Protection against access to hazardous parts and solid foreign objects

The first letter of the IP code according to the PN-EN 60529 or ISO 20653 standard, for digits from 1 to 4 defines the class of protection against access to hazardous parts and solid foreign objects.
 
Tests verifying if the enclosure can be assigned a given protection class have been designed so that the degree of protection when using the specific housing is clearly defined. Tests are performed with the use of access probes (spheres, wires and test fingers), applying the force specified in the standard on the test object.
 

Degree of protection against solid foreign objects

Degree of protection against solid foreign objects provides information on what is the maximum size of objects that can penetrate the enclosure.

 

IP degree

Access probe

IP1X

Sphere ø 50 mm

IP2X

Sphere ø 12.5 mm

IP3X

Wire 2.5 mm

IP4X

Wire 1 mm

 

The condition for a given degree of protection against solid foreign objects is met, when the access probe does not penetrate the enclosure, which could disturb equipment operation.

Degree of protection against access to hazardous parts

Degree of protection against access to hazardous parts provides information on whether the enclosure is protected against the risk of electrocution (by electrical parts), mechanical injuries of the human body (by moving parts), etc.

 

IP degree

Access probe

IP1X

Sphere ø 50 mm on a handle

IP2X

Sphere ø 12.5 mm on a handle / test finger (depending on the standard)

IP3X

Wire 2.5 mm on a handle

IP4X

Wire 1 mm on a handle

 

The access is verified with the use of a system that signals closing of the electrical circuit.

BOSMAL Automotive Research and Development Institute offers testing services covering the entire IP protection range, e.g.: IP44, IP67, IP6K9K

If degrees of protection against access to hazardous parts and solid foreign objects differ within a given piece of equipment (its enclosure may have protections restricting the access to hazardous parts), the IP code is extended to include an additional letter A, B, C or D.
 
 

Standards

  • PN-EN 60529 
  • ISO 20653
  • DIN 40050-9
 
All our IP testing methods are certified (AB128 accreditation).
 
Document No. Title/Description
DIN 40050-9 Road vehicles; degrees of protection (IP-code); protection against foreign objects; water and contact; electrical equipment
PN-EN 60529 Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
ISO 20653 Road vehicles - Degrees of protection (IP code) - Protection of electrical equipment against foreign objects, water and access