Gearbox Protection Rating Explanation

Gearbox Protection Rating Explanation

The protection rating for gearboxes is based on the international standard recommended by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), known as the IP (Ingress Protection) code. The protection rating varies depending on the installation environment, and the IP code is formulated by IEC to classify electrical devices based on their ability to resist dust and moisture.

The IP code consists of two digits:

• The first digit represents the protection level against solid objects (dust, debris, etc.).
• The second digit represents the protection level against liquid (water, moisture, etc.).

Here is a detailed explanation of the two digits:

First Digit: Protection Against Solid Objects

• 0: No protection. No specific protection against solid objects.
• 1: Protection against objects larger than 50 mm (e.g., the back of a hand). Prevents accidental contact with live or moving parts but doesn’t prevent intentional contact.
• 2: Protection against objects larger than 12 mm (e.g., fingers). Prevents fingers from contacting live or moving parts.
• 3: Protection against objects larger than 2.5 mm (e.g., tools or wires). Prevents contact with live or moving parts by objects such as tools, metal wires, etc.
• 4: Protection against objects larger than 1 mm (e.g., small tools). Prevents small tools or wires from making contact with live or moving parts.
• 5: Dust protection. Prevents the entry of dust in amounts that could affect the normal operation of the device. Fully protects against contact with live or moving parts.
• 6: Totally dustproof. No dust can enter, and no contact with live or moving parts is possible.

Second Digit: Protection Against Liquids

• 0: No protection. No specific protection against liquid.
• 1: Drip protection. Vertically falling water drops should not penetrate the product.
• 2: Drip protection at 15°. Water drops falling at a 15° angle from vertical should not penetrate the product.
• 3: Protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle of 60° from the vertical should not penetrate the product.
• 4: Protection against splashing water. Splashing water from any direction should not have harmful effects on the product.
• 5: Protection against water jets. Water jets from any direction should not have harmful effects on the product.
• 6: Protection against powerful water jets. Strong water jets or rough seawater should not have harmful effects on the product.
• 7: Protection against immersion. The product can be submerged in water for a specified time and pressure without harmful effects.
• 8: Protection against long-term immersion. The product can be submerged in water at specified pressure for extended periods without harmful effects.

Example: IP68

• 6: Completely dustproof (no dust can enter the device).
• 8: The highest level of water protection. The device is fully sealed and can operate underwater without any issues.