IP Rating
GlossaryDefinition
An IP rating (Ingress Protection rating) is an international standard defined by IEC 60529 that classifies how well an enclosure protects internal components from solid objects (such as dust) and liquids (such as water).
An IP rating consists of two digits:
- First digit (0–6): Protection against solid objects and dust
- Second digit (0–9): Protection against water ingress
Higher ratings indicate stronger protection.
Context
In Vikinor’s outdoor and industrial solutions, IP ratings are fundamental to ensuring long-term reliability and safety.
Telecom cabinets, power enclosures, and cooling systems are often deployed in harsh environments — exposed to rain, dust, humidity, temperature changes, and pollution.
By designing enclosures that meet IP55, IP65, or higher, Vikinor ensures sensitive electronics remain protected while maintaining proper thermal management and service accessibility.
Technical insight
IP ratings are verified through standardized laboratory testing under controlled conditions.
Examples of common ratings include:
IP55
- Dust-protected (limited ingress permitted)
- Protected against water jets from any direction
IP65
- Dust-tight (no ingress)
- Protected against low-pressure water jets
Achieving higher IP ratings requires careful integration of:
- High-quality gaskets
- Sealed cable entries and interfaces
- Pressure-equalizing membrane vents
- Robust enclosure design and material selection
Vikinor engineers balance protection requirements with cooling performance, ensuring airflow and heat dissipation do not compromise enclosure integrity.
Key advantages
- Protects electronics from dust, water, and environmental exposure
- Reduces risk of corrosion and electrical failure
- Extends equipment lifespan and reliability
- Ensures compliance with international standards
- Enables deployment in harsh outdoor conditions
Applications
- Outdoor telecom cabinets and base stations
- Power and battery enclosures
- Cooling units integrated into sealed systems
- Industrial control panels
- Energy and utility infrastructure
FAQ
IP55 allows limited dust ingress and protects against water jets, while IP65 is completely dust-tight and provides stronger protection against water jets.
Higher protection improves environmental resistance, but it must be balanced with thermal management and service requirements — something Vikinor designs for at system level.
Yes. IP ratings are widely used to specify enclosure suitability for outdoor and industrial environments.
