The resistance offered by the fixture to the penetration of solids and liquids is indicated by the IP (Ingress Protection) rating. This is a two digit number, the first number identifies the degree of protection against the ingress of solids and the second number against liquids e.g. IP65 indicates total protection against dust and protection against low pressure jets of water.
0 – No Protection
1 – Protected against solid objects greater than 50mm (e.g. accidental contact with the hand)
2 – Protected against solid objects greater than 12mm (e.g. accidental contact with finger)
3 – Protected against solid objects greater than 2.5mm (e.g. tools and wires)
4 – Protected against solid objects greater than 1mm (e.g. fine tools and wires)
5 – Protected against dust
6 – Total protection from dust
0 – No Protection
1 – Protection against vertical water drops (e.g. condensation)
2 – Protection against direct sprays of water, up to 15° from vertical
3 – Protection against direct sprays of water, up to 60° from vertical
4 – Protection against water spray from all directions
5 – Protection against low pressure jets of water from all directions
6 – Protection against jets of water of similar force to heavy seas
7 – Protection against immersion between 15–100cm
8 – Protection against submersion
Zone 0 is the area inside the bath or shower basin (the container).
Zone 1 is limited by a) the vertical plane circumscribing the outer edge or 0,20m from the inner edge (where the ledge is too wide) of the bathtub, shower basin, or for a shower without a basin, by the vertical plane 0,60m from the shower rose, and b) the horizontal plane 2,5m above the bathtub or shower floor.
Zone 2 is limited by a) the volume external to zone 1 and the parallel vertical plane 0,60m external to Zone 1, and b) the floor and the horizontal plane 2,25m above the floor.
Zone 3 is limited by a) the vertical plane external to zone 2 and the parallel vertical plane 2,40m external to Zone 2, and b) the floor and the horizontal plane 2,25m above the floor.
All dimensions are in milimeters
Electircal equipment shall have at least the following degrees of protection against ingress of water in accordance with SANS 60529/ IEC 60529:
IPX8
IPX5;
IPX4 for swimming pools inside buildings which normally are not cleaned by means of jets.
IP22 for indoor locations;
IPX4 for outdoor locations;
IPX5 where water jets are likely to occur for cleaning purposes
