The protection levels for distribution cabinets are defined according to International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards and primarily indicate the equipment's protection against solid foreign objects, water, and dust. These levels are typically represented by an IP (Ingress Protection) code, where "I" stands for protection against solid foreign objects and "P" stands for protection against water.
Common protection levels include:
1. IP20: Provides protection only against solid foreign objects larger than 12.5 mm and is not waterproof.
2. IP21: Provides protection against solid foreign objects larger than 12.5 mm and is also protected against vertically falling water drops.
3. IP22: Provides protection against solid foreign objects larger than 12.5 mm and is also protected against water drops at an angle of up to 15 degrees from vertical.
4. IP23: Provides protection against solid foreign objects larger than 2.5 mm and is also protected against water drops at an angle of up to 60 degrees from vertical.
5. IP44: Protected against solid foreign objects larger than 1 mm and splashing water.
6. IP54: Protected against solid foreign objects, dust, and splashing water.
7. IP55: Protected against solid foreign objects, dust, and splashing water.
8. IP65: Protected against solid foreign objects, dust, and low-pressure water jets.
9. IP66: Protected against solid foreign objects, dust, and high-pressure water jets.
10. IP67: Protected against solid foreign objects, dust, and temporary immersion in water.
11. IP68: Protected against solid foreign objects, dust, and prolonged immersion in water. The specific duration of protection is specified by the manufacturer.