The protection class indicates the suitability of electrical equipment (for example devices, luminaires, installation material) for various environmental conditions, in addition to the protection of people against potential hazards when using them.
With regard to their suitability for different environmental conditions, systems are divided into corresponding protection classes, so-called IP codes (International Protection).
The protection class designation always consists of the letters IP followed by a two-digit number.
The first digit of this number indicates the extent of protection a system offers with regard to contact or foreign bodies.
The following table explains the meaning of the first digit in the protection class designation:
Note:
Each degree of protection must be considered individually. A higher degree of protection does not automatically include a lower one.