IP Ratings for Industrial Machine & Status Lights
IP Ratings vs. NEMA Ratings
If you're specifying a Wash Down Stack light, Tower Light, Andon light, or CNC Machine Light, you may need to specify an IP or NEMA rating. This guide explains what each one means and provides a cross-reference chart
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IP (Ingress Protection) ratings are international (IEC 60529). NEMA ratings are North American (NEMA 250). They cover similar ground but are not interchangeable certifications — a NEMA 4 enclosure is approximately IP56, but the tests and requirements differ. |
IP Ratings — How to Read
An IP rating starts with "IP" followed by two digits — for example, IP65. The first digit (0–6) describes solid particle protection. The second digit (0–9K) describes liquid ingress protection. An "X" means that characteristic was not tested.
First Digit — Solid Particle Protection
|
Digit |
Protection |
Description |
Typical Use |
|
0 |
None |
No protection |
Dry, controlled indoor areas |
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1 |
≥ 50mm |
Protected against hands and large objects |
Basic machine enclosures |
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2 |
≥ 12.5mm |
Protected against fingers |
Consumer electronics, panels |
|
3 |
≥ 2.5mm |
Protected against tools and thick wires |
Control panels, junction boxes |
|
4 |
≥ 1mm |
Protected against small wires, screws, and insects |
Indoor lighting, enclosures |
|
5 |
Dust Protected |
Limited dust ingress — not enough to harm operation |
Factory floors, outdoor cabinets |
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6 |
Dust Tight |
Completely sealed — zero dust ingress |
Harsh environments, food processing |
Second Digit — Liquid Ingress Protection
|
Digit |
Protection |
Description |
Typical Use |
|
0 |
None |
No liquid protection |
Dry indoor only |
|
1 |
Vertical Drip |
Protected against vertical dripping water |
Above condensation sources |
|
3 |
Spray (60°) |
Protected against water spray up to 60° from vertical |
Outdoor canopies, machinery |
|
4 |
Splashing |
Protected against splashing from any direction |
Washdown areas, food processing |
|
5 |
Water Jets |
Protected against 6.3mm hose jets from any direction |
Industrial washdown, outdoor lights |
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6 |
Powerful Jets |
Protected against 12.5mm hose jets from any direction |
High-pressure washdown |
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7 |
Immersion (1m) |
Temporary immersion to 1m for 30 min |
Outdoor, below-grade enclosures |
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8 |
Immersion (>1m) |
Continuous immersion beyond 1m (manufacturer-specified) |
Submersible equipment |
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9K |
High-Pressure Jets |
High-temp, high-pressure steam/water jets (DIN 40050) |
Dairy, food/bev, chemical plants |
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NEMA Ratings
Our Lights use the IP rating system. However, there are similarities between the two systems. NEMA ratings (NEMA 250) are the North American standard and go further than IP ratings in some areas. In addition to dust and water, NEMA ratings also cover corrosion resistance, oil resistance, and hazardous location classifications — things IP ratings don't address.
IP vs. NEMA Cross-Reference Chart
Use this chart to translate between the two systems when comparing products or writing specifications.
|
NEMA Type |
≈ IP Equivalent |
Notes |
|
1 |
IP10 |
Basic indoor protection. No water rating. |
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2 |
IP11 |
Vertical drip protection — dairies, washrooms. |
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3 |
IP54 |
Adds sleet/ice resistance beyond IP54. Common for outdoor panels. |
|
3R |
IP14 |
Omits dust protection vs. NEMA 3. Outdoor meters, junction boxes. |
|
3X |
IP54 |
Adds corrosion resistance — IP ratings do not cover corrosion. |
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4 |
IP56 |
Hose-directed water resistance. Most common for stack lights & andon lights. |
|
4X |
IP56 |
Same as NEMA 4 + corrosion resistance. Specify for washdown with chemicals. |
|
5 |
IP52 |
Dust-tight, drip protection only. No outdoor use. |
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6 |
IP67 |
Occasional submersion. NEMA 6 = occasional; IP67 = 1m for 30 min. |
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6P |
IP68 |
Prolonged submersion. IP68 depth/duration is manufacturer-specified. |
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12 |
IP52 |
No outdoor use. Also covers lint and fiber ingress. |
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13 |
IP54 |
Adds oil/coolant resistance — not addressed by IP ratings. |
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Note: These are engineering equivalents, not interchangeable certifications. Always verify with the manufacturer when compliance certification is required. |
Which Rating Do You Need?
- Dry indoor factory floor: IP54 or NEMA 12 — protects against dust and incidental dripping.
- Outdoor or wet areas: IP65 or NEMA 4 — rated for rain and hose-directed water.
- Food/chemical Washdown Light: IP69K or NEMA 4X — adds corrosion resistance for aggressive cleaning agents.
- Hazardous locations (gas, vapor, combustible dust): NEMA 7 or NEMA 9 — always confirm Class and Group with your electrical engineer.
- Occasional submersion: IP67 or NEMA 6. Continuous or high-depth submersion: IP68 or NEMA 6P.
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Stack-Light.com We are here to help with your industrial lighting projects. Give us a call, a live human will answer, and be happy to assist with your project. (678) 288-9678 |