Ingress Protection (IP) for external fittings Forums

gm6vxb

Recently bought an awning light to fit on the side of the van, not for an awning but to light up the water, gas, and EHU.
Looking at the IP rating for the unit it is IP-44. Not really suitable for external fitting on the side of the van. Can increase the rating by sealing, but suspect there are a lot of people who fit accessories that are not suitable for external use.
Have included the IP table so f you have equipment with these reatings you can at least see how poor they are Sad

IP Explanation and Ratings

EN 60529 outlines an international classification system for the sealing effectiveness of enclosures of electrical equipment against the intrusion into the equipment of foreign bodies (i.e. tools, dust, fingers) and moisture. This classification system utilizes the letters "IP" ("Ingress Protection") followed by two or three digits. (A third digit is sometimes used. An "x" is used for one of the digits if there is only one class of protection; i.e. IPX4 which addresses moisture resistance only.)

Degrees of Protection - First Digit
The first digit of the IP code indicates the degree that persons are protected against contact with moving parts (other than smooth rotating shafts, etc.) and the degree that equipment is protected against solid foreign bodies intruding into an enclosure.

0 No special protection
1 Protection from a large part of the body such as a hand (but no protection from deliberate access); from solid objects greater than 50mm in diameter.
2 Protection against fingers or other object not greater than 80mm in length and 12mm in diameter.
3 Protection from entry by tools, wires, etc., with a diameter of thickness greater than 1.0mm.
4 Protection from entry by solid objects with a diameter or thickness greater than 1.0mm
5 Protection from the amount of dust that would interfere with the operation of the equipment.
6 Dust tight.

Degrees of Protection - Second Digit
The second digit indicates the degree of protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against the harmful entry of various forms of moisture (e.g. dripping, spraying, submersion, etc.)

0 No special protection
1 Protection from dripping water.
2 Protection from vertically dripping water.
3 Protection from sprayed water.
4 Protection from splashed water.
5 Protection from water projected from a nozzle
6 Protection against heavy seas, or powerful jets of water.
7 Protection against immersion.
8 Protection against complete, continuous submersion in water.

So my awning light is IP-44 rated, suitable for outside use ??
Martin.

olley · Campsite DB Admin

Hi Martin I always use IP66 for external fittings on the van, driving at 60mph in the rain is like using a powerful jet, I wouldn't consider IP44 sufficient myself.

Olley

gm6vxb

Olley, having worked with IP68 and Ex equipment for years in an offshore sub sea environment it still suprises me how much consumer equipment is rated so low.
Can make the enclosure up to IP65 without too much trouble but just shows you only get what you pay for.

Martin.

psychology

Hi Martin

Isn't the IP rating aimed at mains voltage equipment? If your awning light operates of 12v then as long as it is basically reasonably watertight I dont imagine you should have any problems.

Russell

ICDSUN