Here are some of the most commonly used IP codes in the industrial computer enclosure industry. The IP codes signify how much protection the enclosures offer against the penetration of foreign bodies and permeation of water.
The two digits signify the protection against solid objects (the first digit) and liquids (the second digit. The greater the number then the greater the protection is offered by the enclosure.
The IP 54 enclosure has a a 5 value for dust protection that signifies that it is almost dust tight: “ Ingress of dust is not totally prevented, but dust shall not penetrate in a quantity to interfere with satisfactory operation of the apparatus or to impair safety” while the 4 indicates protection against splashing water, where: “water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.”
IP 54 enclosures are often found in warehouse or industrial areas where there is dust but little use of water. An IP 54 computer enclosure is ideal for packing or despatch areas or other areas where dirt and dust are prevalent.
IP 65
The IP65 enclosure offers more protection than the IP54. IP65 enclosure are completely dust tight (signified by the number 6) whilst offering enough protection from water that it can be projected in jets against the enclosure from any direction and shall have no harmful effects.
IP65 enclosures are often found in food processing plants or other areas where there is liberal use of water and fluids.
IP 66
IP 66 enclosures are less commonly found. IP 66 enclosures offer complete dust proof protection and are completely waterproof from high power jet. These devices are only used where there is liberal amounts of water and where there are high levels of dust. The reason they are uncommon is that liberal use of water quite often reduces the amount of dust in the air so companies that use IP66 devices may find that an IP65 computer enclosure works just as well.
