What are the common IP protection levels of RFID reading and writing equipment?

For a long time, the parameters of most RFID reading and writing equipment have been marked with IP protection levels. Especially RFID reading and writing equipment that can be used outdoors will have different levels of dustproof and waterproof requirements. The IP protection level indicates the level of protection of the RFID product shell against human access to dangerous parts, solid foreign objects, and water ingress, as well as a code system for additional information related to these protections.

IP (Ingress Protection) protection level is a method of classifying products based on the degree of dustproofness, waterproofness and anti-collision of electrical equipment and packaging. This system was drafted by IEC (International Electro Technical Commission) and adopted in Published in IEC529. China has also issued the "GB4208 Enclosure Protection Level (IP Code)" standard with reference to this specification.

The IP protection level system classifies equipment according to its dust-proof and moisture-proof characteristics, and stipulates the degree of protection provided by the equipment shell to people approaching dangerous parts, preventing the entry of solid foreign objects, or the entry of water.

Note: The enclosure here refers to equipment components that protect the equipment from certain external influences and prevent direct contact in all directions. Partitions that are not connected to the enclosure and barriers specifically designed for personal safety cannot be regarded as part of the enclosure.

According to the provisions of IEC529, the IP protection level is expressed by the IP code. The IP code consists of the code letter IP, the first characteristic number, the second characteristic number, additional letters and supplementary letters.

IP protection level is a widely recognized protection level evaluation standard around the world. The main basis is "IEC 60529: 2013 Degrees of protection provided by enclosure (IP code)". The equivalent national standard is "GB/T 4208-2017 Enclosure protection level (IP code)". IP code)》.

How to express IP protection level?

The code letters stand for "Intrusion Protection."

The first characteristic number (0 to 6) indicates the range of the equipment's resistance to fine dust, or the degree to which people are protected from harm in a sealed environment, and represents the level of prevention of solid foreign matter from entering.

The second characteristic number (0 to 8) indicates the degree of waterproofing of the device, representing the level of protection against water intrusion.

Additional letters (A, B, C, D) indicate hazardous parts to which contact can be prevented.

Supplementary letters (H, M, S, W) indicate additional supplementary information.

Dustproof level

0: no protection

1: Prevent large solid intrusion

2: Prevent the intrusion of medium-sized solids

3: Prevent small solids from entering and invading

4: Prevent solid objects larger than 1mm from entering

5: Prevent harmful dust accumulation

6: Completely prevent dust from entering

waterproof level

0: no protection

1: Water droplets dripping into the casing have no effect

2: When the casing is tilted to 15 degrees, water droplets dripping into the casing have no effect.

3: Water or rain from a 60-degree corner has no effect on the housing

4: Liquid splashed onto the case from any direction will have no harmful effects.

5: Rinse with water without any harm

6: Can be used in cabin environment

7: Can withstand water immersion in a short period of time (1m)

8: Immersed in water for a long time under a certain pressure

9: Spraying high-temperature/high-pressure water in all directions of the shell has no harmful effects

Limitations of IP protection levels

While an IP rating can provide a lot of information about a device's ability to protect itself, it does not cover all possible environmental conditions. For example, the IP protection rating does not include protection against chemical corrosion or high temperatures. Therefore, when selecting equipment, in addition to considering the IP protection level, you also need to consider other performance and usage environment of the RFID equipment.

In addition, even if the device has a high protection level, there is no guarantee that the RFID device will provide corresponding protection under all circumstances. For example, a device may perform well when tested for protection levels, but in actual use its protective capabilities may be reduced due to changes in environmental conditions or wear and tear on the device.

Therefore, while protection levels are a useful Tool that can provide information about a device's ability to protect, when using RFID devices, appropriate protective measures also need to be taken to ensure the safe and stable operation of the device.

General requirements for IP protection level testing

The GB/T 4208-2017 enclosure protection level (IP code) standard is only applicable to electrical equipment with a rated voltage not exceeding 72.5kV. The test conducted according to this standard is a type test. The test environment should be conducted under the conditions specified in the standard. The test In principle, the samples should be clean new products, with all components installed in place according to the state specified by the manufacturer. The judgment of the test results should be stipulated by the relevant product standards. If the relevant product standards do not provide for it, GB/T 4208-2017 will be accepted. Conditions should be considered as minimum requirements.

If it cannot be carried out on the entire equipment, the test should be carried out on representative components or on smaller equipment designed with the same proportions.

GB/T 4208-2017 Standard description of enclosure protection level (IP code)

GB/T 4208-2017 Enclosure protection level (IP code) test stipulates the protection level of various types of electrical equipment, IP code identification, test samples, test equipment, test methods, and minimum acceptance conditions, but for IP codes are adopted The procedures and methods, the minimum IP code level of various products, and the protection of moving parts used outside the shell need to be stipulated in the relevant product standards. For enclosures that meet the requirements of the GB/T 4208-2008 standard, the protection level will be suitable for the same level specified in this version.