What IP Rating Do I Need?

You’re in the market for a weighing scale that can handle a damp, dusty, humid or dirty environment – or maybe just one you can wipe off with a wet towel. Either way, you’ll need to decide on what IP rating is right for you.

What Are IP Ratings?

IP stands for Ingress Protection, as in, how protected the scale or balance is against fine particles and liquid getting inside and harming the mechanisms. Scales that offer this protection, often called “washdown” or “waterproof” scales, have earned an IP rating, usually provided in two numbers like so: IP##.

Dust

The first number rates equipment (because it applies to most electronics) on how well it’s protected from solid particles on a scale from 0 to 6. A rating of IP0# signifies it offers no protection against particles, a rating of IP3# means it’s protected against objects that are 2.5mm large. IP6# means it’s completely protected from particles as fine as dust, dirt, flour or sand.

Drops

The second number indicates how well equipment holds up against liquids on a scale from 0 to 9. Ratings from 1 to 6 signify an increasing protection against water droplets and eventually high-pressure jets of water. Ratings 7 and 8 mean that they can be fully submerged in water up to a certain depth and for a certain amount of time – though usually full submersion isn’t necessary anyways. IP#8 scales are considered fully waterproof. A rating of 9 means it can handle not only jets, but jets at extremely high temperatures.

Together           

Combined, you might see a scale with an IP66 rating, like Adam’s WBW, fully dust tight and protected against high-pressure jets. You may also see a scale like Adam Equipment’s Aqua ABW-S or Gladiator with an IP68 rating – fully dust and waterproof.

However, just because a scale doesn’t have an IP rating doesn’t mean it’ll break like tissue paper when encountering dust or some water droplets. It just means that it hasn’t gone through the required testing process to earn an IP rating, and you should practice caution.

You can learn what each number represents in more detail through the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) website, the organization that developed IP ratings. Click here!

So, what’s the purpose of an IP rating?

Why Do I Need an IP Rating?

There are many jobs and tasks that could involve your scale getting messy. Whether it’s dirt from picking veggies, juice from weighing meat or fish, flour from weighing ingredients or dust from simply sitting in a busy warehouse, an IP rating gives you the ability to clean the scale effectively.

For example, let’s say you’re working at a butcher shop, weighing slabs of meat to sell by the kilogram (which also requires trade approval). The juices of meat can grow bacteria incredibly quickly, so it’s important to regularly – and thoroughly – clean your scale.  The higher the IP rating, the easier it is to do so. If you have an IP68-rated scale, you can scrub the scale in the sink without worrying about damage. Then, simply dry the scale and keep weighing! No cool-down necessary.

What IP Rating Do I Need?

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Will my scale frequently come into contact with fine particles like dust?
   1. If yes, you'll likely need IP6#
   2. If no, IP5# is sufficient
2. Is there a possibility my scale will come into contact with water or other forms of moisture?
   1. If yes, head to question 3
   2. If no, you may be fine with an IP6X rating (Protection against dust only)
3. How often do I expect to be washing my scale?
   1. If regularly, you may want to invest in a higher IP rating to make the process more efficient
   2. If rarely, a lower IP rating that can handle a damp cloth may be more effective
4. How do I plan to wash my scale?
   1. If you plan to hose it down, you'll want IP66 so it can withstand the high-pressure jet
   2. If you want to rinse it in a soapy sink, IP67 or IP68 may be the better choice

If you answered both questions 1 and 2 with “never,” then you’re safe to use a non-rated scale.

Have questions about which IP rating is best for you? Contact the Scaletec team, we’ll be happy to help.