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What does the IP in several product names stand for? A question many may ask, especially while flipping through our outdoor illumination chapter. To put it simple: The digits show how suitable spots and the like are for outdoor use – it is about the device being protected from water. Now more detailed information:

IP stands for International Protection, sometimes also named Ingress Protection. This is the degree of protection which provides information about the use of electrical equipment under various environmental conditions – in our case this means the protection from dust and water. Additionally, it comprises the hazard protection for persons during use.

First position: protection against contact / protection against foreign material / impurity
Second position: protection against ingress of water

First position:

0 Neither protection against contact, nor protection against foreign material

1 Back of the hand protection; protection against foreign material with a diameter of > 50 mm.

2 Keep away fingers; protection against foreign material with a diameter of > 12,5 mm

3 Protection against contact with tools; protection against foreign material with a diameter of > 2.5 mm

4 Keep away tools, and the like; protection against foreign material with a diameter of > 1 mm

5 Complete contact protection; protection against damaging inner dust accumulation

6 Complete contact protection; protection against dust penetration (airtight)

Second position:

0 No protection

1 Protection against vertically falling rain/dripping water

2 Protection against inclined (up to 15°) falling rain/dripping water

3 Protection against falling rain inclined up to 60° from the vertical

4 Protection against all-round splash water

5 Protection against water jets (nozzle) from arbitrary angles

6 Protection against strong water jets (flooding)

7 Protection against temporary submersion

8 Protection against permanent submersion