You have a component in your facility with an IP rating of IP34. So what? You may be familiar with IP ratings from robot or electronic specification sheets. But do you really know whether your component is giving you optimal performance? If your sensor is operating in a relatively clean environment then probably it will. If, on the other hand, you want the same unit to last more than one shift in your dusty warehouse or light industrial facility, You need to invest in additional hardware, devices or parts. Don’t. Not until you are certain that the equipment you are purchasing satisfies the harsh conditions of your manufacturing facility – and carries the appropriate IP rating.
And while not even a high IP rating of IP67 will prevent your unit from being run over by a loaded forklift, it will guarantee that your equipment will withstand the dust and weather of your indoor – or outdoor -environment without compromising on performance.
So What is an IP Rating?
IP stands for Ingress Protection. The IP rating specifies the strength of the enclosure that houses your electronic equipment and is determined by a series of tests. Each IP rating comprises two or three distinct digits. To ensure that the equipment or part you are purchasing will operate effectively in your manufacturing environment Australian Standards AS1939 and EN60529 have detailed the three IP rating digits.
Understanding the IP rating system is easy. The first digit measures the degree of protection provided by the enclosure against ingress of solid objects and includes protection of persons against contact with, or approach to, live or moving parts (other than smooth, rotating shafts and similar mechanisms). The second IP rating digit measures the level of protection provided by the enclosure against ingress of liquids. The final digit measures the level of protection provided against mechanical impact damage. (The third digit is often left out leaving a two digit IP rating covering solid objects and liquids only.)
The table below gives you all the information you need to make your decision right first time when investing in hardware, devices or parts for your manufacturing plant.