IP Ratings Explained: Protecting Your Linear Actuators from Dust and Water
Protecting your linear actuators from dust and water starts with understanding IP ratings.
IP ratings define the level of protection your equipment has against solid objects and moisture—essential for actuators used in industrial environments.
What Is an IP Rating?
“IP” stands for “Ingress Protection”. The IP rating consists of two digits:
- First digit: Protection against solids (like dust)
- Second digit: Protection against liquids (like water)
- E.g., IP65 = dust tight and protected against water jets
- The higher the number, the better the protection
Why IP Ratings Matter for Actuators
Linear actuators often operate in harsh environments. Selecting the right IP rating helps prevent failures and downtime due to contamination or moisture ingress:
- Industrial dust, debris, and oil exposure
- Outdoor use in rain or snow
- Washdown processes in food or pharmaceutical applications
- Marine or coastal environments with high humidity
Common IP Ratings Explained
Here are a few common IP ratings found in industrial actuators:
- IP54: Basic dust protection and splash resistance
- IP65: Dust tight and protected against low-pressure water jets
- IP67: Dust tight and can withstand immersion in water up to 1m
- IP69K: High-pressure washdown rated—ideal for food and medical industries
Industrial Devices: Built for Real-World Conditions
Our electric linear actuators are designed to meet real industrial challenges. Many of our models meet or exceed IP65, IP67 and IP69K standards:
- Enclosures sealed against dust and water
- Perfect for food-grade, marine, and outdoor use
- Tested in UK conditions and beyond
- Durability backed by industry-standard compliance
Need Help Choosing the Right IP Rating?
We’ll help you assess your environment and recommend the actuator best suited for the job. Factors we consider include:
- Indoor vs outdoor use
- Exposure to water, steam, oil or chemicals
- Cleaning requirements (e.g. pressure washing)
- Mounting location and enclosure options
Protect Your Investment with the Right IP Rating
Choosing the correct IP rating ensures your actuators perform reliably in even the toughest environments. Speak to our team to find the best match for your application.
Explore IP-Rated Linear Actuators
Browse our range of Electric Linear Actuators and Heavy Duty Actuator Systems suitable for demanding conditions.