IP Ratings: Using Linear Actuators in Challenging Environments

What Is An IP Rating?

When operating a linear actuator in a challenging environment, such as a mining operation, there are a number of considerations you’ll need to keep in mind. It doesn’t get much harsher than operating in a mining environment where temperature, dust and water conditions aren’t always ideal. To ensure your products are protected against foreign debris, your linear actuators must have an Ingress Protection (IP) rating that shows it is built to function in these types of environments.

Breaking Down the IP Rating

An IP rating, also known as Ingress Protection rating, is a recognized international standard that defines the degree of protection provided against the entry of solids and liquids. The rating consists of the letters ‘IP’ followed by two numbers and, occasionally, a letter.

• First Number: Indicates protection against solids (e.g., dust, debris).
• Second Number: Indicates protection against liquids (e.g., water, oils).

The higher the numbers, the greater the level of protection.

Finding the Right IP rating

At Duff-Norton, our linear actuators have varying IP ratings depending on their intended use. Our products that are used in challenging environments, including our XT, LT, SPA, MPB, and particularly our CMLA series, have a rating of IP66. This means that they are dust tight and protected against powerful water jets, which is sufficient for most industrial environments.

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