IP ratings and conformal coatings
Alicat devices are available with conformal coatings and a variety of IP ratings for protection from dust and water. This article details the available options for Alicat devices and briefly explains the purpose of each.
Conformal coating (-CC build option)
High-humidity and condensation due to sudden temperature changes can damage electronics. Most devices are available with an optional acrylic conformal coating, applied to the internal electronics to protect them from moisture.
IP ratings for Alicat devices (-IPXX build option)
Most Alicat instruments are rated to IP40 by default. These are protected against solid objects ≥1.0 mm and have no water protection. IP40-rated devices can be configured with any electrical connectors and any communication protocol. These devices come with a front panel display by default.
IP66 or IP67 ratings are available for most devices ≥50 SCCM. IP-rated devices <20 SLPM have a larger-than-standard form factor, which increases the dead volume and slows instrument response time.
- IP66 rated devices are dust-tight and resistant to powerful water jets from any direction.
- IP67 rated devices are dust-tight and can be temporarily immersed in water ≤1 m.
IP66/67 rated instruments use M12O locking connectors. They are available with any analog or serial communication protocol, as well as Ethernet-based industrial protocols: Modbus TCP/IP, EtherCAT, and Ethernet/IP.
Exceptions
- IP66/67-rated EPC devices use M8 connectors
- FP-25 calibrators are IP67-rated by default
- Remote displays are IP54-rated by default and can be upgraded to an IP65 rating
- IP66/67 not available on liquid flow meters or controllers, vacuum instruments (MCE, MVC, and IVC), or Basis mass flow controllers
- IP66/67 not available with ATEX/CSA certification (–X build option)
IP ratings table
Ingress protection is represented by a two digit IP rating, the first number represents protection from solid objects and the second protection from water.
| Solid object protection | Water protection | |
| 0 | No protection | No protection |
| 1 | Foreign solid objects ≥50 mm | Vertically falling water drops when mounted in upright position |
| 2 | Foreign solid objects ≥12.5 mm | Vertically falling water drops when tilted up to 15° |
| 3 | Foreign solid objects ≥2.5 mm | Spraying water at an angle up to 60° from the vertical for 5 minutes |
| 4 | Foreign solid objects ≥1.0 mm | Splashing water from any direction for 10 minutes |
| 5 | Dust-protected (Ingress of dust is not entirely prevented, but it must not interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment.) | Water jets (6.3 mm nozzle) from any direction |
| 6 | Dust-tight (No ingress of dust; complete protection against contact. A vacuum must be applied. Test duration of up to 8 hours based on air flow.) | Powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle) from any direction |
| 7 | N/A | Temporary immersion in water ≤1 m (under defined conditions) |
| 8 | N/A | Continuous immersion in water ≤1 m (under defined conditions) |
| 9 | N/A | High pressure, high temperature water jets from any direction |
*For a full description of the IP ratings, including their testing conditions, please refer to IEC 60529.
** Higher numerical ratings do not necessarily indicate that they cover the lower ratings as well. For example, an IP67-rated device may be suitable for submersion but unable to withstand water jets. However, all Alicat instruments rated to IP66 or IP67 meet both specifications.