Now when buying electrical products from time to time you would note that in the information it would say IP xx rates. Example for outdoor suitable devices the common rating claimed would be IP 66 which is state to have certain criteria suitable for outdoor use.
To quote a description from one website (credits listed as a link)
“IP (or “Ingress Protection”) ratings are defined in international standard EN 60529 (British BS EN 60529:1992, European IEC 60509:1989). They are used to define levels of sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosures against intrusion from foreign bodies (tools, dirt etc) and moisture.” – www.enclosurecompany.com/ip-ratings-explained.php
To quote another description from another website (credits listed as a link)
”
The IP (International Protection) Rating of a product is represented by two numbers. The first digit is the protection rating against solid foreign objects (i.e. dust) and the second digit represents the protection against the ingress of water. The ratings available and descriptions are as follows:
|
First # |
Second # |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1 |
1 |
|
2 |
2 |
|
3 |
3 |
|
4 |
4 |
|
5 |
5 |
|
6 |
6 |
|
7 |
|
|
8 |
” – http://www.codecorp.com/iprating.php
To get the most current explanation the best place of course would be to get it from the standards body itself that has ratified (created/agree/provided) these standards.
But what you need to know and be aware is that there are some standards and regulation that provide you some minimum and in most cases best protection for your purpose.
So the next time you have a product that you require for use in possibly challenging conditions do look for the one with the features most relevant to your need.
Price isn’t always a factor of quality or suitability. Read the specifications and standards adhered to.