U.S ManufacturingWhat is the IP Rating System?
IP rating is a classification system used to describe the degree of protection provided by mechanical enclosures against the ingress of foreign objects and liquids. The IP rating system is based on the international standard IEC 60529 and is widely used in industrial applications to indicate the level of protection provided by equipment against environmental factors such as dust, debris, water, and other liquids.
The IP rating system consists of two digits, which indicate the degree of protection provided against solid objects and liquids, respectively. The first digit represents the level of protection against solid objects and ranges from 0 to 6, with higher numbers indicating a higher level of protection. The second digit represents the level of protection against liquids and ranges from 0 to 9, with higher numbers indicating a higher level of protection.
First Digit
The first digit indicates the level of protection against solid objects.
| First Digit | Protection Level Against Solid Objects |
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Protected against objects larger than 50 mm in diameter |
| 2 | Protected against objects larger than 12.5 mm in diameter |
| 3 | Protected against objects larger than 2.5 mm in diameter |
| 4 | Protected against objects larger than 1 mm in diameter |
| 5 | Dust-tight |
| 6 | Completely dust-tight |
Second Digit
The second digit indicates the level of protection against liquids.
| Second Digit | Protection Level Against Liquids |
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Protected against vertically falling drops of water |
| 2 | Protected against vertically falling drops of water when tilted up to 15 degrees |
| 3 | Protected against spraying water |
| 4 | Protected against splashing water |
| 5 | Protected against low-pressure jets of water from all directions |
| 6 | Protected against high-pressure jets of water from all directions |
| 7 | Protected against the effects of immersion in water up to 1 meter deep |
| 8 | Protected against the effects of immersion in water deeper than 1 meter |
| 9 | Protected against close-range high-pressure, high-temperature water jets |
IP Rating Consideration with Gearboxes
Gearboxes can be found in applications or environments that expose them to dust, debris, water, or other liquids. It is essential to choose a gearbox or gear reducer with an appropriate IP rating based on the specific application and environment in which it will be used.
It is important to note that the IP rating system is not an indication of the overall quality or performance of a gearbox or gear reducer. Rather, it is a measure of its ability to resist the ingress of foreign objects and liquids.
Most GAM servo gearboxes are rated IP64: Completely dust-tight and protected against splashing water. The SSP series planetary gearbox is designed specifically for food, medical, or other sanitary applications with exposed surfaces made of stainless steel. The SSP is rated IP66 -- making it suitable for high-pressure water-jet washdown environments often employed in sanitary applications. GAM gearboxes can be customized for a specific environment by employing treatments, coatings, paint, or materials suitable to that environment.
Conclusion
IP rating is an important factor to consider when selecting precision gearboxes and gear reducers for industrial applications. It provides a clear indication of the level of protection provided against environmental factors such as dust, debris, water, and other liquids.
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