IP Ratings Explained – What IP20, IP54, IP65, and IP66 Mean for Inverter Drives
When choosing an inverter drive (VFD), it’s not just about power and voltage—environmental protection matters. That’s where IP (Ingress Protection) ratings come in. Whether you’re installing a drive in a clean control panel or a dusty, wet factory floor, the IP rating defines how well the enclosure protects against dust and moisture.
In this guide, we break down the most common IP ratings used with inverter drives—IP20, IP54, IP65, and IP66—so you can make the right decision for your application.
🔎 What Is an IP Rating?
IP ratings are defined by the IEC 60529 standard. The code is made up of two digits:
- First digit: Solid protection (e.g. dust, fingers, tools) – range: 0 to 6
- Second digit: Liquid protection (e.g. water) – range: 0 to 9
For example, an IP66 drive is totally dust-tight and can withstand high-pressure water jets. An IP20 drive is only protected against touch and solid objects—not water.
💡 What Do IP20, IP54, IP65, and IP66 Mean?
| IP Rating | Dust Protection | Water Protection | Suitable Environment |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP20 | Fingers / small objects | None | Inside control panels, clean areas |
| IP54 | Limited dust ingress | Splashing water | Industrial enclosures, light washdown |
| IP65 | Dust-tight | Low-pressure water jets | Factory floors, dusty or damp areas |
| IP66 | Dust-tight | High-pressure water jets | Washdown zones, food production, outdoors |
📌 Choosing the Right IP Rating for Your Application
The right IP rating depends entirely on your installation environment:
- Control panels: IP20 is usually fine if the drive is enclosed and dry
- Dusty or dirty factories: IP54 or IP65 recommended
- Washdown or outdoor areas: Use IP66 for full protection
- Food & beverage, marine, or chemical environments: IP66 is essential
Installing the wrong IP rating can lead to drive failure, faults, or even safety hazards—don’t take the risk.
✅ Shop Inverter Drives by IP Rating
We’ve made it easy to browse drives by their environmental protection level. Explore our filtered categories:
Popular drives by IP rating:
- 🔧 ABB ACS355 – IP20
- 💧 ABB ACS880 – IP66 options
- 🔧 Delta MS300 – IP20
- 💧 Danfoss FC-302 – IP66 versions available
📚 Related Reading
- IP20 vs IP66 – Which Inverter Drive Do You Need?
- Do I Need a Braking Resistor with My VFD?
- Try Our VFD Sizing Calculator
🛒 Why Buy From Drive Outlet Megastore?
- ✅ 3,000+ OEM VFDs in stock
- ✅ Next-day UK delivery
- ✅ IP20, IP54, IP65, and IP66 models available
- ✅ Cheapest OEM drive prices in the UK
- ✅ 2-Year warranty on all products
Need help choosing the right drive for your environment? Use our tools or contact our team for expert advice.
