IP Rating (Ingress Protection) Rating

IP stands for 'Ingress Protection'. So if my scales are water proof IP67, what would that mean?

An IP number is used to specify the environmental protection of enclosures around electronic equipment. These ratings are determined through specific tests.

The IP rating is composed of two separate numbers, the first referring to the protection against solid objects and the second against liquids. The higher the rating, the better the protection

So how can all this help me?
Well if you need a scale for an industrial kitchen, fish market or anyplace that the scale could come vet dirty. We would recommend getting a scale that is at least IP65 so you can wash it without damaging it. Scales rated IP43 can be wiped down with a wet cloth.

First Number

0 - No protection (Sometimes X)
1 - Protected against solid objects up to 50mm³
2 - Protected against solid objects up to 12mm³
3 - Protected against solid objects up to 2.5mm³
4 - Protected against solid objects up to 1mm³
5 - Protected against dust, limited ingress (no harmful deposit)
6 - Totally protected against dust

Second Number

0 - No protection (Sometimes X)
1 - Protection against vertically falling drops of water (e.g. condensation)
2 - Protection against direct sprays of water up to 15 degrees from vertical
3 - Protection against direct sprays of water up to 60 degrees from vertical
4 - Protection against water sprayed from all directions - limited ingress permitted
5 - Protected against low pressure jets of water from all directions - limited ingress permitted
6 - Protected against low pressure jets of water, limited ingress permitted (e.g. ship deck)
7 - Protected against the effect of immersion between 15cm and 1m
8 - Protected against long periods of immersion under pressure
9K* -Protected against close-range high pressure, high temperature spray downs.

* What is IP69K?

The IP69K rating provides protection against ingress of dust and high temperature, high pressure water – making products with this certification ideal for use in conditions where equipment must be carefully sanitized.

In industries such as food processing, where hygiene and cleanliness is paramount, equipment must be able to withstand rigorous high pressure, high temperature wash-down procedures.

In many industries, where dust and dirt can be an issue, it is important to ensure that dust cannot penetrate the casing of a product and cause it to fail.

The IP69K rating is the highest protection available.

IP Rating Chart