 | Protection from splashing |
| 5 | Protection from waterjets |
| 6 | Protection from powerful waterjets |
| 7 | Protection from robust temporary immersion |
| 8 | Protection from continuous immersion under pressure |
For use of the supplements of the last two characters sometimes utilized, please visit the IEC 60529 specification.
Why is an IP Rating Important?
An IP rating is important because it demonstrates the supplier/manufacturer of the said product has gone through the effort to demonstrate that their product is especially resistant to ingress of media, such as liquid/solid debris. This must have been done through an independent testing body.
Why does IP 67 Rating Keep Coming up?
This is because this is most commonly found in the connectivity market. It also demonstrates the product has a superior resistance to water immersion, and ingress from dust particles. For example iPhones, and other big manufacturers of commercial products will use this rating.
Examples of IP Specifications & Materials
Soft Silicone Foam- HT-870
This would be good for a DUST SEAL, and temporary exposure to water, and perhaps continued exposure. Maybe an IP 66, or IP 67.
Solid Silicone Rubber- 40A Durometer
This would be good for both a DUST SEAL, and continued exposure to water, Maybe an IP 67.
PORON® Polyurethane Rubber Foam
This would be good for a good DUST SEAL, and moderate exposure to water under pressure. Maybe an IP 65.
More Information/NEMA Ratings
NEDC is familiar with manufacturing gaskets to suit applications requiring dust sealing, and water submersion, such as IP 67(NEMA 6). It is a good idea to keep in mind that many NEMA ratings are equivalent to certain combinations of numerals of the IP rating system. NEDC is very experienced in applications requiring custom gasket solutions for sealing off enclosures to surrounding environments. If you need gaskets for IP rated enclosures, feel free to contact sales@nedc.com.