Here is how to choose the right level of protection when customizing the PLC integrated cabinet:

First, understand the meaning of the protection grade standard

The level of Protection is usually represented by the IP (Ingress Protection) code. The IP code consists of two numbers:

- The first number indicates the level of protection against the entry of solid foreign objects:

-0: No protection.

-1: Prevent solid foreign bodies with a diameter greater than 50mm from entering.

-2: Prevent solid foreign bodies larger than 12.5mm in diameter from entering.

-3: Prevent solid foreign bodies larger than 2.5mm in diameter from entering.

-4: Prevent solid foreign bodies with a diameter greater than 1.0mm from entering.

- 5: Dust (cannot completely prevent dust from entering, but the amount of dust entering must not affect the normal operation of the device or reduce the safety).

-6: Dust tight (completely prevents dust from entering).

- The second number indicates the level of protection against water entry:

-0: No protection.

-1: Prevent water from dripping vertically.

-2: Prevents water from dripping vertically when the housing is tilted to 15 degrees.

-3: Prevent drenching (drenching within 60° from the vertical direction should have no harmful effects).

-4: Prevent splashing (splashing in any direction should have no harmful effects).

-5: Prevent water spraying (water spraying in any direction should have no harmful effects).

-6: Prevent sea waves or strong water spray.

-7: Prevent short time immersion in water (immersed in the specified pressure of water after the specified time the amount of water into the shell will not reach harmful levels).

-8: Prevent continuous diving (can be prolonged diving under conditions specified by the manufacturer).

Second, consider the solid foreign body factor in the installation environment

1. Indoor clean environment:

- If the PLC integrated cabinet is installed in the indoor clean workshop, control room and other environments, there is basically no risk of large particle solid foreign bodies around, the protection level of IP30 or IP40 can usually meet the requirements, and can effectively prevent small objects that may be accidentally encountered in daily operation from entering the cabinet.

2. Indoor general industrial environment:

- In ordinary industrial workshops, there may be some metal debris, dust, etc. In this case, you are advised to select IP54 or higher protection level. This can prevent solid foreign bodies with a diameter greater than 1mm from entering, and can better resist the accumulation of dust to ensure the normal operation of the PLC system.

For some areas where small tools or parts may accidentally splash, such as near the machining shop, the protection level should be raised to IP55 or higher to prevent these objects from causing damage to the equipment in the cabinet.

3. Outdoor environment:

- When installing outdoors, it is necessary to take into account the effects of solid foreign bodies brought by various natural and human factors. For example, in areas likely to be affected by wind and sand, or near roads, construction sites, etc., should choose at least IP65 protection level. This can effectively prevent dust, stones and other objects from entering the cabinet, and protect PLC equipment from damage.

3. Evaluate the influence factors of water in the installation environment

1. Indoor dry environment:

- If the installation location is in an indoor dry area, such as a well-ventilated equipment room away from water sources, there is little risk of direct water contact with the cabinet. Therefore, IP30 or IP40 with a low water protection level may be sufficient. However, it is also necessary to take into account unexpected circumstances, such as the possible splash when cleaning the ground, so it is still necessary to have a certain anti-splash ability.

2. Indoor humid environment:

- In some indoor humid places, such as electrical distribution rooms near bathrooms, industrial workshops with steam emissions, etc., the water vapor content in the air is high and may condense into water droplets. At this time, the protection level should be at least IP54 to prevent water droplets from entering the interior of the cabinet and affecting the electrical equipment. If there is a risk of pipe leakage or possible exposure to water spraying, such as in installation locations under fire sprinkler systems, the protection level needs to be raised to IP65 or higher.

3. Outdoor environment:

- The PLC integrated cabinet installed outdoors faces the test of various weather conditions, including rain, snow, etc. For general outdoor installation scenarios, the protection level should be no less than IP65, which can effectively prevent the direct intrusion of rain. If the installation is in an area that may be subjected to heavy rain, flood impact, or is used on water facilities (such as ships), the protection level needs to reach IP67 or even IP68 to ensure that the equipment in the cabinet can still work normally in the case of short time immersion or continuous diving.

4. Consider special environmental factors

1. Chemical corrosive environment:

- In some chemical enterprises, laboratories and other places, the air may contain corrosive gases, chemicals or dust. In addition to meeting the requirements for the protection of solid foreign bodies and water, it is also necessary to select cabinet materials and seals with corrosion resistance. For example, the stainless steel cabinet is used and the protection level is above IP65 to prevent corrosive substances from entering the cabinet and damaging PLC equipment and electrical components.

2. High temperature and humidity environment:

In some high temperature and high humidity environments, such as factories in tropical areas or control equipment rooms near hot springs, it is not only necessary to consider waterproof and dustproof, but also to ensure that the cabinet can dissipate heat normally under high temperature conditions, and will not reduce the electrical insulation performance due to humidity. At this time, it is necessary to choose a cabinet with good heat dissipation design and moisture-proof treatment, and improve the protection level according to the actual situation, which may need to reach IP66 or higher to cope with harsh environmental conditions.

3. Explosion-proof environment:

- In flammable and explosive environments, such as petrochemical, coal and other places, it is necessary to choose PLC integrated cabinets that meet the explosion-proof standards, and determine the protection level according to the specific explosion-proof level requirements. Under normal circumstances, the protection level of the explosion-proof integrated cabinet is at least IP65 to ensure that it can resist the influence of external environmental factors while preventing the entry of explosive substances.

5. Refer to relevant industry standards and norms

1. Industrial automation industry standards:

- According to the industry field, refer to the corresponding industry standards and specifications. For example, in the manufacturing industry, some industry associations or standardization organizations may have specific requirements for the level of protection of PLC integrated cabinets. These standards usually specify minimum protection levels based on different production processes and environmental conditions to ensure the safe and reliable operation of equipment.

2. Building electrical code:

- If the PLC integrated cabinet is installed in a building, it also needs to comply with building electrical codes and standards. For example, in the electrical design specifications of commercial buildings or industrial plants, there may be clear provisions on the level of protection of electrical equipment to meet the safety and use requirements of the building.

3. National Security standards:

- Refer to the electrical equipment safety standards formulated by the State, which have detailed provisions on the protection level, insulation performance, grounding requirements and other aspects of various electrical equipment. Ensuring that the selected protection level meets the requirements of national safety standards can not only ensure the normal operation of the equipment, but also avoid potential security risks.