IP ratings: A guide to select the best machine for your industrial environment

Videojet Knowledge Hub Team

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January 19, 2026

IP ratings, protection, industrial environment

IP ratings define how well industrial equipment is protected against dust and water, ensuring reliability, safety, and compliance in challenging environments. Understanding these ratings helps manufacturers and operators choose the right machines to prevent damage, reduce downtime, and extend equipment life.

What are IP ratings and why do they matter?

IP or ‘Ingress Protection’ ratings are standardized codes that identify the protection a piece of equipment has against intrusion of solid particles (dust) and liquid (water). These ratings are critical in industrial environments where equipment and electronic components can be exposed to challenging conditions.

IP ratings are defined in IEC 60529, which is an international standard that rates the resistance of enclosures of electric and electronic devices against the intrusion of dust and liquids. It also rates how easy it is to access the potentially hazardous parts inside the enclosure. IEC 60529 ratings allow manufacturers to sell their products in Europe and other areas outside of North America.

How does the IP code system work?

The standard uses an IP code to rate the degree of protection, which consists of the letters “IP” followed by one or two digits. The first digit describes the protection against solid particles, while the second digit indicates the protection against water or other liquids. For example, IP65 means dust-tight and resistant to water jets.

Level of protection against solid particles

IPXX

Level of protection against water

What is the level of protection against solid particles?

The first digit in the IP code ranges from 0 (no protection) to 6 (dust-tight). Higher numbers mean better protection against dust and solid objects.

What is the level of protection against water?

The second digit ranges from 0 (no protection) to 8 (continuous immersion). Each level specifies how the enclosure resists water under different conditions.

Why are IP ratings important for industrial equipment?

Choosing the right IP rating prevents dust and moisture damage, reduces downtime, extends equipment life, and ensures operator safety.

 If the IP rating of an enclosure is not considered,

• dust can collect on components and act as an insulator.
• moving parts such as fans could get clogged by accumulated dust.
• dust on removable pieces can interrupt electrical contacts.
• depending on humidity and dust levels, electrical components may operate improperly or short out.
• parts could overheat, leading to advanced failure or degraded performance.

Regarding liquids,

• moisture can be drawn into the machine and settle on components, causing corrosion and rust.
• If too much moisture enters the enclosure, electrical components may operate improperly or short out.
• Excess moisture can lead to premature failure of parts or cause them to not function optimally.
• Enclosures with an IP65 rating are suitable for dirty or dusty conditions and wash-down environments.

What is the difference between IP54 and IP65 ratings?

Two of the most common IP ratings for industrial equipment are IP54 and IP65.

• IP54: Dust-protected and resistant to water splashes.
• IP65: Dust-tight and resistant to water jets.

The IP54 rating level with a leading digit of 5 means that for solid particle protection, the equipment is dust protected. The enclosure provides complete protection from contact and prevents large quantities of dust from entering. The second digit of 4 indicates protection is provided against water splashing against the enclosure from any direction. Enclosures carrying an IP54 rating are suitable for “moderately” dusty environments or settings where water may splash on the outside of the equipment.

For IP65 the first digit of 6 in this rating level means the sold particle protection provided is dust tight, with complete protection from contact and no entry of dust. The second digit being 5 means the enclosure is protected against water projected by jets coming from any direction.

Why should you consider IP ratings when selecting equipment?

Selecting equipment with appropriate IP ratings is vital in industrial settings for several reasons:

• Operational reliability: Ensuring that machinery can withstand environmental factors helps prevent unexpected downtime and maintains productivity.
• Longevity: Proper protection against dust and water helps extend the life of equipment, reducing the need for recurring parts replacement and repairs.
• Safety: Preventing harmful particles and liquids from entering equipment helps safeguard both the machinery and the operators, minimizing risks of electrical hazards and malfunctions.
• Compliance: Adhering to industry standards and regulations is essential for legal and operational reasons, helping ensure that the equipment meets safety and performance requirements.

What IP protection levels do Videojet systems offer?

Videojet continuous inkjet printers, laser marking systems, thermal transfer printers, and labeling solutions deliver varying degrees of IP protection. Most systems are available with IP54 as standard with the option to upgrade to IP65 classification.

IP rating chart: Dust and water protection levels

Explore our full range of IP-rated printers and labeling solutions.

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