IP Ratings: How Zippertubing Stands Out
What is IP Testing?
Ingress Protection (IP) ratings are international standards that measure how well a product resists intrusion by dust and liquids. IP testing assigns two numbers to each product, with the first digit representing protection against solid objects and dust, and the second digit indicating protection against moisture. These ratings guide users on a product’s resilience in various environments.
Levels of Ingress Protection
IP ratings range from low to high. For solids, ratings start at 0 (no protection) and go up to 6 (complete dust protection). Liquid protection ranges from 0 (no protection) to 9 (protection against high temperature and high pressure water jets). For example, an IP57 rating means the product is protected from dust and can withstand temporary immersion in water. These ratings and their testing conditions are defined in full detail in IEC 60529 and ISO 20653.
Zippertubing’s IP Testing Results
PRODUCT TYPE |
DUST |
WATER |
IP RATING |
| Interlocking Track | |||
| Zip-On (63) w/ R-Track | 5 | 4 | IP54 |
| Zip-On (63) w/ Z-Track | 5 | 4 | IP54 |
| Zip-On (63) w/ EZ-Track | 5 | 5 | IP55 |
| Zip-On (63) w/ D-Track | 5 | 5 | IP55 |
| Zip-On (PFR) w/ Z-Track | 5 | 5 | IP55 |
| Zip-On (TPU) w/ EZ-Track | 5 | 5 | IP55 |
| Zipper Closure | |||
| Zip-Wrap w/ coil zipper | 4 | X | IP4X |
| Zip-Wrap w/ tooth zipper | 4 | X | IP4X |
| Swift-Zip | 5 | 4 | IP54 |
| Adhesive Closure | |||
| Z-Wrap | 5 | 7 | IP57 |
| Z-Shield (PFR-8235) | 5 | 7 | IP57 |
| PRT & PRT (ES) | 5 | 7 | IP57 |
Ratings Explanation
|
DUST |
|
| 4 | Objects and tools down to 1mm, no intrusion |
| 5 | Dust protected, no intrusion |
|
WATER |
|
| 4 | Water splashing in any direction, no intrusion |
| 5 | Water jet, no intrusion |
| 6 | High pressure water jet, no intrusion |
| 7 | Submersion up to 1 Meter for 30 minutes, no intrusion |
Our IP testing results highlight the effectiveness of Zippertubing's wrap-around cable protection solutions. The interlocking track options earned up to an IP55 rating, making them a solid choice for applications needing a quick and secure wrap-around solution that can withstand moderate dust and water exposure. Meanwhile, our adhesively closed wrap-around options achieved an IP57 rating, providing complete dust protection and resistance to water, making them ideal for more demanding environments.
Why Selecting the Right IP Rating Matters
Choosing the right IP-rated protection for your application is essential. In environments where dust or moisture can disrupt functionality, a high IP rating ensures equipment longevity and reliability. Zippertubing’s products are designed with these considerations in mind, providing durable solutions that safeguard your cables and equipment from harsh conditions.
