What is an IP rating? Guide for Customers, Suppliers, and Manufacturers
In the world of medical technology, ensuring the safety and functionality of equipment is paramount. One crucial factor that contributes to this is the concept of Ingress Protection (IP) ratings. These ratings provide a standardised way to communicate a device’s resistance to external elements like dust and water.
What are IP Ratings and Why Do They Matter?
IP ratings are defined by the international standard IEC 60529 [1]. The IEC “developed the ingress protection (IP) ratings, which grade the resistance of an enclosure against the intrusion of dust or liquids.”
The rating itself consists of the letters “IP” followed by two digits. The first digit indicates the level of protection against solid objects (dust, debris), while the second digit signifies the level of protection against liquids (drips, sprays, immersion).
Here are some additional points to keep in mind:
- IPX vs. IP: Some manufacturers use “X” in place of the second digit to indicate that the device hasn’t been tested for liquids. IPX and IP0 have different meanings – IP0 means there is no protection, IPX means that it is untested.
- Not a Guarantee: IP ratings represent protection levels under controlled test conditions. Real-world scenarios may involve different pressures and durations of exposure.
- Consult a Professional: For complex situations, seek guidance from a medical equipment specialist to ensure you select a device with the appropriate IP rating for your specific needs.
- After the COVID-19 pandemic a lot of hospital thermometers were subject to overcleaning, which led to hardware failures within the device – protect your investment today with TRITEMP™
TRITEMP™ IP22 Rating
Our TRITEMP™ non-contact thermometer is IP22 rated, whereas a lot of medically graded thermometers have an IPX rating. This means that the TRITEMP™ is capable of handling busy, demanding hospital environments with ease. Check out TRITEMP™ today by following the link below:
