What is IEC class

IEC stands for International Electrotechnical Commission. It is an international standardization organization that develops and publishes standards for various electrical, electronic, and related technologies. One of the important standards defined by IEC is the classification of equipment based on their protection against solid objects and liquids.

Understanding IEC's Classification System

The IEC classification system, also known as the IP (Ingress Protection) code, consists of two digits. The first digit refers to the level of protection against solid objects, such as dust or debris. The second digit indicates the degree of protection against liquids, like water or other liquids with different levels of intrusion.

Breaking Down the First Digit

The first digit in IEC classification ranges from 0 to 6, each representing a specific level of protection. A higher number denotes a better protection level against solid objects. Here are the details:

Level 0: No special protection against solid objects.

Level 1: Protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm.

Level 2: Protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm.

Level 3: Protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm.

Level 4: Protection against solid objects larger than 1 mm.

Level 5: Dust protected. Limited ingress of dust is permitted but should not interfere with the operation of the equipment.

Level 6: Dust tight. No ingress of dust is permitted.

Decoding the Second Digit

The second digit in IEC classification ranges from 0 to 9, indicating the level of protection against liquids. Like the first digit, a higher number indicates a better protection level. The detailed breakdown is as follows:

Level 0: No special protection against liquids.

Level 1: Protection against vertically falling water droplets.

Level 2: Protection against water sprays up to 15 degrees from vertical.

Level 3: Protection against sprays up to 60 degrees from vertical.

Level 4: Protection against water splashes from any direction.

Level 5: Protection against water jets from any direction.

Level 6: Protection against powerful water jets or waves.

Level 7: Protection against temporary immersion in water.

Level 8: Protection against continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.

Level 9: Protection against high-pressure and high-temperature water.