The protective structure protects the Switch from penetration by human bodies, solid foreign objects, dust, water, or oil. The degree of impermeability is increased by encasing or sealing the Switch so that it can be used in environments subject to dust, water, or oil.
The extent of this ability is expressed as the degree of protection. The degree is expressed with the protection characteristic code IP-[][].
Standards
IEC 60529: Defines degrees of protection against penetration of solid foreign objects and water. JEM 1030: Defines degrees of protection against oil.
