What does IP65 mean?

You have been given the task of finding the best panel PC finding. Your first question might be: what does IP65 mean? IP65 is a standard that indicates that an electrical enclosure is spray-tight and resistant to dust. Read on to learn more about the standard for an IP65 computer and how it is used.

The International Electrical Commission (IEC) defines the IP Coding or Ingress Protection Code as standard IEC 60529. It classifies the degree of protection with which an enclosure protects electrical equipment from dust and other foreign objects, accidental contact and water. In the European Union, it publishes European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization this classification as EN 60529.

The first digit in an IP rating indicates the level of protection of a given enclosure against solid objects. This could be anything from fingers to small dust particles or other airborne contaminants. In the case of enclosures with an IP65 rating, 6 is the highest rating against the ingress of solid objects. This means that the product is "dust-tight" - see table below. 

The second number in an IP rating represents the enclosure's resistance to liquids. The number 5 in an IP65 enclosure indicates that it is protected against light jets of water and other liquids that are sprayed or splashed, from any angle. For reference, the IP rating for liquids goes up to number 9. An IP69-rated enclosure protects internal components from liquids even when submerged beyond 1 m or sprayed at close range with powerful water jets.

With the rise of Industry 4.0 and factory automation computer hardware is needed outside air-conditioned office spaces and deployed for challenging environments. More and more companies are using a system installed on factory floors or even outdoors. 

An IP65-rated panel PC will often be deployed in a food production factory. An IP65-rated panel PC not only protects internal components from airborne oil or fine substances, but also provides protection from water and other products used during cleaning.  

There are important differences to consider when it comes to IP ratings. In some cases, only part of an electrical enclosure may be resistant to dust or moisture ingress. Many panel PCs only have an IP rating on the front panel; proper installation protects against dust and liquids, which is often sufficient for many applications. Fully IP-rated systems, on the other hand, can be exposed to the elements from any angle.

IP65 is not waterproof - it is water resistant. You cannot submerge products with an IP65 rating. Sometimes manufacturers claim that their device is water resistant, but have not performed IEC testing to the standard. Make sure your device has been tested to the international standard if it applies to you. 

Something that is weatherproof can withstand exposure to inclement weather without damage or loss of function. IP65 focuses only on the ability to withstand dust and some exposure to water. IP65 ratings do not take into account lightning, hail, sunlight, wind or other weather conditions. If resistance to all elements is required for your application, we recommend additional layers of protection for your computer, including a NEMA rated housing.

Now that you have a clear idea of what IP ratings mean, you can read our blog about the best HMI solution reading. Be sure to check out our selection of panel PCs, with options for capacitive or resistive HMIs, IP65 enclosures and in sunlight-readable displays.  

The IP69K rating is currently the highest level of protection a product can have. The '6' and '9K' in the IP69K rating mean that the system is dust-tight and provides protection against high-pressure water jets and high temperatures from multiple angles and up close. Because of the high level of protection offered by IP69K, it is often used for applications where hygiene is the priority and where equipment must be rinsed regularly and thoroughly, such as in pharmaceutical, chemical, waste and food production applications.

The Tacton series panel PCs from OnLogic is an example of hardware that has an IP66 or IP69K rating, depending on the touchscreen selected.

If you're looking for an IP-rated solution, make sure you consider your protection needs. Implementing a system with a lower rating could lead to particle or liquid ingress that could cause your computers to fail. Too high a rating could mean you are using too high-end technology and possibly spending more than necessary. If you would like to discuss problems with dust, water or other intrusion in your environment, contact our technical sales team for help finding the solution that works for you.