Explaining IP ratings

What are IP ratings?

Jet Black Fan Systems often have to deal with industries requiring daily washdown protocol, and therefore needing an appropriately IP rated fan.

It is evident that it can be confusing for many, and therefore we decided to do a quickfire blog for you explaining the IP rating for electrical equipment.
IP rating, also known as Ingress Protection rating, is a system used to classify and rate the level of protection that a device or enclosure has against the intrusion of solid objects, dust, water, and other foreign bodies. The rating system was established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

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What do the 2 digits mean?

The IP rating consists of two digits. The first digit indicates the level of protection against solid objects, while the second digit indicates the level of protection against liquids. The higher the number, the greater the protection.

For example, an IP68 rating means that the device is completely dust-tight (the first digit is 6) and can withstand continuous immersion in water at a depth of more than 1 meter (the second digit is 8). An IP44 rating means that the device is protected against solid objects larger than 1mm (the first digit is 4) and splashing water from any direction (the second digit is 4).

IP rating is often used to determine the suitability of devices and enclosures for various applications, such as outdoor and industrial environments, where they may be exposed to dust, water, and other environmental factors.

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Why does it show an X?

If your IP rated equipment shows with an "x" instead of a number, this means it hasnt been tested, therefore no rating applies. For example, IPX5 means it is rated for water ingress but not dust ingress. IP5X means it is rated for dust ingress but not water ingress.

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What IP rated HVLS fans do Jet Black Fan Systems offer?

Jet Black Fan Systems have a range of IP rated fans, from IP20 for indoor home ceiling fans, to IP68 for washdown facility such as meat works warehouses. Our standard commercial and industrial ceiling fans offer an IP55 rating. You can find our IP65 wall fan here and our IP68 Industrial Ceiling Fan here.

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For further questions around what IP rating you need for your fan, contact the knowledgeable team at Jet Black Fan Systems today.