IEC 60529 IP ratings 1

[Anarchy]

I am getting mixed responses regarding whether higher IP ratings automatically qualify for the lower ratings, for example is a IP68 rated device always suitable for an IP56 application?

The first figure relating to ingress of foreign objects logically seems higher is better but what about ingress of water could it be argued a jet of water with force behind it is more intrusive than immersion in water?

 

[ScottyUK]

The code is two distinct numbers - for example 6 and 8 - and the higher the number the greater the protection against the hazard associated with that number. In your example, yes the IP68 device is superior to the IP56 device in terms of protection against ingress of both dust and liquids.

Most the confusion with the IP code comes from people interpreting a higher number as being 'better' than a lower number, which isn't always the case. For example IP65 is not inherently better than IP56: an IP65 enclosure has better resistance to dust, but has poorer resistance to liquid when compared to an IP56 enclosure.

 

[Anarchy]

Well that is how how understood it but I am in a bit of an argument as to whether the liquid protection figure always means higher is better.