The IP code or Ingress Protection code indicates how well a device is protected against water and dust. It is defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) under the international standard IEC 60529 which classifies and provides a guideline to the degree of protection provided by mechanical casings and electrical enclosures against intrusion, dust, accidental contact, an. EtymologyIn the original IEC 60529 standard from year 1976, the letters IP are used without providing an explanation, and referred as "characteristic letters". In the next editions of the standard, from years 1989 and 1999 respectivel. 40050-9 extended the newer IEC 60529 rating system with an IP69K rating for high-pressure, high-temperature wash-down applications. Enclosures conforming with ISO 20653:2013 must be both dust-tight (IP6X. In the U.S., the defines in NEMA standard number 250. The following table outlines which IEC 60529 IP code each respective NEMA guideline m.
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