A simple guide to IP ratings and environmental protection in outdoor power distribution

When you take power outdoors, the environment immediately becomes part of the equation. A distro that works perfectly in a warehouse can behave very differently once it is exposed to rain, blown dust, uneven ground or constant foot traffic. Even something as simple as the direction of a cable gland or the amount of moisture in the air can affect reliability.

That is why IP ratings matter. They give you a clear, standardised way to understand how well an enclosure will withstand the real conditions on your site. Instead of relying on guesswork or hoping the weather holds, an IP rating tells you exactly what level of protection you can expect against dust, water and accidental contact.

At Rubber Box, we build power distribution units for everything from touring productions to construction projects, and we see firsthand how choosing the right protection level can prevent faults, downtime and unnecessary equipment wear. With so many different IP ratings available, it can be hard to know which level suits your job, so this guide breaks down what the numbers mean and how they apply in real outdoor environments.

What an IP rating actually tells you

In a nutshell, an IP rating (or Ingress Protection rating) is a two-number code that indicates how well an enclosure protects against solids and liquids. The first number refers to protection from dust and solid objects, while the second number refers to protection from water in its various forms, from light splashes to full immersion.

You don’t need to memorise every single level. You only need to understand the ranges that matter for outdoor power. Once you do, it becomes much easier to judge whether a piece of equipment will withstand the demands of your site.

Protection against dust, dirt and solid particles

The first digit of an IP rating runs from 0 to 6, and while many people focus on the water-resistance aspect of IP ratings because it sounds more serious, dust protection is just as important. Dust and fine particles can cause significant long-term issues with electrical equipment, especially when connectors are handled repeatedly during an event or project. On construction sites, for example, fine cement dust or sawdust can cling to equipment and gradually work its way into housings. At festivals or other events, dry soil and debris can be kicked up simply by foot traffic or vehicle movement across the grounds.

IP4X protects small tools and wires. This level is acceptable for indoor or partially sheltered environments, but it offers limited resilience in open outdoor areas where airborne particles are common. IP5X provides a much higher level of reliability by allowing only a small amount of dust ingress, not enough to cause damage or interfere with regular operation. This makes it suitable for outdoor events, dry grassy areas, and settings with some dust but not heavy dust levels.

For the most demanding conditions, IP6X offers complete dust tightness. No dust can enter the enclosure at this level, making it ideal for long-term outdoor installations, construction sites, and locations where equipment is frequently moved or repositioned. If your site involves a lot of ground disturbance, heavy machinery or prolonged exposure to dry conditions, aiming for IP6X dust protection significantly reduces the risk of internal contamination.

Protection against rain, splashes and water exposure

The second digit of the IP rating focuses on water, one of the biggest concerns for outdoor power distribution – especially in England, where it feels like we see more rain than sun. Water exposure is not always predictable, and conditions often change throughout the day. A piece of equipment may start in a dry location, only to be exposed to sudden rainfall, pooling water, or splashes from nearby activities. So, because of this, water protection levels are always worth understanding in detail.

IPX4 protects against splashing water from any direction, making it acceptable for light rain or situations where equipment is placed under reasonable shelter. However, if your equipment is outdoors for long periods, especially in an exposed location, this level may not be enough. IPX5, by comparison, protects against low-pressure water jets, which cover heavy rain, wind-driven water, and frequently changing wet conditions. This level is suitable for many outdoor events and construction environments where equipment is not submerged but does need to withstand extended wet periods.

For even harsher conditions, IPX6 protection ensures the enclosure can withstand powerful water jets, offering a strong defence against severe weather or water directed at high force from the surrounding area. Finally, IPX7 is designed for temporary immersion, meaning equipment can withstand being in standing water. This is particularly useful on sites where the ground becomes waterlogged after heavy rain or where equipment may sit in puddles for part of the day.

What IP44, IP65 and IP67 look like on a real site

These three ratings are the most common in temporary power distribution, and they each serve a different purpose depending on the demands of the site.

IP44

IP44 offers protection from solid objects over 1mm and splashing water. It is a suitable starting point for outdoor use, but its effectiveness depends heavily on placement and shelter. It works well in environments such as small markets, stalls, or temporary setups where equipment remains covered or partially protected. However, prolonged exposure to consistent or heavy rainfall can exceed what IP44 was designed for. It also provides limited resistance to dust, so it may not be reliable in dry or windy environments where particles circulate constantly.

IP65

IP65 provides complete dust-tightness and protection against low-pressure water jets, making it highly dependable in outdoor setups where conditions cannot be controlled. This level of protection makes IP65 distros well-suited to multi-day festivals, touring productions, construction sites and any location where equipment might be moved frequently or left out in harsh conditions. It gives peace of mind during heavy showers, ensures reliable operation across windy, dusty sites, and generally offers the durability needed for most professional outdoor power applications.

IP67

IP67 is designed for environments that push equipment to the limit. Alongside full dust tightness, IP67 can withstand temporary immersion in water — a vital feature in locations where water pools quickly, drainage is poor, or weather changes dramatically. An IP67-rated distro is not intended to be underwater permanently, but it provides a strong fail-safe when conditions deteriorate. This is especially valuable for winter events, muddy festival grounds, marine locations and exposed outdoor areas where equipment needs to remain operational despite the weather.

If you are putting together an event, sorting out a temporary installation or tackling a more long-term project and want a second opinion, we are always happy to chat things through. Our team at Rubber Box works with these environments every day, so if you want advice on the right rating, a recommendation for a particular power distro unit, or even just someone to double-check your setup plan, you’re more than welcome to get in touch.

Give us a call on +44 (0)1282 677 910 or drop us an email at info@rubberbox.co.uk. If you need something more tailored, we can also help design a bespoke distro that fits your layout, your environment and the way you work. We’re here to make it easier.