Type of protection
The types of protection for electrical operating equipment (e.g. electric motor) are specified in DIN EN ISO 60529. They encompass protection against accidental contact, foreign bodies, and water. The internationally agreed types of protection start with the code IP ("International Protection), which is followed by two digits. The first digit specifies the protection provided by the enclosure with respect to physical contact or foreign bodies, and the second number specifies the protection against moisture. See Fig. 1 Type of protection
| Type of protection | Protection against accidental contact | Protection against foreign bodies | Protection against water |
| IP 00 | None | None | None |
| IP 02 | Dripping water no more than 15 degrees to the vertical | ||
| IP 11 | Large-area contact | Large solid foreign bodies measuring over 50 mm in diameter | Dripping water directly from above |
| IP 12 | Dripping water no more than 15 degrees to the vertical | ||
| IP 13 | Spray water no more than 60 degrees to the vertical | ||
| IP 21 | Contact with fingers | Medium-sized solid foreign bodies measuring over 12 mm in diameter | Dripping water directly from above |
| IP 22 | Dripping water no more than 15 degrees to the vertical | ||
| IP 23 | Spray water no more than 60 degrees to the vertical | ||
| IP 44 | Contact with tool or similar | Small solid foreign bodies measuring over 1 mm in diameter | Splashing water from all directions |
| IP 54 | Complete protection against contact | Harmful dust accumulation | Splashing water from all directions |
| IP 55 | Water jets from all directions | ||
| IP 56 | Temporary flooding |
Fig. 1 Type of protection: Overview of types of protection for electric motors in accordance with DIN EN 60529:2014-09
Special types of protection are designated by the letters W (weather protection) and R (pipe connection for motor cooling).
