hen we talk about IP code (International Protection) we talk about an international standard (IEC 60529) which classifies the protection against external factors, solid or liquid, that has a component or electronic device; LED strips, controllers, meters, security cameras, etc.

This alpha-numerically standard has been designed to sort different levels of protection. Nomenclature starts with IP followed by two numeric values.

- Example IP68:

The first value ranges from 0 to 6 and indicates the protection against solid agents. In this case, strong protection against dust.

The second value is between 0 and 8 and indicates the protection against liquid agents. In this case the complete and prolonged immersion during the time specified by the manufacturer.

We could say that the larger the number is greater IP protection has a device.

In below table, we can see different IP protections levels available.

IPXX	First digit (IPxx)	Second digit (IPxx)
0	Unprotected.	Unprotected.
1	Protection against objects of> 50 mm diameter.	Protection against vertically dripping water.
2	Protection against objects of> 12.5 mm diameter.	Protection against inclined drip water up to 15°.
3	Protection against objects of> 2 mm in diameter.	Protection against water projected from any direction, up to 60°.
4	Protection against objects of> 1 mm in diameter.	Protection against splashing water any direction.
5	Ingress of dust is not entirely revented, but it must not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment .	Protection against water jets.
6	Dust tight.	Protection against strong jets of water.
7		Protection against complete immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
8		Protection against complete and prolonged immersion.

Although it seems very complicated nomenclature IP standards is only a division in double digits, where each digit indicates that it is being served to meet these regulations. For the first digit would be: 5 ingress of dust can not be avoided, but it must not enter an amount that interferes with the proper functioning of equipment. For the second digit 4 is placed theequipment in your usual workplace. You should not enter the water thrown from any angle to an average of 10 liters per minute and a pressure of 80-100kN/m for a time not less than five minutes.