IP ratings for electric radiators and why they matter
IP ratings indicate how well the enclosure around a device such as an electric radiator or a panel heater, will protect the internal mechanical and electrical components from the ingress of solids and liquids. Intrusion into an electric radiator by fingers, foreign objects of various diameters, or water could pose a hazard to the user and risk damaging the product.
What are the IP ratings for electric radiators and why do they matter?
IP ratings indicate how well the enclosure around a device such as an electric radiator or a panel heater, will protect the internal mechanical and electrical components from the ingress of solids and liquids. Intrusion into an electric radiator by fingers, foreign objects of various diameters, or water could pose a hazard to the user and risk damaging the product.
IP ratings are an excellent way to assess which installed heating units are most suited to operate safely and securely in specific indoor environments, such as bathrooms, where moisture is more prevalent. As the ratings are determined in accordance with the standard EN 60529, it enables IP ratings to be used by specifiers to compare products on a like-for-like basis.
The awareness of IP ratings has risen due to the advent of modern electrical devices, designed to cope with both everyday use and extreme events, such as immersion in water. The two numbers signified in IP ratings are key to understanding how well an electric radiator or a panel heater performs when exposed to different external conditions.
What do the numbers in IP ratings mean?
For IP ratings, the ‘IP’ stands for Ingress Protection and is always followed by two digits. The first digit of an IP rating, ranging from 0 to 6, indicates the protection provided against solid matter. Solid matter can be anything from dust particles through to much larger objects such as tools, wires, fingers and hand-sized objects. The second digit, from 0 to 9, indicates the protection offered from moisture ingress and covers vents from submersion through to water droplets exposure.
In both cases the higher the number, the higher the level of protection. In some cases, the letter X will appear in place of one of the two digits. This is used to indicate that no numerical rating has been included for one of the ingress types. For example, a product with IPX4 has no rating for the ingress of solid matter. The table below outlines which designation the numbers have been attributed.
1st Number: Solid foreign objects
Protected against:
0. No protection
1. Solid foreign objects of diameter 50mm or more
2. Solid foreign objects of diameter 12.5mm or more
3. Solid foreign objects of diameter 2.5mm or more
4. Solid foreign objects of diameter 1 mm or more
5. Dust
6. Dust tight
2nd Number: Water ingress
Protected against:
0. No protection
1. Vertically falling water drops
2. Vertically falling water drops when enclosure tilted up to 15°
3. Spraying water up to 60° on either side
4. Spraying water at any angle
5. Water jets
6. Powerful water jets
7. Effects of temporary immersion in water
8. Effects of continuous immersion in water
9. High pressure and temperature water jets
Where can I find out more about the IP ratings of electric radiators?
At Dimplex our installed heating range can be installed as a standalone heating solution or as a part of a smart home heating and hot water system. An example is the Q-Rad electric radiator with infrared technology. This is our most intelligent electric radiator and is rated as IP24. It delivers a perfect blend of convective and radiant heat for a natural feel of warmth on demand. The slim and stylish electric radiator can be installed along the Edel hot water heat pump (rated IPX4) for a complete smart electric home heating solution. The look of Q-Rad complements Quantum (rated IPX4) range of high heat retention storage heaters and can be installed in retrofit as a smart and economical electric heating system. Similarly to new homes, the systems can be further enhanced by installing an Edel hot water heat pump to generate low carbon domestic hot water.
A range of stylish and energy efficient panel heaters and electric radiators, including far-infrared panel heater by Dimplex rated at IP44 is available to provide a cost-effective and flexible way to heat residential and commercial spaces including a panel heater suitable for a bathroom with a rating of IP44.
If you would like to find out how our range of installed heating products can benefit your next new build, social housing, refurbishment or light commercial project, please contact our application design specialists who will be happy to help.