Electricity and Control October 2025

Safety of plant, equipment + people: Products + services

Why IP ratings matter for electrical safety

Beyond compliance Pratley takes ingress protection a step further. All Pratley IP-rated products – including its extensive range of cable glands and junction

Safety of electrical systems is always a priority, especially in challenging and hazardous environments where dust, moisture, and mechanical wear are everyday realities. Choosing the correct IP – Ingress Protection – rated electrical equipment is a fundamental technical consideration and a crucial safety measure that can help prevent short circuits, equipment failure, and electrical fires. Yet many users of electrical products remain unaware of what IP ratings indicate. Tristan Blades, Technical Projects Manager at Pratley highlights that despite their importance, IP ratings are ošen misunderstood or overlooked. “Understanding these ratings is essential to ensuring operational performance and personnel safety,” he says. What Is an IP rating? An IP rating is an internationally recognised standard that classifies the degree of protection an electrical enclosure o‡ers against the ingress of solid objects (like dust) and liquids (such as water). The rating is represented by two digits. For example, in the rating IP68, the first digit refers to protection against solids (0 to 6), and the second refers to protection against liquids (0 to 9). The higher the number, the greater the protection. In critical sectors such as mining, petrochemicals, manufacturing, and others, where dust and moisture exposure are routine, the appropriate IP rating is a primary safety requirement. Failure to choose the correct specification can result in unsafe conditions, system malfunctions, and costly downtime. Proper protection prevents hazards IP-rated enclosures act as a barrier, shielding live electrical components from contaminants that could lead to dangerous outcomes. “Ingress of dust or water into an electrical enclosure can lead to short circuits or corrosion, which significantly increases the risk of fire or system failure,” explains Blades. “Ensuring the right level of protection from the outset is essential.” Incorrect or substandard IP ratings are particularly problematic in hazardous environments, where a minor fault could escalate into a critical safety incident. Equipment that fails under these conditions puts workers and infrastructure at risk.

boxes – are subjected to third-party testing and in-house validation at its advanced testing facility. “We do not stop at meeting the minimum requirements – we aim to exceed them,” Blades notes. Many of Pratley’s products are rated IP66/68, which means they are completely dust-tight (IP6X), resist high pressure water jets (IPX6), and can withstand continuous immersion in water up to two metres deep (IPX8). This dual rating provides versatility and ensures resilience across diverse environments.

Tristan Blades, Technical Projects Manager at Pratley.

Pratley’s range of cable glands includes compression glands for unarmoured cable, and Ex e and Ex d glands for both armoured and unarmoured installations, each engineered for uncompromising performance in hazardous areas. Long-term safety and maintenance Robust design is critical and long-term safety depends on durability and maintenance. Sealing components, particularly rubber gaskets, can degrade over time due to heat, UV exposure, and environmental stress. Pratley addresses this issue by formulating its own high performance rubber seals in-house to maximise longevity and maintain protection levels over the product’s lifecycle. Providing further support for long-term performance, Pratley o‡ers replacement gaskets for its junction boxes and cable glands. “This allows customers to maintain the IP integrity of their installations without having to replace the entire unit,” says Blades. “It is a practical, cost-e‡ective solution that aligns with our philosophy of delivering lasting value.” Protection in every installation For dusty workshops, exposed outdoor applications, submersed environments, or other challenging sites, selecting the correct IP rated enclosure is essential for protecting people and systems. “Our IP-rated termination products are designed to meet the demands of extreme conditions and ensure long-term safety,” says Blades. “It’s why engineers and contractors across the country trust Pratley.” He adds, “Selecting the appropriate IP rating should never be an ašerthought. It is a safety imperative. Our technical sales specialists are always available to help customers identify the right product for their specific application.”

For more information visit: www.pratleyelectrical.com

Rectangular Envirobox with polycarbonate lid, also showing the IP rating.

Pratley’s flame-proof Envirobox with IP rating on the lid.

OCTOBER 2025 Electricity + Control

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