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This guide explores the importance of IP rated consumer units in ensuring electrical safety and system reliability. It breaks down the IP code, explains how it applies to homes, EV charging setups, and commercial or industrial environments, and offers key tips for selecting and installing the right unit. Whether you're a homeowner or a B2B buyer, this guide will help you make informed decisions to protect your electrical investments.
IP (Ingress Protection) ratings are globally recognized standards defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) under IEC 60529 (also known in Europe as EN 60529). These ratings measure how well an electrical enclosure protects against solid objects like dust and liquids like water. More than just environmental protection, they also ensure user safety by limiting access to potentially dangerous internal components.
Before IP ratings, vague terms like "waterproof" led to confusion and potential safety risks. The IP system introduced clear, testable standards, making protective claims more transparent and reliable. For anyone selecting an IP rated consumer unit, these codes offer a trusted benchmark for safety, performance, and compliance.
| First Digit | rotection Level (Description) | Second Digit | Protection Level (Description) |
| 0 (or X) | Not rated / No protection | 0 (or X) | Not rated / No protection |
| 1 | Protected against solid objects ≥50mm (e.g., accidental hand contact) | 1 | Protection against vertically falling droplets (e.g., condensation) |
| 2 | Protected against solid objects ≥12.5mm (e.g., accidental finger contact) | 2 | Protection against vertically dripping water (enclosure tilted up to 15°) |
| 3 | Protected against solid objects ≥2.5mm (e.g., tools and wires) | 3 | Protection against water spray (up to 60° off vertical) |
| 4 | Protected against solid objects ≥1mm (e.g., tools, wires, small objects) | 4 | Protection against splashing water (from any direction) |
| 5 | Dust protected (limited ingress permitted without harmful effects) | 5 | Protection against low-pressure water jets (from any angle) |
| 6 | Dust-tight (no ingress of dust) | 6 | Protection against powerful water jets (from any direction) |
| 7 | Watertight against temporary immersion (up to 1m for 30 min) | ||
| 8 | Watertight against continuous immersion (under pressure, beyond 1m) | ||
| 9 (or 9K) | Protection against high-pressure, high-temperature jets (e.g., washdowns) |
Sometimes, you’ll see an “X” in an IP rating, such as IPX7 or IP6X. This doesn't mean there is no protection—it simply indicates that the product was not tested for that type of ingress (solid or liquid), or the data was not provided.
IP codes can also include optional letters that give more detail about the product's usage or the test conditions:
H – High-voltage device
M – Device was moving during the water test
S – Device was stationary during the water test
W – Suitable for weather conditions or outdoor use
These additional characters can be helpful when selecting an IP rated consumer unit for specialized environments, such as high-voltage installations or outdoor electrical setups.
Learn More: 2 Way to 36 Way Distribution Boards - What’s the Difference?
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For external areas of a property—such as gardens, patios, and outbuildings—IP-rated electrical solutions are indispensable for ensuring safe and reliable power distribution. Outdoor lighting, socket outlets, and ancillary equipment must be robustly protected against dust, moisture, and impact.
For general outdoor socket outlets, a minimum IP rating of IP54 is typically recommended to guard against limited dust ingress and splashing water from any direction. Exposed outdoor lighting fixtures often require IPX4 or higher. It's crucial to distinguish between "weatherproof," "waterproof," and "submersible":
Weatherproof units can resist rain and snow.
Waterproof products tolerate direct or prolonged water contact.
Submersible units are suitable for full immersion.
To meet the demands of outdoor environments, we offer two IP65-rated plastic distribution boxes, both surface-mounted and compliant with CE/UKCA certifications (BSEN61439-3):
IP65 WHT Plastic Distribution Box – Surface Mounted
Body: Insulated flame-retardant ABS
Lid: Transparent flame-retardant PC with up-down opening
Includes DIN rail and neutral/earth terminal bars
Ideal for outdoor installations, such as garden power supplies or wall-mounted lighting control
IP65 protection: fully dust-tight and protected against water jets
OEM/ODM service available
IP65 WHA Plastic Distribution Box – Surface Mounted
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Body: Insulated flame-retardant ABS
Lid: Transparent flame-retardant PC with left-right opening
Includes DIN rail and neutral/earth terminal bars
Perfect for side-access installations in tight spaces
IP65 protection: ensures reliability in rain, dust, and harsh weather
OEM/ODM service available
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The IP (Ingress Protection) rating of an EV charger consumer unit is crucial—and depends heavily on whether the unit is installed indoors or outdoors.
Indoor Installation
A rating of IP40 is typically sufficient
Protects against solid objects larger than 1mm (e.g. small tools or wires)
No protection against water, so not suitable for humid or splash-prone areas
Learn More:
IP40 Surface Mounted Metal Garage Unit
IP40 Flush Mounted Metal Garage Unit
IP40 Mini Metal Garage Unit Surface Mounted
IP40 Mini Metal EV Charging Unit Surface Mounted
Outdoor Installation
Requires IP65 or higher to handle rain, dust, and varying weather conditions
Features include:
Weatherproof casing
Lockable doors to prevent tampering and moisture ingress
Enhances safety and extends product life
Common IP Ratings for EV Chargers:
IP54 – Limited dust ingress + water splashes
IP65 – Dust-tight + protected against water jets
IP67 – Dust-tight + immersion up to 1m for 30 mins
IP68 – Dust-tight + continuous immersion beyond 1m
Choosing an IP65-rated consumer unit for outdoor EV chargers ensures long-term performance, fewer service issues, and better protection for both people and equipment.
Learn More:
4Way IP65 AL Garage Unit Surface Mounted
5Way IP65 AL EV Charging Unit Surface Mounted
8Way IP65 AL EV Charging Unit Surface Mounted
Despite their critical importance, IP ratings are frequently subject to common misconceptions that can lead to suboptimal decisions, ranging from unnecessary expenditure to significant safety compromises.
A common misconception is that choosing the highest possible IP rating always ensures the best protection. While higher IP ratings do offer increased defense against dust and water, over-specifying can result in unnecessary costs—especially in environments that don’t demand such robust protection.
For example:
Office interiors and retail stores, which are generally clean and dry, typically only require IP20–IP40 fixtures.
Using an IP65 or IP67 rated consumer unit in these settings adds cost without practical benefit.
Instead of defaulting to the highest rating, the goal should be to select an IP-rated consumer unit that is fit for purpose—one that matches the specific environmental risks and regulatory needs of the installation.
This balanced approach helps you:
Avoid overspending on unnecessary protection
Prevent under-specification in harsher environments
Ensure both compliance and cost-efficiency
In short, the right IP rating is not the highest—it's the most appropriate.
A common myth is that an IP65 rating means a product is completely waterproof. This is not true. IP65-rated devices are designed to withstand low-pressure water jets from any direction, making them highly water-resistant, but not submersible.
IP Rating Breakdown:
IP65: Dust-tight + protection from water jets — not suitable for immersion
IP67: Dust-tight + can handle temporary immersion (up to 1 meter, 30 minutes)
IP68: Dust-tight + suitable for continuous immersion beyond 1 meter
Even for dust, IP65 allows limited ingress, though not enough to affect operation. So while it performs well in most outdoor environments, it’s not designed for underwater or pressurized moisture exposure.
Key Takeaway:
If you're selecting an IP-rated consumer unit for an environment with heavy rainfall, splash zones, or the possibility of flooding, IP65 may not be sufficient. For submersible or high-humidity applications, consider IP67 or IP68.
Choosing the right IP rating helps avoid premature failures and ensures safety under real-world conditions.
A common and dangerous misconception is that once an IP-rated consumer unit is installed, it remains fully protected without further attention. This belief can lead to serious long-term safety risks.
While high IP ratings provide excellent initial protection, real-world conditions such as:
UV exposure
Repeated temperature cycles
Chemical or salt-laden air
can all gradually degrade seals, gaskets, and housing materials.
Ironically, a perfectly sealed IP65/IP66 enclosure can trap moist air inside. When the internal temperature drops, condensation may form on electrical components, causing:
Short circuits
Corrosion
Insulation breakdown
These effects compromise the IP rating’s effectiveness and pose real safety hazards.
Best Practices for Long-Term Protection
Design holistically: Include ventilation, thermal relief, or drainage features where needed
Choose appropriately: Don't just select the highest IP rating—choose one that fits the real-world risks
Inspect regularly: Periodic maintenance helps identify issues like degraded seals, dirt accumulation, or internal moisture
Misunderstanding these principles can lead to wasted costs and avoidable equipment failures.
IP-rated consumer units are not just protective boxes—they are critical components of long-term electrical safety and reliability.
Whether installed in a bathroom, garage, EV charging station, or a high-demand industrial site, their role in preventing environmental damage, corrosion, or short circuits is indispensable.
Choosing an IP-rated consumer unit that matches your environment isn’t just good practice—it’s essential to protect both your infrastructure and your investment.
Need help selecting the right IP rating for your application? Contact Us Now！
If you have any questions or require expert assistance with your electrical needs, our dedicated customer service team is ready to help. Give us a call or send us an email today and our dedicated team will provide you with the answers and support you need.
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