Charging electric vehicles is an almost daily necessity for many drivers who have decided to embrace sustainable mobility. However, not everyone has the advantage of being able to recharge their vehicle in a garage or in a safe and secure indoor environment. In these cases, the installation of an outdoor wallbox proves to be the most convenient solution. To ensure not only the efficiency, but also the safety and durability of the device, it is important to be able to distinguish between different IP ratings. These internationally standardised codes indicate the resistance of the wallbox to dust and water, two elements that can compromise the operation of the device.
Today we find ourselves with a competitive market, increasingly rich in offers and models: knowing how to read and interpret the different IP protection degrees becomes a necessary skill for the most intelligent and conscious choice possible. Whether in environments exposed to torrential rain, dust, or other extreme conditions, choosing a wallbox with an adequate IP rating means investing in a product that will guarantee optimal performance and safety in the long term.
The IP degrees of protection of outdoor wallboxes
In order to choose a suitable outdoor wallbox for your needs, you need to consider the IP protection rating, which determines dust and water resistance. Ingress Protection (IP) ratings provide information on the external agents from which a socket or wallbox is protected.
For example, an IP44-rated wallbox offers moderate protection against both dust and splashing water, making it suitable for installations in partially covered areas. However, for superior safety and durability, especially in outdoor environments exposed to adverse weather conditions, it is recommended to opt for wallboxes with IP65 or higher. This provides complete protection against dust and significant resistance against water jets from any direction, ideal for installations in harsh environments.
Furthermore, wallboxes must comply with the specified protection class not only when in use, but also when not in use. This ensures that the device is always protected against external influences, regardless of whether it is connected or not. This is particularly important to ensure that water does not penetrate the housing, especially in contact areas.
Finally, it is important to note that, in addition to the IP rating, other factors such as resistance to mechanical impacts (often indicated by the IK rating) may influence the choice of wallbox, especially in areas where the risk of impacts or vandalism is high. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of the specific requirements of the installation site and the environmental conditions is essential in order to choose the most suitable wallbox.
What is the IP degree of protection and why it is important
As mentioned, the IP rating, which stands for Ingress Protection, is an international classification system that defines the level of protection offered by the enclosures of electronic devices against the ingress of solids and liquids. This system is essential for determining the suitability of electrical equipment, such as wallboxes, for use in various environments, especially outdoors.
Being aware of the different degrees of protection serves to ensure that the charging process takes place in a safe manner, reducing the risks of short circuits and other electrical problems that could compromise not only the wallbox, but also the electric vehicle being charged.
How to read the IP code: a quick guide
Each IP protection class is indicated by two digits that define exactly how well the housing protects the inside of the device from the ingress of unwanted objects and seepage. The first digit indicates protection from foreign objects and contact. The second digit indicates protection from water. These specifications are standardised according to DIN EN/IEC 60529.
The IP code consists of two digits: the first digit varies from 0 to 6 and indicates protection against the ingress of solids, such as dust and other foreign objects; the second digit varies from 0 to 9 and represents protection against the ingress of liquids, including water in various forms, such as splashes, jets and temporary immersion.
Details of the meaning of the digits
First digit (Protection against solids):
- 0: No protection.
- 1: Protected against solid objects larger than 50 mm.
- 2: Protected against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm.
- 3: Protected against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm.
- 4: Protected against solid objects larger than 1 mm.
- 5: Protected against dust in quantities that could interfere with the operation of the unit.
- 6: Completely protected against dust.
Second digit (Protection against liquids):
- 0: No protection.
- 1: Protected against vertically falling water drops.
- 2: Protected against falling water drops at an angle of up to 15 degrees.
- 3: Protected against splashing water up to 60 degrees from vertical.
- 4: Protected against splashing water from all directions.
- 5: Protected against water jets from all directions.
- 6: Protected against powerful jets of water.
- 7: Protected against temporary immersion in water.
- 8: Protected against continuous immersion in water.
- 9: Protected against powerful high-temperature water jets.
The main IP protection ratings for outdoor wallboxes
Protection rating IP44
IP44-rated wallboxes are protected against solids greater than 1 mm and against water spray from all directions. This grade is suitable for installations in partially covered areas or where exposure to dust and water is limited.
IP54 Protection Grade
The IP54 grade offers protection against harmful amounts of dust and against splashing water from all directions. This level of protection is ideal for outdoor environments with moderate weather conditions.
IP65 protection grade
IP65-rated wallboxes are fully protected against dust and water jets from all directions. This grade is perfect for outdoor installations exposed to extreme weather conditions, ensuring safe and reliable charging.
How to choose a wallbox with the right IP rating
Choosing the right wallbox with the right IP rating requires a certain degree of attention to several technical and environmental factors to ensure the functionality, durability and safety of the device.
Installation environment
The first step in choosing a wallbox is a detailed analysis of the environment in which it will be installed. Environmental conditions such as the presence of dust, humidity and precipitation directly influence the IP rating required for our installation. In outdoor settings, an IP rating of IP65 or higher is generally recommended to ensure optimal protection against dust and water jets.
Electrical safety
A wallbox with an adequate IP rating prevents water ingress that could cause short circuits or electrical malfunctions. Opting for wallboxes that have recognised certifications in accordance with international standards such as DIN EN/IEC 60529 ensures that the product complies with the latest safety standards.
Climatic and environmental factors
Wallboxes with high IP protection, such as IP66 or IP67, offer resistance not only to water and dust, but also to corrosive agents and temperature variations. These features ensure greater durability and consistent performance over time, even under extreme climatic conditions such as high temperatures, direct exposure to sunlight and salt spray in coastal areas. This level of protection ensures that the wallbox maintains its efficiency and reliability over the long term, regardless of the environmental challenges it is subjected to.
Benefits of a wallbox with a high IP rating
A wallbox with a high IP rating has a higher resistance to weathering, ensuring a longer service life. Wallboxes with high IP protection maintain optimal performance even in difficult environmental situations, ensuring continuous and reliable charging. Good IP protection not only preserves the integrity of the wallbox, but also ensures the safety of the user and the vehicle during the charging process.
To ensure the proper functioning and longevity of the wallbox, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions and carry out regular maintenance checks. Regularcleaning and checking of electrical connections can prevent faults and ensure safe charging.
Daze wallboxes and IP ratings (IP56 and IK10)
Daze wallbox are certified to IP56, which guarantees complete protection against dust and powerful jets of water. In addition, the IK10 rating indicates high resistance to mechanical impacts, making Daze wallboxes the preferred solution for outdoor installations.