When selecting laboratory equipment, one critical factor is often overlooked: the Ingress Protection (IP) rating. While industries such as manufacturing, food & beverage, construction, and maritime have long recognized the value of IP ratings for safeguarding equipment against dust and liquids, the laboratory world has largely ignored this specification.

Yet, just like in industrial environments, laboratory equipment faces risks from powders, spills, and cleaning routines. An IP rating can make all the difference in ensuring the longevity and reliability of your lab balance.

Why IP ratings are important in the lab

In many product categories, the IP rating is highlighted in brochures, technical literature, websites, and advertisements. It’s a standard benchmark to determine if a device is suitable for a specific environment.

Surprisingly, in laboratories, IP ratings are rarely discussed. There seems to be an assumption that balances in labs never encounter powders, spills, or the need for proper washdowns beyond a simple wipe. In reality, many lab balances do operate in environments where dust and moisture protection would be highly beneficial.

This lack of attention could stem from either limited awareness that IP-rated balances even exist, or from not fully understanding the concept and its advantages.

What does IP rating mean?

An IP rating defines how effectively a device is sealed against solids and liquids, preventing internal damage. The rating uses two numbers (IPXX):

• The first digit (0–6): protection against solids.
  • 0 = no protection
  • 6 = completely dust-tight
• The second digit (0–9k): protection against liquids.
  • 0 = no protection
  • 9k = resistant to high-pressure, high-temperature washdowns

The term “washdown” is often used to describe IP-protected equipment. Typically, protection starts at IP65, which ensures a balance is fully dust-tight and resistant to low-pressure water jets from any angle. From there, ratings can go higher depending on the demands of your application.

Download the whitepaper

Want to dive deeper into the benefits of IP-rated balances? Download the whitepaper from A&D Weighing to explore how ingress protection can safeguard your lab equipment and enhance reliability.