An essential guide for selecting electric equipment
Are you in the process of selecting an electric motor unit for your project? If so, you will certainly have come across the protection term "IP rating". Manufacturers often describe their products as “dust resistant” or “moisture proof.” To back these claims up, products can be given an IP rating. What do these terms mean and which protection should be chosen based on your project?
The IP protection rating is an important factor to be considered when choosing an electric motor unit, since the chosen protection rating will vary according to the use (outdoor, exposure to dust/water infiltration, etc.). This comprehensive guide will provide you with essential information about IP ratings, so you can make an informed decision when purchasing an electric motor.
What is an IP Rating?
An IP rating is a standardized system that rates the degree of protection provided by electrical devices against the intrusion of solid particles (such as dust) and liquids (like water). The higher the rating, the better protected the device is against potential damage. The IP rating system consists of two digits, where each digit represents different levels of protection.
Watch this video for a detailed explanation of IP rating.
Breaking Down IP Ratings
The first digit indicates protection against solids such as dust or dirt particles. The higher the number after IP, the better the protection against foreign bodies. Sometimes a number is replaced by an X, this indicates that the enclosure is not yet rated for that specification
The second digit relates to the protection against liquids, with numbers varying from 0 (no water protection) through 9K (protection against powerful high-temperature water jets).
IP65 Rating products offer reliable protection and are used for many indoor and outdoor applications, but what does IP65 rating mean?
Example of IP rating with explanation of notation
Third digit? – Supplementary Information
In addition to the first to digits explained above, manufactures sometimes also make use of additional letters to provide further related information.
The third digit in an IP Rating represents supplementary information.
Sometimes on IP Ratings, there might be a letter at the end of the code. The third letter provides more detailed information on the protection of the device.
The supplementary letters and their meanings are as follows:
IP rating third letters and their meanings
Which IP ratings are waterproof?
You've probably seen terms like waterproof or weather resistant or other variations. These terms can lead to confusion, and that is why IP ratings can be a great help in examining how waterproof a product is. IP ratings of IP65, 66 and 67 are considered to be waterproof but only under the conditions described in the IP rating table.
IP Ratings Chart
IP Ratings Chart with example
Why Does IP Rating Matter for Winches?
Winches are often exposed to harsh conditions while off-roading, including mud, rain, snow, and dirt. These elements can seriously impact a winch’s performance if it's not adequately protected. A higher IP-rated winch ensures that your investment remains functional and safe to use in various situations. Choosing a winch with a suitable IP rating will ensure that its vital components aren't damaged by external contaminants or moisture.
Choosing the right equipment with a suitable IP rating
Now that you understand the fundamentals of IP ratings, it's essential to determine what level of protection you require for your specific needs. For instance, if you are purchasing an electric winch for outdoor use, the electric motor should have a high rating in both dust and water resistance. Below are some examples of IP ratings and what they mean:
- IP67: This rating indicates that the winch is dust-tight and has protection against temporary submersion in water, making it suitable for onshore environments.
- IP68: Winches with this rating provide complete dust protection and can be submerged underwater continuously, making them ideal for heavy-duty use – particularly in extremely wet conditions.
- IP69K: This is the highest level of protection available for a winch. It not only offers complete protection against dust but can also withstand high-pressure, high-temperature water jets.
Making the Right Choice
Selecting the optimal equipment IP rating comes down to understanding where and how you'll be using it. If for example you are looking for a winch with an electric motor who don't frequently encounter harsh environmental conditions, an IP67-rated winch should suffice. However, if you often find yourself in demanding situations where your winch will be exposed to water or mud regularly, opting for an IP68 or even IP69K rated winch would be a wise decision. On the other hand, general-purpose indoor equipment may only require moderate protection levels – an IP20 or IP30 rating might be sufficient.
In conclusion, there can be a lot of money saved by considering IP rating before purchase, as the price of the product increases the higher the IP rating. Likewise, there is also a smaller selection of electric motors, the higher the requirements for IP rating.
If you are in doubt as to whether an electric winch is the right choice for the job, you can read more in our guide about the advantages and disadvantages of electric winches vs. hydraulic winch.