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IP vs. NEMA Enclosure Ratings (IEC's standards)

International Ingress Protection (IP) Ratings

What are IP Ratings & Standards?

The Ingress Protection Ratings & Standards are set forth by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) classifies the degree of protection that an IP enclosure provides from solid objects and liquids in order to operate the enclosed electrical equipment. This rating system is most prevalently recognized in European countries and meets a number of British and European standards, including those established by the IEC.

In the IP rating system, the first number identifies the degree of protection against solid objects and the second number identifies the degree of protection against liquids.

Entering the IP (Ingress Protection) Rating that you are looking at replacing and the table below will provide you with a general description of its protection capabilities, as well as a NEMA enclosure that can meet the same protection capabilities.

Understand Your IP Rating
IP

Description

IP44 Protection for the enclosed equipment from the entry of solid articles with a diameter greater than 1mm into the enclosure.
IP54 Commonly used as traffic control cabinets because of the ability to protect electrical equipment from splashing water or rain conditions.
IP55

Weather-resistant enclosures that include a degree of protection from windblown dust and ingress of water.

IP56 Designed very similar to NEMA 3 enclosures, however, 3R enclosures can be ventilated.
IP57 Often called rain tight enclosures due to their excellent weather resistance.
IP65 Generally manufactured using 304 & 316 stainless steel due to its protection from corrosive materials.
IP66 Dust tight enclosures that are constructed without punch outs.
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