IEC 60529 (IP Ratings)
IEC 60529:2013 - Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
Overview
Defines the Ingress Protection (IP) rating system used worldwide to classify the degree of protection an enclosure provides against solid objects (first digit, 0–6) and water (second digit, 0–9K). Common RFID tag ratings include IP65 (dust-tight, low-pressure water jets), IP67 (dust-tight, temporary submersion to 1 m), IP68 (dust-tight, continuous submersion beyond 1 m), and IP69K (dust-tight, high-pressure/steam-jet washdown).
Why it matters for RFID
Every rugged RFID tag datasheet quotes an IP rating. Understanding the IP code is essential for selecting the right tag for harsh environments - outdoor assets, food processing, vehicle identification, and industrial manufacturing.