Motor IP rating is an IEC 60529 code that shows how protected the enclosure is from solid particles and water. IP54, IP55 or IP66 marking is not marketing, but a critical selection parameter. An error by one digit can cost a workshop downtime: an IP44 engine placed outdoors fails within one rainy season. In this article, we will look at how the IP code is deciphered, give a complete table from IP00 to IP69K and tell you which class to choose for the food industry, mining, water utilities and street installation in the climate of Tashkent.
Deciphering the IP code: two digits - two protections
The IP code always consists of the letters “IP” and two numbers. If the number is unknown or not standardized, it is replaced with “X” (for example, IPX5 - protection only from water).
- The first digit (0–6)—protection from solids and dust.
- Second digit (0–9K)—protection from water.
- Additional letters (A, B, C, D, H, M, S, W) - special conditions (rear hand, load test, high voltage, etc.) - are rare.
The first number 6 means complete dust resistance - even talc-like dust will not get inside. Number 5 is “protected from dust,” meaning a small amount may penetrate but will not affect operation. This is a fundamental difference for cement, flour milling and coal production.
Full table of IP protection levels
| Code | Dust protection | Water protection | Typical application |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP00 | No | No | Internal cabinet components |
| IP20 | Fingerproof | No | Dry heated workshops |
| IP21 | Finger proof | Drops vertically | Training stands |
| IP23 | Finger proof | Splash up to 60° | Open canopies |
| IP44 | 1 mm particle resistance | Splash from all directions | Light industry |
| IP54 | Protected from dust | Splashes from all directions | Standard of most AIR |
| IP55 | Protected from dust | Water jets | Industrial pumps, ventilation |
| IP56 | Protected from dust | Strong jets | Deck equipment |
| IP65 | Completely dustproof | Water jets | Open areas |
| IP66 | Fully dustproof | Strong jets | Cement, flour, hose down |
| IP67 | Full | Short-term immersion up to 1 m | Flood pits |
| IP68 | Full | Long immersion | Submersible pumps, drainage |
| IP69K | Full | Hot jets under pressure 80–100 bar | Food, pharmaceutical, CIP washing |
What degree of IP protection is needed for different industries
Food industry and pharma
In workshops with regular sanitary cleaning, a minimum of IP66 is required, and in hot water pressure washing areas - IP69K. Additionally, the housing must be made of stainless steel or with a smooth epoxy coating without ribs to prevent dirt from accumulating. Engines at dairy factories and meat processing plants in Tashkent often fail precisely because of incorrectly selected IP - saving 10-15% on the housing results in a replacement in 6-12 months.
Mining, cement, flour milling
The main enemy here is fine abrasive dust. You need IP65 or IP66, and with forced ventilation (TEFC). For hazardous areas (Ex), IP is accompanied by Ex d, Ex e or Ex p markings. Engines in crushing and screening plants and in flour-grinding towers operate in 24-hour dust conditions - you can’t skimp on them.
Water supply and sewerage
Surface pumps - IP55. Semi-submersible and sump pumps with risk of flooding -IP67–IP68. For deep well and sewage pumps - onlyIP68with immersion depth marking. This is critical for Uzsuvtaminot enterprises and private water utilities.
Street installation and open areas
The climate of Tashkent combines summer dust, autumn showers and winter temperature changes. For outdoor fans, crane beams in open warehouses, irrigation pumps - minimum IP55, preferably IP65/IP66. Additionally, you need a canopy or canopy from direct sun.
Closed dry workshops
Assembly, packaging, light engineering production - IP44–IP54 is sufficient. These are the most popular AIR engines and analogues.
How IP affects the price and cost of repairs
The higher the protection class, the more complex the housing, seals and shaft design. This gives the price delta:
- IP44 → IP54: price difference 0–5% (often these are the same series).
- IP54 → IP55: +5–10% for reinforced shaft and terminal box seals.
- IP55 → IP66: +15–25% for a completely sealed housing and shaft seals.
- IP66 → IP68: +30–50% for sealed submersible structures.
- IP69K: +40–70% over IP66, usually stainless steel housing.
Repairing high-IP engines is more difficult: during disassembly, the seals are broken, you need original cuffs, sealant with proper adhesion, and hydrotesting after assembly. IP66 motor stator rewinding requires pressure insulation monitoring, and bearing replacement in IP68 submersible pumps requires housing hydrotesting before return to the customer.
Typical IP ratings by motor type
- Asynchronous general industrial (AIR, 5AI, analogues of Siemens/ABB) - usually IP54 or IP55 in the base.
- Crane motors (MTH, MTKH) - IP44 for closed workshops, IP54 for open trestles. On repair of crane electric motors - separate material.
- Elevator - IP41–IP54, specificity of low speed and precise positioning.
- Explosion-proof (Ex) - minimum IP54, more often IP55–IP66.
- Submersible pumps - IP68 with depth and time marking.
- Air conditioning fan motors - IP54 for indoor units, IP55 for outdoor units.
How to check the declared IP
The nameplate must contain the line “IP55” or similar. If the nameplate is erased or tampered with, the real protection class is determined visually and by testing: the tightness of the terminal box, the presence of cuffs on the shaft, bearing shield seals, drainage holes with plugs. At diagnostics of electric motors our stand in Tashkent allows you to check dust tightness and tightness under pressure - this is necessary after repairing submersible pumps and food equipment.
Frequent mistakes when choosing an IP
- They take IP54 “because it’s cheaper” for washing with a hose → a minimum of IP65 is needed.
- Buy IP67 for a dry workshop → overpay without benefit.
- Ignore the position of the terminal box → water entering through it.
- Cover the cooling fins of the IP66 motor with a casing → overheating and winding breakage.
- Do not change seals after repair → protection class drops from IP66 to actual IP44.
Conclusions
The IP protection degree is not a number in a catalogue, but a contract between the motor and the environment. IP54 is the working minimum for dry workshops, IP55 is the industry standard, IP66 is for dusty and wet industries, IP68 is for submersible pumps, IP69K is for food and pharmaceutical washing. A correctly selected class pays off due to service life and the absence of emergency downtime.
Do you doubt what IP is needed for your equipment, or do you need to restore the protection class after repair? Elektromotors engineers in Tashkent will select the motor for the exact operating conditions, carry out repair of asynchronous electric motors while maintaining the declared IP and check the tightness on the stand. Contact us for consultation.