Choosing IP-rated connectors

The ingress of water or dust particles can prevent electronic devices from operating as they should.

Such hazards can enter systems through the seams or joins of the enclosure or exposed connection points where cables and external devices can be attached.

So, to ensure your devices operate correctly and reliably, you need to consider the Ingress Protection (IP) rating carefully. This guide explains what each rating means, how to choose IP-rated connectors for your applications, and which of the brands we supply offer each level of protection.

What is an IP rating?

IP ratings, defined in the international standard IEC 60529, provide a standardised measurement of the exact degree of protection provided against dust, foreign objects, water and moisture. 

This protection is given a two-digit code – the first indicates protection against solid objects and dust, on a scale of 0 – 6, while the second indicates protection against water, rated from 0 – 9. 

A connector with a higher IP rating will generally be more protective, but water ratings above 6 aren’t cumulative. For products rated IP66, connectors and other parts are tested against powerful water jets, while IP67 ratings are tested by temporary immersion. This means an IP67 connector hasn’t necessarily passed the IP66 test – hence why some products carry the dual IP66/67 rating. 

You may also see both IP69 and IP69K. Both cover close-range, high-pressure, high-temperature water jets, but they are tested under different standards: IP69 under IEC 60529 and IP69K under ISO 20653. The test conditions are similar, but not identical, so you should always check which rating you need and which the product you are buying has.

Why do IP ratings matter?

An IP rating provides crucial information that allows users to recognise whether a component will perform safely under specific conditions at a glance.

Understanding the different IP ratings and selecting the right IP-rated connectors for your devices and enclosures will help to mitigate accidents, damage, and malfunctions caused by dust, water, or high temperatures. As a result, the need for expensive repairs or replacements will be significantly reduced.

Bear in mind that an IP rating says nothing about temperature or chemical resistance or UV stability, so you should also check these in the connector’s specification.

How to choose IP-rated connectors

The choice of an IP-rated connector is determined by the intended application of the product.

For example, in environments exposed to high levels of dust or water, such as outdoor installations or manufacturing plants, a higher IP rating is usually the safer choice. Our harsh environment connectors are designed for exactly these conditions, and for sites with regular washdowns, our food and beverage connectors are built to withstand intensive cleaning.

Another factor to consider when choosing IP-rated connectors is the type of signal being carried. For power signals, look carefully at the voltage, frequency, and current transmitted through these cables. If you’re using fibre optic cables, you need to think about the fibre and polish types and choose connectors that suit your network.

If your connectors carry radio frequency (RF) signals, for example to antennas or radio equipment, be aware that many standard RF connectors aren’t sealed at all. Our RF coaxial connectors include selected N and TNC series models rated to IP67, making them better suited to outdoor or damp locations.

Which level of IP protection do you need?

Let’s take a closer look at the different levels of IP protection available at Northern Connectors, including what they mean and why you might need them.

Protection against contact by fingers or foreign bodies

If you need connectors that are touchproof, IP20 connectors are a good fit. They protect against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm, such as fingers, so live parts cannot be touched accidentally. Our CONEC D-sub connectors are a typical IP20 option.

IP20 connectors offer no protection against water or moisture, which is why they are most commonly used for indoor applications where they don’t have to withstand exposure to water or adverse weather.

Protection against solid objects

Both IP40 connectors and IP44 connectors are protected against fine tools, nails, screws, large insects, and other solid objects that are more than 1mm in size.

IP40 connectors do not resist water and moisture and are, therefore, best used in dry, enclosed settings such as control cabinets and instrumentation. IP44 connectors, on the other hand, protect against splashing water from any direction, making them suitable for indoor areas where occasional splashes are likely, such as production lines and workshops. They can be used outdoors in drier or sheltered areas, too. 

For example, our binder M16 IP40 series is well suited to dry indoor applications.

Partial protection against dust

IP54 connectors provide a degree of protection against dust and other particles that may harm or impede the performance of your product.

With an IP54-rated connector, you can be confident that it’ll be protected from water sprays and splashes from any direction.

These connectors are suitable for use in damp indoor environments or for general outdoor applications. Our Hirschmann ST Series rectangular connectors offer IP54 protection for machinery and lighting applications.

Full protection against dust

A “6” as the first digit means the connector is dust-tight, so no dust can enter. This is verified by testing in a dust chamber under vacuum. 

IP 65, IP66, and IP67 connectors are dust-tight and resistant to water, making them suitable for most outdoor environments where they might be exposed to rain, splashes, and dust. 

While IP65 connectors provide protection against damage from low-pressure jets, IP66 connectors are protected against powerful jets.

Connectors with an IP67 rating can withstand temporary immersion in water up to 1m deep for 30 minutes, whereas IP68 connectors are protected from long-term immersion beyond 1m, under conditions specified by the manufacturer. Our CONEC IP67 waterproof D-sub connectors are a good example, bringing a familiar interface to wet environments.

IP69K connectors protect against high-pressure and high-temperature water jets, wash-downs, and steam cleaning. This makes them ideal for food and beverage production, pharmaceutical sites, and other environments where hygiene and regular cleaning are crucial. Our Lumberg Automation M8 & M12 washdown series is designed for exactly these conditions.

IP-rated connectors and cable protection by brand 

The ratings available vary by brand and by series. Use the table below to see which ratings each brand we supply covers, then visit the brand page to explore its full range.

Ratings apply to selected series within each brand’s range, not every product. Many connectors, glands, and inserts only achieve their stated rating when mated, used with the correct cable diameter, and assembled correctly, so always specify for the series you choose. 

If in doubt, you can speak to our team to confirm.

Find out more

If you want to know more about IP rated connectors or need guidance with selecting a suitable solution for your application, Northern Connectors is here to help.

You can explore our website, call us on 01744 815001, or complete our online contact form and we will be in touch at the nearest opportunity.