What is a Power Supply’s IP Rating?
The popularity of outdoor electronics has brought the subject of a power supply’s IP (Ingress Protection) rating from almost obscurity to an everyday question. I frequently get asked about it, so I thought it would be nice subject to cover in our blog.
The IP Rating Code consists of the letters ‘IP’ and two numbers as defined in the tables below.
The first number indicates the product’s protection level against the ingress of solid objects or dust. The second number indicates the power supply’s protection against the ingress of water or other liquids.
Solids or Dust
| Level | Size of Object | Type of Object |
|---|---|---|
| X | Test not made | Test not made |
| 0 | N/A | No protection |
| 1 | 50mm or larger | Large body surfaces* |
| 2 | 12.5mm or larger | Fingers |
| 3 | 2.5mm or larger | Small tools |
| 4 | 1mm or larger | Screws |
| 5 | Dust protected | – |
| 6 | Dust tight | – |
* Does not include deliberate body part contact
Liquids
| Level | Protected against |
|---|---|
| X | Test not made |
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Water dripping vertically |
| 2 | Water dripping at an angle |
| 3 | Spray water up to 60° from vertical |
| 4 | Splashing water from any angle |
| 5 | Low pressure water jets |
| 6 | Strong spray jets, heavy seas (ship decks) |
| 7 | Temporary immersion (up to 1m) |
| 8 | Permanent immersion (deeper than 1m) |
LED power supplies, or drivers as they are often referred to, have ratings of IP66 – take the AL series from TDK-Lambda, for example. Referring to the charts above, an IP66 rating means the unit has ingress protection from Dust and Strong Jet Sprays of Water.
