IP rating guide for gear motors IP54 IP55 IP65 IP67
IP Protection Rating Guide for Geared Motors: IP54, IP55, IP65, IP67 - Choose the Right One the First Time.
Poor sealing is one of the main causes of early failure in geared motors. The IP rating directly defines
the enclosure's ability to protect against solid foreign objects and water. Choosing the wrong rating
means dust can enter the bearings and water can enter the coils, drastically reducing the motor's lifespan.
The following clarifies the differences and selection logic
of these four most commonly used protection ratings
from an engineering perspective.
I. Two Digits, Each with its Own Function
First Digit after IP: Protection against solid foreign objects
Second Digit: Water resistance
| First Digit | Protection Description | Second Digit | Protection Description |
|--------|----------|--------|----------|
| 5 | Dustproof (limited entry, does not affect operation) | 4 | Splashproof (all directions) |
| 6 | Dusttight (completely dustproof) | 5 | Water jet resistant (6.3mm nozzle) |
| 6 | Resistant to strong water jets (12.5mm nozzle)
| 7 | Short-term immersion (1m/30min)
II. Direct Comparison of Four Levels
| Level | Dustproof | Waterproof | Typical Application | Key Impact on Gear Motors |
|------|------|----------|----------|----------------------|
| IP54 | Dustproof, minor entry is not a problem | Splash resistant in all directions
| General factories, clean workshops | Standard configuration, good heat dissipation, simple respirator |
| IP55 | Dustproof, same as IP54 | Water spray resistant (pipe flushing)
| Outdoor, dusty, occasional flushing areas | Drain hole must face downwards, reinforced sealing ring |
| IP65 | Completely dustproof | Resistant to strong water spray | Food production lines, cleaning workshops,
high dust levels | Must be equipped with an IP65 breathing valve, may require a separate fan |
| IP67 | Completely dustproof | Immersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes | May be submerged,
heavy rain and water accumulation environments | All joints must be fully sealed, heat dissipation requires derating |
III. Selection Points
1. **Generally indoor, no flushing** → IP54, low cost, good heat dissipation.
2. **With sprinklers or outdoor rain** → At least IP55, pay attention to the motor installation
direction to prevent water accumulation.
3. **Frequent high-pressure washing (food, chemical)** → IP65, requiring a stainless steel output shaft end cap,
FKM oil seal, and independent fan (IC416) to prevent insufficient cooling at low speeds.
4. **Potential water immersion** → IP67, cable joints and inspection covers must be sealed, and dynamic underwater
operation is prohibited; only accidental immersion is possible.
High Temperature Warning: IP65/IP67 requires a tight seal, but thermal power will decrease by 10–25%.
Long-term operation necessitates thermal balance checks; if necessary, a larger chassis or forced air cooling may be required.
IV. Essential Accessories
- **Breather/Exhaust Valve**: Must match the IP rating. IP65 and above require a waterproof vent valve to
prevent moisture intake due to internal and external pressure differences.
- **Junction Box**: Separately sealed; use an explosion-proof and waterproof connector for the cable inlet.
- **Oil Seal**: Lid material is fluororubber (Viton), which is more heat and water resistant than nitrile rubber.
Need protection selection support?
Send us your washing frequency, ambient humidity, and temperature. Our engineers will match the optimal
IP rating, oil seal material, and heat dissipation solution, and provide a complete model with heat capacity verification.
"Contact us now for a customized waterproof and dustproof geared motor solution and quote."
