IP65
What is IP65?
IP65 is an international standard related to protection ratings that defines the level of protection that electric devices and enclosures have against external hazards such as dust and water. IP (Ingress Protection or International Protection) rating consists of two digits. The first digit indicates protection against solid objects, and the second digit shows protection against liquids, i.e., water. An IP65 rating means the device is fully dust-tight and resistant to water jets from various directions.
IP65 and Solid Particles
The first number, 6, refers to protection against solid objects and is the highest possible level of protection. This means the device is completely dust-tight. For machine shops and workshops, this is an important feature, as devices may be exposed to different solid particles, such as metal dust. Complete dust-tightness ensures that sensitive electronic devices, such as digital measuring instruments (for example, calipers and micrometers), are protected from harmful particles that could cause wear or operational failures.
IP65 and Liquids
The second digit, 5, denotes protection against liquids. Devices with an IP65 rating can withstand water jets from all directions. This means the devices are protected from water sprayed at them, but they may not withstand immersion in water. This is especially important in work environments where equipment is exposed to splashing liquids, such as coolants used in machining. For example, CNC machines often utilize coolants to keep cutting tools and work materials cool. IP65 protection ensures that digital measuring tools and other electronic equipment used in these situations can handle the stress caused by strong water jets.
Water Resistance Rating System
IP65 is part of the broader IP rating system, which is defined by the international standard IEC 60529. This classification system indicates the level of protection a device offers against both solid and liquid substances. Below is a summary of the different levels in the IP rating system:
Solids:
- 0: No protection
- 1: Protection against large objects (diameter 50 mm or larger)
- 2: Protection against medium-sized objects (diameter 12.5 mm or larger)
- 3: Protection against small objects (diameter 2.5 mm or larger)
- 4: Protection against very small objects (diameter 1 mm or larger)
- 5: Dust protected (not completely sealed, but harmful dust accumulation is prevented)
- 6: Complete protection, dust-tight
Liquids:
- 0: No protection from water
- 1: Protection against vertically falling drops of water
- 2: Protection against drops of water when tilted up to 15 degrees
- 3: Protection against sprays of water up to 60 degrees from the vertical
- 4: Protection against splashing water
- 5: Protection against water jets from any direction
- 6: Protection against powerful water jets from any direction
- 7: Protection against temporary immersion in water
- 8: Protection against continuous immersion in water
Applications and Importance of IP Ratings for Machine Shops
Equipment used in machine shops and workshops must withstand heavy use and varying environmental conditions. Devices with an IP65 rating, such as digital calipers and micrometers, offer reliability and durability even in dusty and damp environments. These devices are both fully dust-tight and resistant to water jets, making them ideal for demanding work conditions. This reduces downtime and ensures the production line keeps running since the equipment is better protected from environmental hazards.
Summary
The IP65 rating offers excellent protection against both dust and strong water jets, making it an ideal choice for demanding industrial environments such as machine shops and workshops. This level of protection ensures the durability and reliability of equipment, such as digital measuring tools, which in turn supports efficient and uninterrupted production. By choosing devices with an IP65 protection rating, you can be confident that they will withstand even the most challenging working conditions and help you produce high-quality end products.