What does IP66 mean for cameras ?
While you are looking for cameras you will come across the term: IP66,but what does it mean? IP66 is usually a rating of outdoor cameras and it defines the camera's ability to keep out foreign objects. The "IP" stands for Ingress (the act of entering) Protection. The first numerical digit (in this case being 6) describes the rating that is given for solid objects. The rating of 1, the lowest rating, defines the entering objects being greater than 50mm. The rating of 6, the highest rating, means the camera would be dust tigh. The second numerical digit (again in this instance a 6) defines how well the camera can keep liquids out. The rating of 1 means no special protection at all. The rating of 8, the highest rating, meaning the camera would be suitable for continuous submersion in water.
Below is a chart that describes the rating of the two numerial digits that follow IP:
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Protection against solid objects |
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1st Digit |
Description |
Definition |
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0 |
Non-protected |
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1 |
Protected against solid objects greater than 50 mm |
No special protection |
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2 |
Protected against solid objects greater than 12 mm |
A large surface of the body such as the hand (no protection against deliberate access). Solid objects exceeding 50mm diameter |
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3 |
Protected against solid objects greater than 2.5 mm |
Tools, wires, etc of diameter or thickness greater than 2.5 mm. Solid objects exceeding 2.5 mm diameter. |
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4 |
Protected against solid objects greater than 1.0 mm |
Wires or strips of thickness greater than 1.0 mm. Solid objects exceeding 1.0 mm |
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5 |
Dust protected |
Ingress of dust is not totally prevented but dust does not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with satisfactory operation of the equipment |
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6 |
Dust-tight |
No ingress of dust |
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Protection against liquids |
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2nd Digit |
Description |
Definition |
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0 |
Non-protected |
No special protection |
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1 |
Protected against dripping water |
Dripping water (vertically falling drops) |
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2 |
Protected against dripping water when tilted up to 15º |
Vertically dripping water shall have no harmful effect when the enclosure is tilted at any angle up to 15º from its normal position |
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3 |
Protected against spraying water |
Water falling as spray at an angle up to 60º from the vertical shall have no harmful effect |
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4 |
Protected against splashing water |
Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect |
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5 |
Protected against water jets |
Water projected from a nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect |
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6 |
Protected against heavy seas |
projected in powerful jets shall not enter the enclosure in harmful quantities |
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7 |
Protected against the effects of immersion |
Ingress of water in a harmful quantity shall not be possible when the enclosure is immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time |
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8 |
Protected against submersion |
The equipment is suitable for continuous submersion in water under conditions, which shall be specified by the manufacturer |
