Complete Guide to IP Ratings in BMS 🔧| IP00 to IP68 Explained with Real HVAC Field Device Examples
In modern Building Management Systems (BMS), selecting the right field device is not just about functionality, it’s also about environmental protection and reliability.
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%20Ratings%20in%20BMS.jpg "Complete Guide to IP Ratings in BMS") |
| Ingress Protection |
In this article, you will learn IP ratings from IP00 to IP67, where they should be used, where they should be avoided, and real BMS field device examples from practical projects. This guide is designed for engineers, technicians, and anyone involved in automation systems worldwide.
- IP (Ingress Protection) ratings, defined under the IEC 60529 standard, play a critical role in determining how well electrical and automation devices are protected against dust and water. From IP00 controllers inside panels to IP67/IP68 sensors used in harsh environments, each rating serves a specific purpose in real-world HVAC and industrial applications.
- IP ratings are defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) under the IEC 60529 standard. They are used to classify the level of protection provided by electrical devices against the intrusion of solid objects (such as dust) and liquids (such as water).
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| IEC |
- By assigning a specific IP rating, this system ensures that products meet defined protection levels and can operate reliably under different environmental conditions.
- In a building automation system, the IP rating is a critical factor when selecting field devices at all levels from top-level controllers to end devices such as:
- DDC & PLC Controllers,
- Web/BACnet controllers,
- Humidity & Temperature Sensors,
- Damper & Valves Actuators,
- Differential pressure Sensors & Switches,
- Variable Frequency Drives,
- Room Thermostats,
- Human-machine interfaces (HMI),
- Smoke detector,
- Expansion Modules,
- CO₂ Sensors,
- Energy Meter,
- CCTV,
IP: Ingress Protection,
1st (First Digit): Protection against solid objects
2nd (Second Digit): Protection against liquids or water
IP00
0 – No protection against solid objects (dust, fingers, tools)
0 – No protection against water
Where it should be used:
IP00 equipment is only suitable in controlled and protected environments, such as:
- Inside electrical panels or control cabinets
- Inside PLC enclosures
- Clean, dry indoor industrial rooms
- OEM machine internal wiring sections
- Locations with restricted access
Where it should not be used:
IP00 should NEVER be used in exposed or harsh environments:
- Outdoor installations
- Areas with dust (textile mills, cement plants, etc.)
- Wet or humid environments (HVAC plants, cooling towers)
- Public access areas (shock hazard risk)
- Food and pharma industries
Example: SAUTER EY6AS80 Modular BACnet automation station and web server
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| IP00 |
- The Sauter EY6AS80 (modu680-AS) is a modular, freely programmable BACnet Building Controller (B-BC) used for automating HVAC, room applications, and technical building equipment.
- It serves as a high-performance, compact automation station within the SAUTER modulo 6 system, featuring an integrated web server and supporting BACnet/IP communication.
IP20
2- Protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm, such as fingers or similar-sized objects.
0 - No protection against water or any type of liquid ingress.
- Safe against accidental finger contact
- Protects internal parts from large solid objects
- No protection against water, moisture, or dust
- Not suitable for outdoor or wet environments
Where it should be used:
- Indoor electrical panels,
- Control cabinets (inside protected enclosures),
- PLC modules,
- Relays, contactors, and power supplies (panel-mounted).
Where it should NOT Be Used.
- Outdoor installations,
- Wet or humid areas,
- Dusty industrial environments,
- Areas exposed to water spray or condensation.
Examples: TREND IQ528 DDC CONTROLLER
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| IP20 |
- The Trend IQ528 is a secure, high-performance DDC (Direct Digital Control) equipment controller designed for building and energy management systems.
- It manages HVAC, lighting, and plant systems, featuring 28 onboard I/O channels (expandable to 52) and supports BACnet/IP, Modbus, and MS/TP protocols to integrate third-party devices.
IP21
2 - Protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm (e.g., fingers or accidental contact)
1 - Protection against vertically falling water drops (e.g., light condensation or dripping water)
Where it should be used:
IP21 devices are suitable for indoor and controlled environments, such as:
- Electrical panels in dry indoor areas
- Control rooms and switchboards
- Office and commercial building installations
- HVAC control panels (away from moisture sources)
- Locations with minimal dust and no water exposure
Where IP21 Should NOT Be Used
Avoid using IP21 in environments with higher exposure:
- Outdoor installations
- Dusty environments (textile mills, cement plants)
- Areas with water splashing or spraying
- High humidity zones (humidification plants, cooling towers)
- Washdown or industrial cleaning areas
- The Danfoss ECtemp Smart Thermostat is an intelligent, Wi-Fi-enabled controller designed for electric underfloor heating systems. It allows users to manage heating remotely via the ECtemp Smart App, featuring a modern touchscreen interface, energy-saving scheduling, and adaptability to climate conditions.
IP30
3 - Protected against solid objects greater than 2.5 mm.
0 - No protection against water or any type of liquid ingress.
Note:
- Prevents access with tools, thick wires, or small parts
- No protection against water, rain, or moisture
Where it should be used:
- Indoor electrical panels
- Control panels in dry rooms
- Distribution boards
- HVAC / BMS controllers installed in protected indoor areas
Where it should NOT Be Used.
- Outdoor environments
- Wet or humid locations
- Dusty industrial areas
- Areas with water spray or condensation
Examples: Siemens RDG20 KNX Room Thermostat
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| IP30 |
- The Siemens RDG20 KNX is a smart room thermostat used for HVAC control in commercial or residential buildings, featuring KNX communication for integration into building management systems. It manages temperature, humidity, and air quality (CO2) by controlling fan coils, heating/cooling systems, and valves.
IP42
4 - Protected against solid objects larger than 1 mm
- Prevents entry of small tools, wires, and insects
- Protected against vertical water drips (e.g., light condensation or minor leakage)
2 - Protected against dripping or vertical water spray up to 15° tilt.
- Not dust-tight.
- Not protected against water spray, rain, or jets.
Where it should Be Used:
- Indoor electrical panels
- Control panels in plant rooms
- HVAC / BMS controllers in semi-protected areas
- Equipment installed under ceilings where occasional condensation may occur
Where it should NOT Be Used:
- Outdoor installations
- Areas with water spray or wash-down
- High-humidity or dusty industrial environments
- Direct exposure to rain
Example: Belimo TF series Fail-safe Damper Actuators
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| IP42 |
- The Belimo TF series consists of basic mechanical fail-safe damper actuators designed for On/Off or modulating control in commercial HVAC systems. These actuators use a true spring return system to move dampers to a predefined safety position (open or closed) whenever power is lost.
IP44
4 - Protection against solid objects (greater than) ≥ 1 mm.
- Prevents entry of small tools, wires, and insects
- Safe against water splashes
4 - Protection against splashing water from all directions.
- Not dust-tight
- Not suitable for water jets or heavy rain
Where it should Be Used:
- Indoor and semi-outdoor electrical enclosures
- HVAC control panels near AHUs
- BMS field devices in protected outdoor areas
- Junction boxes and socket outlets
- Washroom and utility room equipment
Where it should NOT Be Used:
- Areas with high dust levels
- Outdoor locations exposed to direct rain
- Wash-down areas or high-pressure cleaning zones
Example: Belimo 22G02-5xx Gas Monitors
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| IP44 |
- Belimo 22G02-5.. gas monitors are high-performance sensors designed to detect carbon monoxide or nitrogen dioxide in indoor environments like parking garages, loading docks, and mechanical rooms.
IP54
5 - Dust protected. Prevents ingress of dust sufficient to cause harm.
4 - Protected against splashes of water at any angle. Limited liquid entry.
Note:
- Dust can enter slightly, but will not damage equipment
- Protected against water splashing
- Suitable for industrial and HVAC environments
- Not dust-tight
- Not protected against water jets or immersion
Where it should Be Used:
- HVAC control panels
- BMS/DDC panels
- Electrical distribution boards
- VFD panels (indoor / semi-outdoor)
- Pump and fan control panels
- Factory and plant-room equipment
Where it should NOT Be Used:
- Areas exposed to water jets or wash-down
- Heavy rain or direct outdoor exposure
- Flood-prone or submerged locations
Example: Belimo New GM24SR Damper Actuator
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| IP54 |
- The Belimo GM24SR is a 40 Nm, 24 V, modulating non-fail-safe damper actuator designed to control HVAC dampers up to approx. 8 m² in building systems. It uses a 2...10 V signal for control and position feedback, featuring a 150-second running time and an IP54-rated housing that is suitable for outdoor use against weather.
IP55
5 - Dust-protected (not airtight, but dust must not interfere with operation).
- Resists dust entry (not fully dust-tight)
- Withstands low-pressure water jets
- Suitable for industrial and outdoor environments
5 - Protected from low-pressure water jets from any direction.
- Not suitable for high-pressure wash-down
- Not waterproof for immersion
Where it should Be Used:
- Outdoor electrical panels
- HVAC control panels
- BMS field control panels
- VFD and MCC enclosures
- Pump and fan control panels
- Industrial automation panels
Where it should NOT Be Used:
- Areas with high-pressure water cleaning
- Underground or flood-prone locations
- Continuous water exposure or immersion
Example: Danfoss VLT HVAC Drive FC 102
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| IP55 |
- The Danfoss VLT HVAC Drive FC 102 is a specialized variable frequency drive (VFD) designed for controlling fans, pumps, and compressors in building automation systems (1.1 kW to 90 kW).
IP65
6 - Dust-tight (no dust ingress)
5 - Protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction
Note:
- Completely protected against dust
- Withstands water jets (rain, hose wash)
- Suitable for outdoor and industrial environments
- Not designed for water immersion
- Not suitable for continuous high-pressure wash-down
Where it should Be Used:
- Outdoor electrical panels
- HVAC and BMS control panels
- Rooftop and chiller yard panels
- Field-mounted sensors and actuators
- VFD and MCC enclosures
- Industrial automation equipment
Where it should NOT Be Used:
- Applications requiring submersion in water
- Flood-prone underground locations
- Continuous high-pressure wash-down areas
Example: Honeywell HSH-D series duct sensor
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| IP65 |
- The Honeywell HSH-D series is a range of high-accuracy duct-mounted sensors designed to measure both relative humidity (RH) and temperature in HVAC systems. These sensors are typically used for air handling units, ventilation, and zoning to maintain optimal indoor air quality.
IP66
6 - Dust tight. No ingress of dust.
6 - Protected against high pressure water jets from any direction. Limited liquid entry.
Note
- Completely dust-tight
- Withstands high-pressure / powerful water jets
- Suitable for harsh industrial and outdoor environments
- Not designed for continuous water immersion
- Not suitable for underwater applications (IP67/IP68 required)
Where it should Be Used:
- Outdoor electrical panels
- Rooftop HVAC control panels
- Chiller yard and cooling tower panels
- VFD and MCC panels in harsh environments
- Industrial automation enclosures
- Marine and coastal installations
Where it should NOT Be Used:
- Applications requiring submersion in water
- Underground or flood-prone locations
Example: Emerson Rosemount 5300 Level Transmitter
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| IP66 |
- The Emerson Rosemount 5300 is a high-performance, SIL 2-certified guided wave radar (GWR) level transmitter designed for accurate, continuous measurement of liquids, slurries, and solids.
IP67
6 - Dust-tight (no dust ingress)
7 - Protected against temporary immersion in water
Note:
- Completely protected from dust
- Can be immersed in water up to 1 m depth for 30 minutes
- Suitable for harsh outdoor and wet environments
- Not designed for continuous or deep submersion (IP68 required)
- Not intended for high-pressure wash-down (IP66 preferred)
Where it should Be Used:
- Outdoor field devices and sensors
- Underground junction boxes (non-permanent flooding)
- HVAC/BMS sensors in wet areas
- Industrial instrumentation
- Marine and coastal equipment
- Temporary submersible installations
Where it should NOT Be Used:
- Continuous underwater operation,
- Deep water or high-pressure submersion
- Applications requiring frequent high-pressure water jets
Example: Schneider electric IDP05S Value Pressure Transmitter
 |
| IP67 |
- The Schneider Electric Foxboro IDP05S is an intelligent, high-performance, and cost-effective differential pressure transmitter designed to measure liquid level, flow, and pressure, with a high accuracy of up to +- 0.075% of span.
Degree of protection IEC/EN
| Rating | Solid Protection | Water Protection |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Non protection | Non protection |
| 1 | Protected against a solid object greater than 50mm, such as a hand. | Protected against vertical dripping water. Limited liquid entry. |
| 2 | Protection against solid object greater than 12 mm, such as finger. | Protected against vertical dripping water when tilted up 15 degree. Limited liquid entry. |
| 3 | Protected against a solid object greater than 2.5 mm, such as a screwdriver. | Protected against spraying water at an angle 60 degree. Limited liquid entry. |
| 4 | Protected against a solid objects greater than 1 mm, such as a most screws and wires. | Protected against splashes of water at any angle. Limited liquid entry. |
| 5 | Dust protected. Prevents ingress of dust sufficient to cause harm. | Protected against low pressure water jets from any directions. Limited liquid entry. |
| 6 | Dust tight. No ingress of dust. | Protected against high pressure water jets from any direction. Limited liquid entry. |
| 7 | Protected against the effects immersion of water between 15cm and 1m for 30 minutes. | |
| 8 | Protected against the effects immersion of water under pressure for long periods. | |
| 9 | Protected from close-range, powerful, high temperature water jets. | |
Conclusion
- Understanding IP ratings is essential for selecting the right BMS field devices and ensuring long-term system reliability. Each rating from IP00 used inside control panels to IP67 devices used in harsh outdoor environments serves a specific purpose based on environmental conditions.
- Choosing the correct IP rating not only improves equipment lifespan and safety but also helps avoid costly failures and maintenance issues.
- Always remember: The best IP rating is not the highest one, but the most suitable one for the application.
- For deeper insights, you can explore the related articles and external resources linked in this post, and don’t forget to follow our social media channels for more practical BMS and HVAC knowledge
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is an IP rating in BMS systems?
- IP (Ingress Protection) rating defines the level of protection a device has against dust and water, as per the IEC 60529 standard. In BMS, it helps engineers select the right field devices for indoor, outdoor, or harsh environments to ensure safety and reliability.
2. What is the difference between IP65, IP66, and IP67?
- IP65 - Dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets
- IP66 - Dust-tight and protected against high-pressure water jets
- IP67 - Dust-tight and protected against temporary water immersion
3. How do I choose the correct IP rating for BMS field devices?
The correct IP rating depends on the installation environment:
- Indoor areas - IP20 to IP42
- Plant rooms / AHU - IP54 to IP55
- Outdoor areas - IP65 to IP66
- Flood or submersible areas - IP67 to IP68
About the Author – Insight Control System
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