Feature: Power
What is the meaning of the IP ratings
for power supplies? By Maximilian Hülsebusch, Global Product Marketing & Communications Manager, PULS Power
T
he IP rating indicates to what extent an electrical device is protected against the intrusion of foreign objects and moisture. In this blog post, you can find out
which IP codes there are, what the differences are between them and what you need to pay attention to when choosing a power supply. Environmental influences such as dust
or moisture can prevent the electrical components in a power supply from functioning correctly. In addition, the interior of the power supply may need to be protected from intrusion by foreign objects, such as tools, screws and wires, and from accidental contact by the user. It is important to pay attention to the IP code (international protection code), particularly when power supplies are installed outside a cabinet. Te power supply can only be used safely, and costly downtime can only be avoided if the IP rating is suitable for the conditions.
What IP codes are there? Te IP code generally consist of the abbreviation IP (international protection or sometimes ingress protection) and two digits (for example, IP20, IP54, IP67 etc.). Te first digit identifies the protection against accidental contact and the intrusion
20 February 2025
www.electronicsworld.co.uk
of foreign objects, like sand and dust into the device. Te second digit indicates the protection against liquids and moisture. In the case of industrial power
supplies, DIN EN 60529 is the relevant standard for determining the IP rating. Te ISO 20653:2013 standard is also frequently used for road vehicles. However, it only applies to electrical components in vehicles
that need additional protection against pressure washing, for example with a steam cleaner. In the context of power supplies, IP codes
are occasionally confused with protection classes. While IP codes relate to the intrusion of foreign objects and liquids and to accidental contact, the IEC protection (or appliance) classes determine the structure
Table 1
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54
