Choosing the right connector is about more than fit and function. It is also about protection. In industrial, automation, and outdoor applications, environmental exposure is often unavoidable and protecting your electrical components is critical to ensuring performance, safety, and uptime. Among the most vulnerable parts of any system are the connectors, where signals and power enter or exit a device. This is where IP-rated connectors come into play.
Whether you are dealing with dust, moisture, high-pressure washdowns, or submerged environments, the right ingress protection (IP) rating can mean the difference between reliable operation and costly failure. For engineers working with circular connectors selecting the correct IP level is a strategic decision that directly impacts durability and compliance.
What Is an IP Rating?
The IP (Ingress Protection) rating is a standardized classification defined by the IEC 60529 standard. It specifies the degree of protection provided by an enclosure against the intrusion of solid objects including dust and liquids such as water. The rating is composed of two digits:
- First digit (0–6): Protection against solid particles (e.g., dust).
- Second digit (0–9K): Protection against liquids (e.g., water, cleaning agents).
For example, a connector rated IP67 is completely dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion in water. It is important to mention that, as a common rule, the stated IP protection rating for connectors only applies when they are mated and locked. Within the binder portfolio, there are a few exceptions to this rule listed in the FAQ section at the bottom of this page.
How to Interpret IP Codes
Understanding the distinctions of the IP codes helps engineers match a connector’s capabilities to the demands of the application. Here are a few examples:
- IP20: No protection against water; limited protection from solid objects.
- IP65: Dust-tight; protected against water jets.
- IP69K: Highest resistance, including high-pressure, high-temperature spray.
Matching IP Ratings to Use Cases
Different environments present different levels of risk, from indoor control panels with minimal exposure to fully submersed sensors in harsh outdoor conditions. Matching the IP rating to the actual use case helps engineers avoid overengineering, reduce costs, and prevent failures due to under-protection. In this section, we outline typical environments and recommend suitable IP ratings for each, helping you align protection levels with real-world application demands.
| IP Rating | Solid Protection | Water Protection | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
IP Rating IP20/IP40 | Solid Protection Basic | Water Protection None / light splash | Typical Applications Indoor electronics, panels, Control cabinets |
IP Rating IP54 | Solid Protection Limited dust | Water Protection Splashing water | Typical Applications Light industrial, sensors |
IP Rating IP65 | Solid Protection Dust-tight | Water Protection Low-pressure water jets | Typical Applications Automation, conveyors |
IP Rating IP67 | Solid Protection Dust-tight | Water Protection Immersion up to 1 meter | Typical Applications Outdoor devices, robotics |
IP Rating IP68 | Solid Protection Dust-tight | Water Protection Continuous immersion | Typical Applications Submersible sensors, irrigation systems, Outdoor installations |
IP Rating IP69K | Solid Protection Dust-tight | Water Protection High-pressure, high-temp spray | Typical Applications Food & beverage, pharmaceutical machinery, Sanitary washdown areas |
binder’s Portfolio of IP-Rated Circular Connectors
binder offers a comprehensive selection of circular connectors engineered to meet the varying demands of industrial and environmental applications. The portfolio includes M8 and M12 connectors, widely used in automation and sensor technology, as well as snap-in and bayonet-locking variants designed for quick, secure connections in dynamic or space-constrained installations. Each connector series is available with certified IP ratings ranging from IP20 to IP69K, enabling precise specification based on application conditions. binder’s products align with international standards and ensure high-quality performance.
Explore our IP-rated connector series:
Why IP Protection Matters in Circular Connectors
Circular connectors are frequently the most exposed components within an electrical or electronic system, leaving them particularly sensitive to environmental stressors such as dust, moisture, and pressure. Selecting an inappropriate IP rating can have serious consequences, including the ingress of contaminants that may lead to electrical failure or corrosion. Other consequences could include shortened service life, and unplanned operational downtime. In critical applications, such as those found in automation, transportation, medical technology, and renewable energy, these failures can compromise signal integrity and system performance. For this reason, reliable IP-rated protection is essential to ensure consistent operation and long-term durability in demanding environments.
Only when the connector is mated and locked. Exception to this rule within our portfolio are the following series: NCC series is IP67 even unmated and ELC is IP54 even when unmated.
