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You may have seen something called an IP rating next to all of the infrared heaters that we offer here at Surya Heating. However, if you’re not sure exactly what this is, we’re here to help.

What is an IP Rating?

It’s not just our infrared heaters that have IP ratings. Many electrical goods that you own will tell you what their IP rating, or Ingress Protection Rating is. It tends to be interpreted as a rating of how waterproof it is, but it also refers to the ability of foreign objects entering the device.

What do the Numbers Stand For?

If the number has been replaced by an X, then it indicates that the enclosure is not rated for that specification.

First Number (dust protection)

1. No special protection
2. Any large surface of the body, such as the back of a hand, but no protection against deliberate contact with a body part
3. Protection against fingers or similar objects no larger than 80mm in length and 12mm in diameter.
4. It has protection from entry by tools, wires etc, with a diameter of 2.5 mm or more.
5. Protection against solid bodies larger than 1mm (e.g. fine tools/large ants etc).
6. Protected against dust that may damage equipment.
7. Totally dust tight.

Second Number (moisture protection)

1. No protection.
2. Protection against condensation
3. Protection against water droplets when tilted up to 15° from vertical
4. Protected against spray up to 60° from vertical.
5. Protected against water spray and splashes from all directions.
6. Protection against low pressure water jets (all directions)
7. Protection against strong water jets and waves.
8. Protected against temporary immersion, up to 1m depth
9. Protected against prolonged effects of immersion under pressure, usually up to 3m.

What Does This Mean For My Heater?

Considering that all of our heaters, both panel and bar, are rated as IP54, this means two things. Firstly, they are protected against any dust that will harm the equipment. This means that only the tiniest of dust particles will be able to get into the heater, but this will not be an issue at all. The second number means that is protected against water spray and splashes from all directions. This means that any accidental splashes from the sink won’t damage the panel.

However, it means that we definitely do not recommend putting the heater at the bottom of a pool. This will almost certainly break the panel, and be a serious safety risk.

What Are IP Zones?

Working with electricity near water isn’t always safe, as you can imagine. That’s why there’s an extra protection, called IP zoning. This splits the bathroom into three different areas, where different IP ratings are needed.

Zone 0 is right inside the bath or shower. This is where only devices with IP67 ratings and above should be used, for the safety of both you and your device.

Zone 1 is the area just above the bath, at least 2.25m off the floor. Here, you’d require a device that’s at least IP65.

Zone 2 is the area that’s at least 0.6m horizontally away from the bath or shower, and 2.25m away from the floor. Here, you’d need just IP44, less than what our heaters have.

This means that you could install your new infrared heater in zone 2, where either the bath or shower’s jets cannot affect it with too much pressure. This gives you plenty of scope to install your heater. Of course, it could also be fitted outside of the zones, where risk of water is a lot less.

This means that if you wanted a mirrored panel heater in your bathroom, it would be much safer above your sink than in your bathtub.

If you have any further questions about infrared heating or IP ratings, give us a call. Ring us on 0116 321 4124, email us at support@suryaheating.co.uk, or visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.