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The IP Code uses a mandatory two-numeral system, IPXX, optionally extended by supplementary letters to indicate specific protection levels and test conditions

The degree of protection provided by an enclosure is designated by the IP Code in a specific arrangement consisting of up to five parts:

  1. Code Letters (IP): Indicating “International Protection”.
  2. First Characteristic Numeral (0 to 6, or X): Indicating protection against access to hazardous parts and solid foreign objects.
  3. Second Characteristic Numeral (0 to 9, or X): Indicating protection against ingress of water with harmful effects.
  4. Additional Letter (Optional: A, B, C, D): Indicating a degree of protection against access to hazardous parts that is higher than that shown by the first characteristic numeral.
  5. Supplementary Letter (Optional: H, M, S, W): Providing supplementary information specific to high voltage, motion during water testing, stationary testing, or weather conditions.

If a characteristic numeral is not required to be specified, it must be replaced by the letter “X” (“XX” if both are omitted). For example, IPX5 means the protection against solids is omitted from specification, but it is protected against water jets. Conversely, optional letters can simply be omitted without replacement, such as in IP44.

If multiple degrees of protection against water are provided, they can be listed sequentially, such as IPX5/IPX7/IPX9, indicating suitability for water jets, temporary immersion, and high pressure/temperature jets. If more than one supplementary letter is used (e.g., M and S are mutually exclusive, but H and W could be combined), they must be placed in alphabetical sequence. This structured arrangement allows the IP Code to convey complex information about mechanical and fluid resilience, as well as the specific conditions under which the product was tested.

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