The IP Rating Explained: Dust and Moisture Ingress Protection for Motorized Systems

Will humidity ruin your curtain motor? We decode the IP (Ingress Protection) rating system, explaining what it means for the longevity and placement of your smart curtain hardware.

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The longevity of an electromechanical device is often determined by its operating environment. The Ingress Protection (IP) Code, defined by international standard IEC 60529, provides a clear, standardized classification for the level of protection a housing offers against solids and liquids.

The code is written as IP[XX], where the first digit represents solid particle protection and the second digit represents liquid ingress protection.

First Digit - Solid Protection:

• IP5X: Dust Protected. Dust ingress is not entirely prevented, but it cannot enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the safe operation of the equipment.

• IP6X: Dust Tight. No dust ingress. This is the highest level of particle protection.

Second Digit - Liquid Protection:

• IPX4: Protection against water splashed from any direction. Suitable for most interior residential applications, including kitchens and bathrooms where condensation or minor splashing may occur.

• IPX5: Protection against water jets (6.3mm nozzle) from any direction. Suitable for more demanding environments, like a sunroom with open windows during rain.

A motor rated at IP54 is a robust choice for most homes, offering dust protection and resistance to splashing. For a motor installed in a bathroom with a direct shower spray, you might seek a rating of IP65 or higher.

Protect your investment from environmental wear. Our outdoor and high-humidity rated motors carry an IP65 rating, ensuring they are fully dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets. Specify the correct IP rating for your application using our guide.