IEC 60529 — Standard

About the Standard

Scope title: degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code)

IEC 60529 is a standard published by International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It publishes international standards for electrical, electronic and related technologies; it is the foundation of the EMC and electrical safety body of work. CISPR publications belong to a special committee within the IEC.

See the other 102 codes from IEC

Coverage areas

What Is IEC 60529?

IEC 60529 classifies the protection an enclosure provides against solid foreign objects and water, and expresses that classification with a two-digit IP code. It is one of the most frequently cited standards in industry because its output is a single designation that appears directly on the product label.

The first digit of the code describes protection against solid objects and contact, the second protection against water. The digits are assessed INDEPENDENTLY: high water protection does not imply high dust protection. Where a digit has not been assessed, an X is written in its place — the designation "IPX7" says that water protection was tested but that protection against solid objects was not addressed in that scope.

The standard is NOT a DURABILITY or long-term leak tightness standard. The tests are carried out under defined and short-duration conditions; the result shows that the enclosure provides protection under those conditions. Long-term immersion, pressure washing, steam cleaning and chemical exposure belong to other standards.

The scale of the second digit is NOT LINEAR, and this is the most frequent false assumption. A higher digit does not always encompass a lower one: an enclosure that passes the powerful jet test (IPX6) may not pass the immersion test (IPX7); the two examine different mechanisms. To claim both, both must be tested separately, and the designation is then written as "IP66/IP67".

Why Does This Standard Exist?

The success of the IP code comes from its ease of communication. No long technical explanation is needed to say how well protected a product is; a two-digit code establishes a common language between buyer and seller. The code has therefore moved beyond a technical classification and become a marketing element.

That marketing use brought misunderstandings with it. "Waterproof" is not what the IP code says; the code states that protection is provided under a particular test condition. A phone carrying IP68 does not mean it is safe when diving in the sea or under a pressurised shower; the test conditions are defined and carried out in fresh water, at a defined depth and for a defined time.

The second misunderstanding concerns AGEING. The IP test is carried out on a new product. Gaskets harden over time, lid hinges loosen, screw torques drop and the enclosure takes knocks. A new product being IP67 does not mean a product used for two years is still IP67. Some product standards therefore require the IP test to be repeated after ageing.

The vehicle sector developed its own standard: ISO 20653. It carries the same logic but defines additional protection levels specific to the vehicle environment — particularly for car wash scenarios such as high-pressure washing and salt water spraying. Seeing ISO 20653 rather than IEC 60529 in automotive specifications is therefore normal, and the two are not treated as identical.

Classification Scheme

First digit — solid objects (0–6)
From 0 to 6; a scale starting with large objects and progressing through smaller ones to dust tightness.
Second digit — water (0–9)
From 0 to 9; a scale running from vertical dripping through spraying, jets, immersion and pressurised hot water spraying.
The X designation
Indicates a digit that was not assessed. IPX7 says water protection was tested but protection against solid objects was not addressed.
Additional letters
The standard defines optional letter designations for protection against access to hazardous parts and for supplementary conditions.

Which Products Require It

Electrical panels and enclosures
Lighting fittings and outdoor equipment
Handheld terminals, phones and wearable devices
Motor, pump and drive housings
Cameras, sensors and field measuring instruments
Electric vehicle charging units and connectors

Related Legislation and Schemes

It is the basis of the protection degree declaration for products under Low Voltage and Machinery legislation
For vehicle applications ISO 20653 is a separate standard carrying the same logic
Product standards (such as the IEC 60335 series) may require a minimum IP degree for particular product types
For equipment in explosive atmospheres, requirements under ATEX may call for additional protection

How the Assessment Runs

1Defining the condition of the enclosureThe test is carried out in the product's normal use configuration: covers closed, cable entries connected, gaskets fitted.
2Solid object testSpheres or probes of defined diameters are used according to the digit level; for dust tightness, vacuum may be applied in a dust chamber.
3Water testDripping, spraying, jets or immersion are applied according to the digit level; duration, flow rate and distance are defined.
4AssessmentThe quantity of dust or water that entered and its effect on the safety and function of the product are assessed.
5Functional checkAfter the test the electrical safety and function of the product are verified; in some cases the dielectric test is repeated.

Neighbouring Standards and the Differences

ISO 20653
The counterpart for vehicle applications. It defines additional protection levels (such as high-pressure washing); it is not treated as identical to IEC 60529.
IEC 60068-2-18
The water and humidity environmental test. Unlike IP, it addresses long-term exposure and the effect of ageing.
IEC 60079 series
Equipment in explosive atmospheres. IP protection is necessary but not sufficient; additional protection concepts come into play.
NEMA enclosure types
A separate classification system used in North America; it cannot be converted one-to-one into an IP code.

What the Report Must Contain

To be usable, a report must carry the information below. An incomplete report may not be accepted in the supply chain or in an inspection even when its result is correct.

The declared IP code and which digits were tested
The product configuration during the test: covers, gaskets, cable entries
Water test parameters: flow rate, distance, duration, pressure and immersion depth
Whether vacuum was applied in the dust test
Observation of water or dust ingress after the test
The functional and electrical safety check after the test

Commonly Confused Points

An IP degree is not a product approval. A claim of "IP67" does not show that a product is safe or compliant with legislation; it describes only the protection of the enclosure.
A high second digit does not encompass a lower one; a product passing IPX7 cannot claim IPX6. For both, both are tested and it is written as "IP66/IP67".
The vehicle sector uses ISO 20653, which defines additional protection levels; it is not treated as identical to IEC 60529.
The two digits are independent. A product passing IPX7 cannot claim dust tightness.
The IP test is carried out on a new product; on an aged one the protection may fall. Gasket and cover design is therefore critical.
"Waterproof" is not what the IP code says; the code states protection under a defined test condition.

Structure of the Code

Published by: IEC
Serial number: 60529
Part: without partition

Codes in the library without release year is kept. The current version changes over time; If the year is specified in your specification, that version is taken as basis, if not specified, the most current version is applied.

Scope

Test
Standard-Based Tests

Related Tests and Services

Of the 4 pieces of content this code is referenced in, the 2 with their own published page are listed below.

Test · 2

Technical Requirements

Standard texts are copyright of the relevant organization; test condition, sample and acceptance criteria cannot be fitted here.

Basis: The IEC 60529 IP code digit scheme, the X designation and the additional letters; the independent assessment of the digits and the non-linearity of the scale are the standard's own designation rules. The vehicle counterpart is the ISO 20653 reference.

Technical requirements specific to your product, once we clarify the scope At offer stage shared in writing.

Relevant Product Groups and Legislation

This code is included in the standard tag of the product pages below.

These product pages carry notes for the following markets: European Union, United Kingdom, USA, China. Whether the standard is mandatory in the relevant market varies depending on the product group and the applicable legislation.

Regulations published with this code on the same product pages:

2014/35/EULVDThe Low Voltage Directive. Governs the electrical safety of equipment operating in the 50–1000 V AC range; the manufacturer makes the declaration, with no notified body involvement.
2014/30/EUEMCThe Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive. Covers both the interference a device emits into its environment (emission) and its resistance to interference from outside (immunity).
(AB) 2019/2023EcodesignEcodesign requirements for washing machines and washer-dryers. Sets thresholds for energy and water consumption and washing/rinsing effectiveness.
(AB) 2019/2014Energy LabelEnergy labelling for washing machines. Class, water consumption and programme duration are declared on the label; EPREL registration is mandatory.
2011/65/EURoHSRestriction of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment; an integral part of the CE declaration.
2012/19/ABWEEEWaste electrical and electronic equipment. Requires product marking and registration with the collection system.
(AB) 2019/2020EcodesignEcodesign requirements for light sources. Covers efficiency, colour consistency, switching-cycle durability and product-information requirements.
(AB) 2019/2015Energy LabelEnergy labelling for light sources. An A–G class and EPREL registration are mandatory.
(EC) 1907/2006REACHRegistration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals. Creates a notification obligation for SVHC substances in the product's content.
(EU) 2023/1542Batteries RegulationSustainability, safety and transparency for batteries. Carbon footprint declaration, recycled content and the battery passport apply on a staged timetable.
UN Manual of Tests and CriteriaUN 38.3Transport safety of lithium cells and batteries. The T1–T8 test series is applied in the defined order; shipment cannot proceed without a report.
(EU) 2023/988GPSRThe General Product Safety Regulation. Establishes a safety framework for aspects not covered by sector-specific legislation.
2014/53/EUREDThe Radio Equipment Directive. Spectrum, EMC and electrical safety are assessed together on the radio interface; the 3.3(d)(e)(f) cybersecurity articles apply from 1 August 2025.
(EU) 2024/2847CRAThe Cyber Resilience Act. Cybersecurity requirements for products with digital elements; reporting from 11 September 2026, full application from 11 December 2027.
(AB) 2022/2380Common Charging InterfaceA common charging solution for certain radio equipment. A USB-C interface and declaration of charging information on the label are mandatory.
(AB) 2023/1670Ecodesign (smartphones)Ecodesign requirements for smartphones and tablets. Sets requirements for durability, repairability, spare parts and software-update duration.
(AB) 2023/1669Energy Label (smartphones)Energy labelling for smartphones and tablets; battery life, drop resistance and a repair score are declared on the label.
(EU) 2017/745MDRThe Medical Device Regulation. Classification (I, IIa, IIb, III), clinical evaluation, technical documentation and post-market surveillance obligations; the notified body's role grows as the class rises.
(EU) 2017/746IVDRThe In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation. In vitro diagnostic devices fall under this regulation instead of the MDR.
(AB) 2017/745 art. 33EUDAMEDThe European medical device database. From 28 May 2026, the actor registration, UDI/device, certificate and market surveillance modules are mandatory; placing on the market is not possible without a valid SRN.
2006/42/ATMachinery Directive (overlap)Relevant essential requirements also apply to medical devices that also qualify as machinery.
(EU) 2023/1230Machinery RegulationReplaces 2006/42/EC and becomes mandatory on 20 January 2027 with no further transition period. Requires notified-body involvement for Annex I high-risk machinery.
2014/34/ABATEXEquipment and protective systems used in explosive atmospheres. The category and conformity route are determined by zone classification.
2000/14/ATNoise EmissionNoise emitted into the environment by outdoor equipment. Machinery within scope requires a sound-power-level declaration and marking.

Related Standards

Frequently Asked Questions About IEC 60529

Which is better, IP67 or IP66?

They test different things: IP66 powerful jets, IP67 immersion. Neither is "better" than the other; depending on your needs you require one, the other or both.

My phone is IP68 — is it suitable for diving in the sea?

The IP test is carried out in fresh water at a defined depth and for a defined time. Salt water, pressure changes and movement are different conditions; the code does not cover that scenario.

Can we write IPX7?

You can, and it honestly indicates that dust protection was not assessed. If dust protection is to be claimed, the first digit must be tested as well.

Will our product still be IP67 after two years?

The IP test does not show that. For the effect of ageing, gasket material ageing tests and, where necessary, a repeat of the IP test after ageing are required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this standard mandatory for my product?

Whether it is mandatory depends on the product group, the target market and the applicable legislation. Once you tell us your product and market, we clarify in writing whether this standard is required.

How long does the test process take?

Duration depends on the scope of the standard, the number of specimens and current capacity. The exact duration is shared, together with the specimen and scope details, at the quote stage.

Do you issue certification against this standard?

Which activity is carried out under which accreditation scope is separately confirmed at the application stage. Up-to-date scope information is published on our corporate page.

What happens if the standard I need is not here?

The library is based on a continuously growing inventory. If you cannot find the code you are looking for, you can send it through the quote form; we will assess the relevant scope and get back to you.