Skip to main content

Protection against contact and penetration of water and dirt

Computers and monitors often have to work reliably for many years in difficult environmental conditions. Dirt, germs, bacteria, dust and moisture can only rarely be kept out completely.

In addition, it is almost impossible to avoid improper contact with foreign bodies or other objects, particularly in the operating theater.

The IP ratings specify the extent to which an electrical component can be exposed to environmental influences without being damaged or constituting a safety hazard.

In medically sensitive areas, an appropriate IP rating guarantees appropriate IP protection for both the equipment and the patient, as the equipment can safely be cleaned with standard hospital disinfectants.

First digit:
ingress of solid objects

IP Second digit:
ingress of liquids
0 No protection against contact or ingress of solid objects 0 No protection against ingress of liquids
1 Protected against solid objects with a diameter >50 mm 1 Protected against vertically falling drops of water
2 Protected against solid objects with a diameter >12 mm 2 Protected against vertically falling drops of water with enclosure tilted up to 15° from the vertical
3 Protected against solid objects with a diameter >2.5 mm 3 Protected against sprays of water up to 60° from the vertical
4 Protected against solid objects with a diameter >1 mm 4 Protected against sprays of water
5 Fully protected against contact, protected against dust deposits in the interior 5 Protected against jets of water from all directions
6 Fully protected against contact, protected against ingress of dust 6 Protected against ingress of water if briefly submerged
7   7 Protected against the effects of immersion in water for short periods
8   8 Protected against the effects of immersion in water for long periods
9   9 Protected against the ingress of water from all directions, also from high-pressure water jets directed at the enclosure (high-pressure/steam cleaner, 80-100 bar)