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What does IP protection mean?

The IP protection rating (Ingress Protection) is a key parameter to determine the resistance of an electrical device or machinery to intrusion of solid particles, dust and liquids (such as water). This parameter is defined by the international standard IEC 60529, which was issued by CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization). In practice, the IP degree of protection is expressed by a code consisting of the acronym "IP" followed by two digits and, in some cases, an optional letter.

 

The first digit of the code indicates the level of protection against ingress of solid particles, on a scale from 0 to 6, where 0 represents the absence of protection and 6 indicates the maximum protection against dust. The second digit, on the other hand, concerns protection against liquid ingress on a scale of 0 to 9, where 0 means no protection and 9 represents maximum protection, even against high pressure and temperature water jets.

Conveyor belt scales, used in production environments that often have high humidity conditions, direct contact with food or need intensive sanitization, must be designed with an appropriate IP protection degree. For example, a IP54 rated checkweigher such as the Nemesis C-series checkweigher is dust resistant and can be cleaned with a damp cloth or light water spray. 

 

In particularly wet production environments, such as meat or fish processing, it is essential that conveyor belt scales are constructed with an IP66 degree of protection. The G-series checkweigher, for example, offers complete protection against dust and water, but also the possibility of cleaning all machine components, including belts, with powerful water jets. When working in extremely harsh environments, such as the canning industry, where machines must be completely sanitized with high pressure and temperature water jets, an IP69K protection rating is required. This level, guaranteed by the R-series checkweigher, represents the highest possible protection and requires advanced technical solutions such as chain belts, a protective cabin for the control panel and pressurized motors.