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Comparison of IEC IP and UL/NEMA TYPE Ratings
NEMA 250 and UL 50 specify requirements and test for the degree of protection against entry as well as environmental conditions such
as falling dirt, ice, corrosion, oil and coolants whereas IEC 60529 does not have such requirements. Different rating requirements make
comparison difficult and disagreements are common.

The IEC designation consists of the letters IP followed by to numerals. The first number indicates the degree and solid foreign objects
entering the enclosure. The second number indicates the degree of protection provided by the enclosure with respect to the harmful
ingress of water.

CAUTION IS NECESSARY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO EQUATE IEC AND UL/NEMA ENCLOSURE RATINGS BECAUSE AN EXACT EQUIVALENCE IS
NOT POSSIBLE.

IP "TYPE" RATED ENCLOSURES IP

First Second
Character 1 2 3 3R 3S 4 4X 5 6 6P 12 12K 13 Character
IP0_ IP_0
IP1_ IP_1
IP2_ IP_2
IP3_ IP_3
IP4_ IP_4
IP5_ IP_5
IP6_ IP_6
IP_7
IP_8
A B A B A B A B A B A B A B A B A B A B A B A B A B

A = IP First Character B = IP Second Character

A shaded block in the ‘A’ column indicates that the enclosure A shaded block in the ‘B’ column indicates that the
TYPE exceeds the requirements for the respective IEC 60529 enclosure TYPE exceeds the requirements for the
IP first character designation. The IP first character respective IEC 60529 IP second character designa-
designation is the protection against access to hazardous tion. The IP second character designation is the pro-
parts and solid foreign material. tection against the ingress of water.

UL/NEMA Type Ratings IEC IP Ratings

Type 4X IP65
For indoor or outdoor use. To preovide protection against Protected from total dust ingrees. Protected from low
windblown rain and dust, splashing or hose directed water, pressure water jets.
and external formation of ice. Corrosion resistant.
IP66
Type 12 Protected from total dust ingrees. Protected from high
For indoor use. To provide protection against dust, falling dirt, pressure water jets.
dripping non-corrosive liquids, lint,fibers, external condensation
of non-corrosive liquids and light splashing water. IP67
Protected from total dust ingrees. Protected from immersion
Type 13 between 15 centimeters and 1 meter depth.

For indoor use primarily to provide a deghree of protection

against dust, spraying of water, oil and non-corrosive coolant. IP69K
Protected from total dust ingrees. Protected from high
temperature, high pressure water jets.