IP Ratings: Ingress Protection or International Protection — Does it Really Matter
If you’ve ever peeked at an electrical enclosure or gadget specification, you’ve probably seen something like IP65 stamped on the side. But what does it actually mean? And why do some people call it Ingress Protection while others say International Protection? Let’s untangle this in a friendly, no-nonsense way.
What is an IP rating?
An IP rating is a standardized way to describe how well an enclosure protects its contents from solids (like dust) and liquids (like water). The letters IP are followed by two numbers — the first for solids, the second for liquids.
Example: IP65
First digit (6) = dust tight
Second digit (5) = protected against water jets
In short, it tells you how safe the inside of the box is — and, indirectly, how safe you are when you touch it!
Ingress or International? The terminology debate
Here’s where things get interesting: what exactly does IP stand for?
Some older IEC standards and formal technical documents describe it as International Protection.
In modern industry usage — including most product datasheets and installation guides — it’s commonly called Ingress Protection because it describes the purpose: protecting against ingress of solids and liquids.
The truth? Both terms point to the same rating system. Think of it like calling a fizzy drink “soda” or “pop” — different words, same product.
Where these terms appear
Standards: The IP system is defined in IEC 60529 and adopted in Europe as EN 60529 (and in the UK as BS EN 60529). These documents set the testing methods and protection levels. Early editions sometimes used International Protection, but the meaning has never changed.
UK Wiring Regulations (BS 7671): IP ratings are referenced to ensure enclosures are suitable for environments like bathrooms, outdoors, or industrial sites.
Manufacturers and datasheets: Most now use Ingress Protection because it immediately communicates what the rating is about — stopping things from getting in.
Why it’s mostly a moot point
Whether you say Ingress Protection or International Protection, the numbers mean the same thing. IP66 is still dust-tight and safe against strong water jets. IP44 still shields against solid objects bigger than 1 mm and splashes of water.
In other words, the debate is largely semantic — like arguing over whether a “cup” or “mug” holds your coffee. The protection level doesn’t change, just the name.
Bottom line
IP ratings = the same regardless of term.
Ingress Protection = modern, descriptive, commonly used in datasheets and guides.
International Protection = formal, historical, sometimes seen in standards.
So next time someone asks if your IP rating is “International” or “Ingress,” smile, give them the numbers, and reassure them: the electronics inside are just as safe either way.
A little extra tip
If you’re specifying equipment or checking compliance, always refer to IEC/EN/BS EN 60529 for the testing criteria. The letters are just the icing on the cake — it’s the numbers that really matter.
What Next…
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Many thanks, Alex and Sam