The IP rating is made up of two letters and two numbers.
Better safe than sorry: IP ratings and protection classes
Electrical devices are used in a wide variety of environments and are therefore exposed to different stresses - this is equally the case with LEAB's mobile power solutions as in all other areas where electrical engineering is used. To minimise hazards during use, there are official standards that must be observed during production. We are talking about IP ratings and protection classes.
What is the IP rating?
The best-known rating is made up of the letters IP (International Protection) and two digits - for example IP21. The digits indicate the extent to which foreign bodies and humidity are prevented from penetrating the inside of the device. This is not a two-digit number, it describes two different properties.
What do the digits of the IP rating mean?
First digit (0-6): Protection against foreign bodies and contact
0: Not protected
1: Protected against contact with large areas (e.g. back of the hand)
2: Protected against contact with the finger
3: Protected against contact with tools and wires with a diameter of up to 2.5 mm
4: Protected against contact with tools and wires with a diameter of up to 1 mm
5: Complete protection against contact, dust-protected
6: Complete protection against contact, complete protection against dust ingress (dust-tight)
Second digit (0-9): Protection against water and humidity
0: Not protected
1: Protected against dripping water
2: Protected against dripping water falling at an angle (up to 15°)
3: Protected against water spray against the vertical (up to 60°)
4: Protected against water spray from all sides
5: Protected against water jets (nozzle, from all directions)
6: Protected against strong water jets (temporary flooding)
7: Protected against temporary submersion
8: Protected against permanent submersion
9: Protected from water during high-pressure or steam jet cleaning
To put it simply: The higher the first digit, the greater the protection against contact and foreign bodies. And the higher the second digit, the better the protection of the device against water and humidity. However, the IP rating does not tell you how well you are protected from the device. That is what the protection classes are for.
What is a protection class?
The protection classes describe the different types of protection of equipment and the measures against dangerous body currents. In other words: How high must the protection against electric shock be during operation? The classification is based on the voltage, the type of equipment and its characteristics. To put it simply: A cooker is more dangerous than a remote-controlled car and must therefore offer better protection. There are three approved categories for the classification in Germany.
What is the significance of protection classes I, II and III?
Protection class I (with protective earth)
All metal parts of electrical equipment that can carry voltage during operation and maintenance in the event of a fault must be conductively connected to the earth conductor.
Examples: Fridge, cooker
Protection class II (with protective insulation)
Protection against accidental contact is ensured by protective insulation. No conductive components of the electrical appliance may be led out.
Examples: Power tool, hair dryer
Protection class III (safety extra-low voltage)
Protection class III describes electrical equipment where protection is provided by extra-low voltage (voltage equal to or less than 50 VAC or 120 VDC).
Example: Children's toys, small electrical appliances
Safe solutions designed for you
Our solutions for reliable mobile power supply consist of several devices that feed, charge, store and supply power. The individual components are manufactured to different IP ratings and classes, depending on their function and place of use. Some of our chargers are available in different protection classes, for example.
It is best to contact us personally to find the ideal solution for your needs in the field of mobile power supply. We not only produce in series, but also completely customised for you.