Why are some products double coded with two IP ratings (like IP65 / IP67)?

The second characteristic numeral in an IP designation indicates the degree of protection provided by enclosures with respect to harmful effects on the equipment due to the ingress of water.

5 => Water projected in jets against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.

7=> Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible when the enclosure is temporarily immersed in water under standardized conditions of pressure and time.

Please note that as per IEC-60529, up to -and including- second characteristic numeral (6), the designation implies compliance also with the requirements for all lower characteristic numerals.

An enclosure designated with only one IP rating with second characteristic numeral (7) or (8) is considered unsuitable for exposure to water jets [designated by second characteristic numeral (5) or (6)] and need not comply with requirements for numeral (5) or (6) unless it is dual coded as below:

- IP65/IP67

- IP66/IP67

- IP65/IP68

- IP65/IP68

This is why we label many of our products with dual codes like these to indicate that they are tested for both water jets and water immersion.

Released for:Schneider Electric South Africa