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Understanding IP Ratings for Keypads

What is an IP rating?

IP or (ingress protection) is the resistance offered by the fixture to the penetration of solids and liquids is indicated by the IP rating. This is a 2 digit number, the first number identifies the degree of protection against the ingress of solids and the second number against liquids e.g. IP65 indicates total protection against dust and protection against low jets of water.

 

FIRST DIGIT PROTECTION AGAINST SOLIDS

0 No Protection

1 Protected against solid objects greater than 50mm (e.g. accidental contact with hand)

2 Protected against solid objects greater than 12mm (e.g. accidental contact with finger)

3 Protected against solid objects greater than 2.5mm (e.g. tools and wires)

4 Protected against solid objects greater than 1mm (e.g. fine tools and wires)

5 Protected against dust

6 Total protection against dust

 

SECOND DIGIT PROTECTION AGAINST LIQUIDS

0 No Protection

1 Protection against vertical water drops (e.g. condensation)

2 Protection against direct sprays of water, up to 15° from vertical

3 Protection against direct sprays of water up to 60° from vertical

4 Protections against water spray from all directions

5 Protection against low pressure jets of water from all directions

6 Protection against jets of water of similar to heavy seas

7 Protection against immersion between 15 – 100cm

8 Protection against submersion

CSI Sealing Capabilities​

CSI Keyboards has become the go-to membrane keypad manufacturer for environmentally sealed membrane switches and rubber keypad designs. Many of CSI Keyboards’ customers require environmentally sealed switches and keypads built to last in extreme and harsh environments. CSI Keyboards has over 40 years of experience designing keypads that are completely environmentally sealed and switches that need to meet specific requirements for Water, Temperature, Humidity, Dirt, Dust, Altitude, Impact resistance, Vibration, and Chemical resistance.

Some of our technologies for environmentally sealing keypads include the Seal Frame design, rubber keypad sealing designs, copper flex circuitry, potting solutions, environmentally resistant polyester technology, and other proprietary sealing techniques. 

Please visit the Sealing section of our website for additional information or reach out directly to discuss.