Emma Hedges
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Whilst searching for the right camera to add to your IP security system you may have noticed the phrase “IP rated”. In this post we will help you understand Ingress Protection, what it means and how it has an important role in maintaining the life of your CCTV system.
What is Ingress Protection?
IP stands for Ingress Protection and is used to define the effectiveness of the seal on electrical enclosures against foreign bodies such as dust, dirt and moisture. It is important to keep your camera free from dirt and moisture in order to maintain the life and operational performance of the equipment.
With phrases such as ‘waterproof’ and ‘vandal proof’ commonly being used to market products, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) published this marking as a controlled and tested way of proving the level of protection provided by the casing of the product in question.
The data sheet of the electrical equipment, or in this case, camera will specify what IP rating has been achieved.
What does the code mean?
The code will look like this “IP67” and can be split into three sections, IP – 6 – 7 .
We know now that the first part, 'IP' means that the camera has been rated based on its Ingress Protection, or the ability to keep out foreign objects and moisture.
The second section of the code and first of the two-digit number relates to intrusion protection, specifically against particles such as dust and dirt. It is rated on a scale of 0(X) to 6, with 0(X) meaning 'not rated' and 6 being classed as completely ‘dust tight’.
The third section and second number relates to moisture and water protection. This scale is between 0(X) and 8, again, 0(X) meaning 'not rated' whereas a rating of 8 is the highest possible rating, meaning the equipment can withstand high pressure and high temperature jet streams.
The diagram below outlines the different levels of protection acquired by each IP rating.
What IP Rating do you need?
When it comes to protecting against intrusion, we always recommend an IP rating of IP6'X' to avoid any dust or dirt particles affecting the operation of your security system. There is no need for a reasonably priced, good quality camera to be rated any less than an IP6'X'.
As a standard rule at use-IP, if a camera is rated IP65 or higher it will be well suited for external conditions. For the most part, you will find the majority of the outdoor camera options listed on the website will be rated either IP66 or IP67.
Camera Choices
The design of the camera body also plays an important part in the ability to keep the camera protected. The most common styles of camera that are suited for outdoor use are listed below.
Dome – A dome camera is typically designed to be weatherproof and vandal proof. The glass casing protects the lens and internal operation of the camera whilst the general curvature will allow rainfall to drip off rather than sitting on the surface which can lead to advancing cases of rust and general deterioration.
Bullet – With its unique shelter-style housing, a bullet style camera is the traditional option for external CCTV systems. The hooded shelter prevents rain droplets from sitting on the lens and obscuring the picture quality.
Turret – This slightly newer design of camera is becoming increasingly popular with users for many reasons, including its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. It combines the curvature of a dome and the sheltered housing of a bullet to discourage rain droplets from sitting on the surface of the body and on the lens. In addition to that, the lens itself is formed within a ball with a very tight seal further preventing any dirt or moisture from potentially effecting the performance of the camera.
I hope you have found this information useful. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions!
What is Ingress Protection?
IP stands for Ingress Protection and is used to define the effectiveness of the seal on electrical enclosures against foreign bodies such as dust, dirt and moisture. It is important to keep your camera free from dirt and moisture in order to maintain the life and operational performance of the equipment.
With phrases such as ‘waterproof’ and ‘vandal proof’ commonly being used to market products, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) published this marking as a controlled and tested way of proving the level of protection provided by the casing of the product in question.
The data sheet of the electrical equipment, or in this case, camera will specify what IP rating has been achieved.
What does the code mean?
The code will look like this “IP67” and can be split into three sections, IP – 6 – 7 .
We know now that the first part, 'IP' means that the camera has been rated based on its Ingress Protection, or the ability to keep out foreign objects and moisture.
The second section of the code and first of the two-digit number relates to intrusion protection, specifically against particles such as dust and dirt. It is rated on a scale of 0(X) to 6, with 0(X) meaning 'not rated' and 6 being classed as completely ‘dust tight’.
The third section and second number relates to moisture and water protection. This scale is between 0(X) and 8, again, 0(X) meaning 'not rated' whereas a rating of 8 is the highest possible rating, meaning the equipment can withstand high pressure and high temperature jet streams.
The diagram below outlines the different levels of protection acquired by each IP rating.
What IP Rating do you need?
When it comes to protecting against intrusion, we always recommend an IP rating of IP6'X' to avoid any dust or dirt particles affecting the operation of your security system. There is no need for a reasonably priced, good quality camera to be rated any less than an IP6'X'.
As a standard rule at use-IP, if a camera is rated IP65 or higher it will be well suited for external conditions. For the most part, you will find the majority of the outdoor camera options listed on the website will be rated either IP66 or IP67.
Camera Choices
The design of the camera body also plays an important part in the ability to keep the camera protected. The most common styles of camera that are suited for outdoor use are listed below.
Dome – A dome camera is typically designed to be weatherproof and vandal proof. The glass casing protects the lens and internal operation of the camera whilst the general curvature will allow rainfall to drip off rather than sitting on the surface which can lead to advancing cases of rust and general deterioration.
Bullet – With its unique shelter-style housing, a bullet style camera is the traditional option for external CCTV systems. The hooded shelter prevents rain droplets from sitting on the lens and obscuring the picture quality.
Turret – This slightly newer design of camera is becoming increasingly popular with users for many reasons, including its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. It combines the curvature of a dome and the sheltered housing of a bullet to discourage rain droplets from sitting on the surface of the body and on the lens. In addition to that, the lens itself is formed within a ball with a very tight seal further preventing any dirt or moisture from potentially effecting the performance of the camera.
I hope you have found this information useful. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions!
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