What are IP protection types and IP protection classes?
The IP protection type (IP = Ingress Protection) of plug and socket devices indicates the influences against which the devices are protected - e.g. ingress of foreign bodies, dust and water. This is essential for the safe handling of electrical systems.
The term protection class refers to safety measures designed to protect against voltage or electric shock and thus against an electrical accident.
IP - Protection types
CEE plugs and sockets always need to operate reliably. Therefore they are subject to certain protective types. IP (ingress protection) types specify the degree of protection. Every IP protective type consists of two numbers. They indicate how well the inside of the device is protected aginst penetration through the device enclosure. The first number indicates the protections against touching, debris and dust. The second number indicates the protection against water. Every combination of numbers is defined by the European standard DIN EN/IEC 60529.
Receptacles and connectors have to conform to the protective type when connected and disconnected. Plugs and inlets have to be protected according to the protective type when they are connected to their counterpart (connector or receptacle).
All CEE plugs and sockets have to conform to IP44 or IP67, CEE plugs and sockets with a rated current of 100/125 A always need IP67 protection. Where receptacles with a rated current of 100/125 A are integrated into an enclosure, the entire structure needs to have IP 44 protection.
Ordinary SCHUKO® receptacles in accordance with DIN VDE 0620 and DIN 49440 ff. can only conform to IP 44 protection when the hinged lid is fully closed, because their structural shape makes it impossible to avoid ingress of water at the protective conductor.
A label on our plugs and receptacles indicates the respective protective type.
This chart shows an overview of all IP protective types in accordance with DIN EN/IEC 60529 (for information about protective classes see further below):
In addition to product solutions in IP44 or IP67, we also offer particularly robust and switched and interlocked CEE receptacles as well as plugs and connectors with IP67 / IP69 protection. These plugs and sockets remain watertight when submerged or subjected to high-pressure cleaning.
With conventional SCHUKO® receptacles in accordance with DIN VDE 0620 and DIN 49440 ff., it is particularly important to note that, due to their design, they can only meet the IP44 degree of protection when the hinged cover is closed, as the ingress of water cannot be prevented in the area of the protective contact.
In addition to SCHOKO® receptacles with the specified IP44 protection type, we also offer receptacles to SCHUKO® standard with IP68 protection type for use in wet environments, such as harbors, swimming pools or outdoor areas.
Our plugs and sockets are labeled with the respective protection class. You can find a detailed overview of the different types of protection and the meaning of the individual codes in our practical table on IP protection classes.
Table IP protection types
| 1st number of the code | ||
|---|---|---|
| IEC 60529 | Enclosure protected against ingress of | Protection against contact with |
| 0 | no protection | no protection |
| 1 | Solid body larger than 50 mm | Back of hand |
| 2 | Solid body larger than 12.5 mm | Finger |
| 3 | Solid body larger than 2.5 mm | Tool |
| 4 | Solid body larger than 1 mm | Wire |
| 5 | Dust in harmful quantities | Complete protection against contact |
| 6 | Dust overall | Complete protection against contact |
| 2nd number of the code | |
|---|---|
| IEC 60529 | Protection against water |
| 0 | no protection |
| 1 | Drop of water falling vertically |
| 2 | Drop of water falling vertically on enclosure inclined by up to 15° |
| 3 | Protection against falling spray water up to 60° against the vertical |
| 4 | Protection against splashing water on all sides |
| 5 | Protection against water jets (nozzle) from any angle |
| 6 | Protection against strong water jets |
| 7 | Protection against temporary submersion |
| 8 | Protection against permanent submersion |
| 9 | Protection against water during high-pressure/steam jet cleaning, special agriculture |
IP - Protection classes
IP protection classes according to DIN EN 61140 / VDE0140-1
Protection classes describe the safety measures that protect against dangerous voltages/electrical shock and thus against an electrical accident. There are four protection classes: 0, 1, 2 and 3.
0: no additional protection apart from basic insulation
1: Protective earthing
2: Protective insulation
3: Protective extra-low voltage
The protection classes for all electrical equipment are defined in the DIN EN/IEC 61140 and VDE 0140-1 standards. The symbols to be used to identify the equipment are defined in the standard DIN EN/IEC 60417.
