Electrical panels are the heart of any industrial, municipal, or commercial electrical system. They house and protect vital components like circuit breakers, motor control centres (MCCs), and automation equipment. But how do you know if a panel is adequately protected against dust, moisture, or accidental contact? This is where IP ratings (Ingress Protection ratings) become essential.
What is an IP Rating?
An IP rating is an internationally recognised standard defined by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) to classify the degree of protection provided by electrical enclosures. The rating tells you how resistant an enclosure is to solids (like dust) and liquids (like water).
Each IP rating is made up of two numbers:
- First digit: Protection against solid objects and dust.
- Second digit: Protection against moisture and water.
For example, an IP65 panel means it is completely dust-tight (6) and protected against water jets (5).
Common IP Ratings for Electrical Panels
When selecting or specifying electrical panels, understanding the most common ratings is crucial:
- IP20 – Protection against solid objects larger than 12.5mm (fingers, tools), but no protection against water. Common for indoor panels in clean environments.
- IP44 – Protection against solid objects >1mm and splashing water from any direction. Suitable for light industrial or sheltered outdoor use.
- IP54 – Dust-protected and resistant to water splashes. A common choice for industrial environments with moderate exposure.
- IP65 – Fully dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets. Often used for pump stations, wastewater treatment plants, and outdoor installations.
- IP66 – Dust-tight and protected against powerful water jets. Ideal for harsh environments such as mining, coastal facilities, or exposed outdoor areas.
- IP67 – Dust-tight and resistant to immersion in water up to 1 metre. Used for critical applications requiring maximum protection.
The higher the digits, the more robust the protection. However, higher protection can also mean higher costs – so the correct rating depends on the environment and operational requirements.
Why IP Ratings Matter for Electrical Panels
Choosing the right IP rating helps ensure:
- Safety: Prevents accidental contact with live parts.
- Reliability: Protects sensitive equipment from dust and moisture that can cause malfunctions.
- Longevity: Extends the lifespan of panels and reduces maintenance costs.
- Compliance: Ensures adherence to industry standards and client specifications.
For critical infrastructure projects such as water and wastewater treatment plants, pump stations, or renewable energy facilities, selecting the right IP rating is not just good practice – it’s essential for uninterrupted service delivery.
Type Testing and Certification
Beyond IP ratings, type testing plays a vital role in verifying the quality and safety of electrical panels. Type testing involves subjecting a panel design to rigorous laboratory tests to confirm compliance with international standards (such as IEC 61439 for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies).
Key aspects of type testing include:
- Dielectric withstand tests – Ensuring insulation can handle voltage stresses.
- Temperature rise tests – Verifying that components operate safely under load.
- Short-circuit withstand tests – Proving the panel can handle fault conditions.
- Degree of protection (IP) tests – Confirming the enclosure’s resistance to dust and water.
When panels are type-tested, clients gain confidence in their performance, safety, and compliance. For municipalities, industrial plants, and mining operations, this translates into reduced downtime, improved operator safety, and reliable power distribution.
Conclusion
IP ratings and type testing are cornerstones of electrical panel design. They ensure that enclosures can withstand real-world conditions, protect valuable equipment, and deliver long-term performance.
At Servelec, we deliver tailored electrical solutions that meet stringent IP requirements and comply with international type testing standards. Whether it’s a pump station, a wastewater treatment works, or a large-scale industrial facility, our expertise ensures systems are safe, reliable, and future-ready.