Liquid and dust resistant digital calipers offer Ingress Protection (or IP) ratings that refer to levels of protection for tools and equipment against damage caused by solids and liquids infiltrating the device. Watch this video and use the listing below to help select the right IP rating required for the tools you'll use throughout your next machining application. And be sure to subscribe to our channel and check out more of our exclusive metalworking and machining videos!

How Do You Read An Ingress protection rating?

The letters ‘IP’ are followed by two numbers which indicate the degree of protection offered.

The first number after 'IP' refers to protection from solid objects:

0 = No protection
1 = Protection from objects greater than 50mm diameter
2 = Protection from objects greater than 12.5mm diameter, such as a finger
3 = Protection from objects greater than 2.5mm
4 = Protection from objects greater than 1.0mm, such as wire, large chips and shavings, etc.
5 = Ingress of dust is not totally prevented, but it doesn’t enter in harmful quantities that would interfere with safe and accurate operation
6 = No ingress of dust permitted

The second number after 'IP' refers to protection from liquids:

0 = No protection
1 = Protection from falling drops of water
2 = Protection from drops of water falling at an angle of 15° in 4 fixed positions
3 = Protection from low pressure spray at an angle of up to 60° from vertical
4 = Protection from low pressure spray at an angle of up to 180° for 10 minutes
5 = Protection from medium pressure jet – 6.3mm diameter, from any angle for 3 minutes at a distance of 2.5-3 meters
6 = Protection from high pressure jet – 12.5mm diameter, from any angle for 3 minutes at a distance of 2.5-3 meters
7 = Protection from temporary immersion in water under set conditions – 1 meter for 30 minutes
8 = Protection from the effects of continuous immersion in water, ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible
9 = Protection from steam cleaning, high pressure, or high temperature jet wash

Want To Learn More?

Download our valuable guide on the proper selection and usage of digital, dial, and Vernier calipers. Learn the advantages and disadvantages of each, and which caliper best meets your needs and suits your application. Find information on:

• The fundamentals of calipers
• The features and appropriate use of digital, dial and Vernier calipers
• The benefits of calibrated calipers
• Ingress Protection (IP) Ratings explained