In the ruggedized computer industry, Ingress Protection ratings are the standards used to classify degrees of protection for both the user (from potentially harmful elements within the computer's structure) and the computer itself from external solids and liquids such as dust and moisture. Ingress Protection ratings, or IP ratings, are normally verified by laboratories that certify equipment, such as UL or CENELEC.IP ratings appear as two-digit numbers with each number ranging from 0 to 8. The higher the number, the better the protection. The first number signifies protection from solids. The second number signifies protection from liquids. When choosing a ruggedized computer for use in industrial environments, the product should have an IP rating of at least 65 for the best possible protection from dust and moisture. In the IP Ratings Table provided below, the number 6 in the solids column shows that the computer is totally protected from dust regardless of the particle size. The number 5 in the liquids column shows that the computer is protected from jets of water striking it at 12.5 liters per minute for at least three minutes. The numeric designation for liquids goes as high as 8, meaning the computer is certified to work longer than 30 minutes at a depth of one meter of water without penetrating the computer. IP Rating Table Solids (First Number) Liquids (Second Number)0No protection from solids (such as hands, fingers, screwdrivers, wires, etc.)0No protection from liquids or moisture. In this instance, the IP rating probably isn't provided.1Protected from solids 50 mm or larger1Very limited protection; water can penetrate.2Protected from solids 12 mm or larger2Protected from vertically falling water at an angle up to 15 degrees; limited penetration.3Protected from solids 2.5mm or larger3Protected from water falling at an angle up to 60 degrees; limited penetration.4Protected from solids 1 mm or larger4Can withstand splashing water from all directions; limited penetration.5Some dust can penetrate the housing.5Can withstand water falling at 12.5 liters per minute for at least 3 minutes.6No dust can penetrate the housing.6Can withstand water falling up to 100 liters per minute with limited penetration (hurricane force).7Na7No penetration when submerged at least one meter for 30 minutes. 8na8No penetration when submerged one meter or more for 30 minutes or longer.Computer Dynamics provides customized industrial computing technology and durable computersthat can meet any IP rating specifications. To learn more or to request a quote, please contact ustoday.
