Understanding IP ratings when specifying linear actuators

Chad Carlberg, Product Line Manager for Linear Actuators at Thomson says: "Over the years IP ratings have become more and more important as many of these products are used on equipment that operates outdoors. Whether its dust, dirt, sand or water, you need to have confidence that your actuator will hold up to the intended environment. To specify an electric linear actuator, you must first determine the typical operating environment and then select the corresponding IP rating to ensure you've chosen the best solution.

"The International Protection code (IP Code), describes a system for classifying the degrees of protection provided by enclosures of electrical equipment against solid foreign objects and the ingress of water. The first digit represents the protection against solid objects, while the second digit represents protection from the ingress of liquids". If a product is rated at IP65, the six represents its protection against dust ingress and the five represents its protection from the ingress of water.

In the video, Chad describes how each protection rating provides a different classification. He says: "If a product is rated as IP65, it is protected against dust ingress and low-pressure wash-down. Whereas, a product rated at IP66 is protected against dust ingress and high-pressure water jets."

Thomson has authored a wide range of educational videos, webinars and technical white papers available now at www.thomsonlinear.com to inform and guide design engineers, explain technology alternatives and simplify the linear motion component selection process. Please follow the link to view the video.