I. Choosing the Suitable IP Rating for Your Usage Environment
If your distribution cabinet is to be used in a relatively mild environment, you can opt for IP50 or IP54 ratings, which are suitable for equipment and devices with moderate protection requirements. However, if your distribution cabinet will be exposed to extreme cold conditions or frequent heavy rain and snow, you should choose IP66 or IP67 ratings, which offer waterproof capabilities to effectively safeguard your equipment. When selecting an outdoor distribution cabinet, it is crucial to consider the unique characteristics of the intended usage environment.
II. Characteristics and Application Scopes of Each Rating
IP00 Rating: Offers no protective measures and is not suitable for outdoor installation. It is only suitable for indoor applications.
IP20 Rating: Prevents the ingress of objects larger than 12.5mm in diameter and offers no waterproofing. Suitable for storing fully protected equipment and devices.
IP30 Rating: Prevents the ingress of objects larger than 2.5mm in diameter and offers no waterproofing. Suitable for equipment and devices with low protection requirements.
IP40 Rating: Prevents the ingress of objects larger than 1.0mm in diameter and offers no waterproofing. Suitable for equipment and devices with higher protection requirements.
IP50 Rating: Prevents the ingress of objects larger than 1.0mm in diameter, and provides dust-tightness and protection against dripping water. Suitable for equipment and devices with higher protection requirements.
IP54 Rating: Prevents the ingress of objects larger than 1.0mm in diameter, offers dust-tightness, and is resistant to water splashing. Suitable for equipment and devices with high protection requirements.
IP55 Rating: Prevents the ingress of objects larger than 1.0mm in diameter, offers dust-tightness and resistance to water splashing, and can withstand limited water jet exposure. Suitable for equipment and devices with stringent protection requirements.
IP65 Rating: Prevents the ingress of objects larger than 1.0mm in diameter, offers dust-tightness and resistance to water jets from any direction. Suitable for equipment and devices with very high protection requirements.
IP66 Rating: Prevents the ingress of objects larger than 1.0mm in diameter, offers dust-tightness, and is resistant to powerful water jets from any direction. Suitable for equipment and devices with extremely high protection requirements.
IP67 Rating: Prevents the ingress of objects larger than 1.0mm in diameter, offers dust-tightness and protection against immersion in water up to 1 meter in depth for a short period without affecting the equipment's normal operation. Suitable for equipment and devices with the highest protection requirements.
III. Definitions and Classifications of Outdoor Distribution Cabinet IP Ratings
According to the requirements of the International Electrotechnical Commission, outdoor distribution cabinet IP ratings are classified into ten levels: IP00, IP20, IP30, IP40, IP50, IP54, IP55, IP65, IP66, and IP67. The IP rating indicates the cabinet's ability to withstand various external hazards, such as dust, water, and mechanical impacts, while maintaining normal operation. The outdoor distribution cabinet IP rating represents the standard of protection capability achieved by the cabinet.
