Feature: Power
The meaning of IP ratings in
power supplies By Maximilian Hülsebusch, Global Product Marketing and Communications Manager, Puls Power
W
hen working with power supplies, engineers and electronic system
designers regularly come across an “IP rating”. Generally, this rating stands for “international protection” and indicates the extent to which an electrical device is protected against intrusion of foreign objects and moisture, which can prevent it from functioning properly. In addition to environmental influences, a power supply’s interior must be also protected from intrusion of foreign objects such as tools, screws and wires, and from accidental user contact. It’s worth knowing the types of IP
codes, their meaning, the differences between them, and what to pay attention to when choosing a power supply, especially when installed outside a cabinet. It’s crucial that this piece of equipment is used safely, so the IP rating
must be carefully selected for the conditions. Te IP code generally consist of the
abbreviation IP – also known as “ingress protection” – and two digits, for example IP20, IP54, IP67, etc. Te first digit identifies the protection against accidental contact and the intrusion of foreign objects, like sand and dust. Te second digit indicates the protection against liquids and moisture.
IP ratings in the industrial world In 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 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. Whilst IP codes relate to the intrusion of foreign objects and liquids and accidental contact, the IEC protection (or
28 November 2023
www.electronicsworld.co.uk
appliance) classes determine the structure and insulation of power supplies to protect users from electric shock; see Table 1. Te IP rating required in industrial power supplies depends on the installation site and the environmental conditions in each case. Power supply manufacturers who offer ex- stock generally only offer industry-standard products; see Table 2. If different combinations of protection
against contact and moisture are needed, it’s time to turn to customised power supplies.
The meaning of 'X' Electronic devices are oſten tested in relation to only one of the two codes for foreign objects and liquids. Te “X” indicates that the product has not been subjected to the corresponding tests for this code. Terefore, this is not a variable that can simply be replaced by any other value from the IP ratings table. For instance, a power supply with the
code IP6X offers full protection against contact and is dust-tight but has not been
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
