IP ratings explained

In the food industry, it’s crucial to install machinery into your production line that is entirely compatible with the materials you process. By doing so, you minimise waste, save costs and improve product quality.

An IP rating is one of the many factors you need to consider when determining if a piece of equipment is appropriate for your output. Specific sectors and product formats will require a higher IP rating than others for truly efficient processing.

Many machinery suppliers advertise the IP rating of a system, but unless you’re already in the know, it can be hard to understand what it means in real terms.

This guide explains IP ratings in detail, including how to guarantee you have the correct rating for your production needs.

• What does an IP rating tell us, and why does it matter?
• How to read IP ratings
• How do I know what IP rating I need?

What does an IP rating tell us, and why does it matter?

‘IP’ stands for ingress protection. An IP rating (also called an IP code) tells us the degree of protection machine enclosures provide. They apply to electrical equipment with a voltage under 72.5 kV – including manufacturing machinery.

The term ‘ingress’ refers to any intrusion from foreign objects that could damage a machine, including dirt, water and even tools. The IP rating represents how well the system is sealed against such intrusions. Machinery with a high IP rating is likely to be very robust and waterproof, while low IP ratings will require more careful handling to prevent internal damage.

Having a suitable IP rating across your equipment means it won’t malfunction or break with everyday usage. If this were to happen, it could lead to production disruption, unplanned downtime and cost implications that every manufacturer wants to avoid, which is why it’s important.

The materials you process will affect the IP rating, with liquid (including partially liquid or sticky substances) requiring a higher rating. However, it will also be affected by your cleaning regime, especially for those plants that rely on power cleaning for faster turnaround between batches or to meet compliance rules.

Essentially, you need to find an IP rating that can withstand your production conditions, including the products you handle, your cleaning methods, maintenance plans, and other environmental factors. It will enable your equipment to work efficiently and consistently.

How to read IP ratings

An IP rating typically comes in the format of ‘IP’ followed by two digits.

The first digit in the code refers to the level of protection the machine enclosures offer against solid objects, including tools, human contact, dirt and dust. All of these could harm the circuitry and components of the machinery without adequate protection

The first digit will typically range between 1 and 6, with 6 being the maximum protection.

The second digit defines the protection against various forms of moisture, ranging from drips to total submersions. It will be ranked from 1 to 8, with 8 being the most waterproof. Some machinery manufacturers are starting to offer a rating of 9k, which withstands high pressure and steam cleaning.

The infographic below provides more detail about what the different ratings mean.

How do I know what IP rating I need?

The IP rating you require for your production line will mainly depend on three factors. We have listed them below and what they mean.

1. Factory requirements

The food industry is held to high standards regarding hygiene and safety. You will be expected to thoroughly clean your plant to protect customers, especially if you are working with meat or fresh products that may be prone to bacterial contamination.

Due to the emphasis on a robust cleaning culture, plants in the food industry will typically require a higher IP rating than some non-food sectors. You can expect never to go lower than a rating of IP54 in most scenarios.

The exact IP rating you need requires consideration of your cleaning practices. If you use jet power washes or hose down equipment at a close distance, you will need a higher IP rating. If you plan to submerse equipment in water for long periods, you will need the maximum water rating of 8.

It’s also worth considering your maintenance plans. Most of your equipment will be touched by users, meaning you will need a solid rating of more than 2. If you plan to use tools or wires to maintain machinery – as most plants will – this raises the first digit to 4 or beyond. That’s why a rating of 5 or 6 is typically recommended – as it protects the machinery against manual contact, tools and dust.

2. Production conditions

Certain projects require specific conditions for production. For example, frozen or dairy products will need to be processed in cold environments to prevent spoiling. A cold environment runs the risk of condensation and water dripping, which could affect your machinery.

Similarly, many plants may be prone to dust or dirt depending on the nature of production and where materials are sourced from. If such bodies encounter equipment that doesn’t have adequate protection, it could lead to damage.

Take stock of the conditions of your plant and any hazards that could impact your machinery. Once you have understood these implications, you need to review the IP ratings and ensure you are using machinery that offers adequate protection so that it can survive your plant environment daily.

3. Your products

The materials you process will have a significant bearing on the IP rating of your equipment. These substances will be running through your machinery frequently, so you must make sure every system you purchase is built to handle them efficiently.

Firstly, you need to determine the implications of the products you work with. If there’s a risk of dust or solid pieces affecting machinery, or liquid coming from materials, it will mean you need an IP rating that offers suitable protection.

Some product formats might also affect your cleaning practices, as discussed above. If processing fruit, for example, it might lead to a sticky residue that requires jet washing between batches – and this will require a sufficient IP rating.

By understanding the various requirements of your products and plant, you can make an informed decision about the IP rating you need. It’s crucial to get this right to avoid production issues that hamper productivity and performance later down the line.

If you’re unsure about what you need, it is worth speaking with the machinery supplier about your specific needs so they can identify the suitable solutions and IP ratings.

Conclusion

Ensuring that your production line is compatible with your products and plant condition is crucial for results. A significant aspect of this is appropriate IP ratings.

If you do not consider IP ratings carefully, you run the danger of machinery malfunctioning during the production process and compromising your output quality. That’s why having machines with the right level of protection is integral to success.

At Yamato, we sell equipment with a wide range of IP ratings, enabling you to find suitable products tailored for your requirements and across sectors. This encompasses our weighing and inspection machinery, so you will ensure your entire production line brings long-term results.

If you are unsure which IP rating is required for your products, discuss your specific needs with our team. We can help you find the ideal solution.

Get in touch today to find out more.