IP44, IP54, IP67, IP69: which protection rating does an industrial plug need?
The two digits of an IP rating come from the international standard IEC 60529: the first is protection against dust and solid objects, the second protection against water. IP44 suits sheltered or indoor sites, IP54 adds dust protection, IP67 is dust-tight and survives temporary immersion, and IP69 adds protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets, for washdown areas.
What the digits mean
| Rating | Dust and solids | Water | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP44 | Objects of 1 mm and larger kept out | Splashing water from any direction | Indoor and sheltered installations, workshops, wall sockets |
| IP54 | Dust-protected | Splashing water | Dusty areas, site power, general industry |
| IP67 | Dust-tight | Temporary immersion | Outdoor and wet areas, events, construction sites |
| IP69 | Dust-tight | High-pressure, high-temperature water jets | Regular high-pressure cleaning, such as food processing |
Definitions summarised from IEC 60529. The rating that applies to a connector is the one marked on it and stated on its product page; some ratings only apply when the plug is fully engaged or the cap is closed.
Which rating for which place
For a sheltered indoor wall socket, IP44 is usually enough. Where there is dust, move to IP54. For outdoor use, rain, hose-down or temporary submersion, specify IP67. In food, beverage and other plants that are cleaned with high-pressure hot water, look for IP67 / IP69: the Mennekes catalogue says its IP67 / IP69 PowerTOP Xtra plugs and connectors stay watertight through repeated high-pressure cleaning, with a screw cap and bayonet ring sealing out the water.
For corrosive surroundings (high humidity, salt or acidic air, corrosive gases and vapours) the catalogue points to PowerTOP Xtra R, with a highly heat-resistant contact carrier and nickel-plated contacts, mainly used in food processing, breweries, dairies, farms and wineries.
Ranges we supply, by protection rating
Ranges with IP67 versions
- Mennekes Connectors — PowerTOP Plus (IP44 / IP67) — 3 products
- Mennekes Connectors — PowerTOP Xtra (IP54 / IP67 / IP69) — 96 products
- Mennekes Panel mounted inlets (IP44 / IP67) — 64 products
- Mennekes Panel mounted receptacles — Screwless spring terminals (IP44 / IP67) — 99 products
- Mennekes Panel mounted receptacles — Standard (IP44 / IP67) — 104 products
- Mennekes Panel mounted receptacles — X-CONTACT (IP44 / IP67) — 46 products
- Mennekes Phase inverter plugs (IP44 / IP67) — 16 products
- Mennekes Plugs — PowerTOP Plus (IP44 / IP67) — 14 products
- Mennekes Plugs — PowerTOP Xtra (IP54 / IP67 / IP69) — 128 products
- Mennekes Wall mounted inlets (IP44 / IP67) — 45 products
- Mennekes Wall mounted receptacles — DUOi with LED voltage indicator (IP44 / IP67 / IP69) — 25 products
- Mennekes Wall mounted receptacles — Highly chemical resistant (IP67) — 19 products
- Mennekes Wall mounted receptacles — Screwless spring terminals (IP44 / IP67) — 65 products
- Mennekes Wall mounted receptacles — X-CONTACT (IP44 / IP67) — 24 products
Ranges with IP69 versions (high-pressure washdown)
- Mennekes Connectors — PowerTOP Xtra (IP54 / IP67 / IP69) — 96 products
- Mennekes Plugs — PowerTOP Xtra (IP54 / IP67 / IP69) — 128 products
- Mennekes Wall mounted receptacles — DUOi with LED voltage indicator (IP44 / IP67 / IP69) — 25 products
IP44-only ranges
- Mennekes Phase inverter inlets (IP44) — 18 products
- Mennekes Wall mounted receptacles — Standard (IP44) — 33 products
Common questions
What does IP67 mean on a plug or socket?
IP67 means the product is dust-tight (first digit 6) and protected against temporary immersion in water (second digit 7), under IEC 60529.
What is the difference between IP67 and IP69?
IP67 covers temporary immersion. IP69 covers high-pressure, high-temperature water jets, as used in washdown cleaning. The Mennekes IP67 / IP69 PowerTOP Xtra plugs and connectors are rated for both.
Is IP44 enough for outdoor use?
IP44 protects against splashing water, so it suits sheltered locations. For rain, hosing or immersion risk, choose IP67.