
IP Ratings: Using Linear Actuators in Challenging Environments
Safety and Training | By Duff-Norton | Feb 12, 2018
What Is An IP Rating?
When operating a linear actuator in a challenging environment, such as a mining operation, there are a number of considerations you’ll need to keep in mind. It doesn’t get much harsher than operating in a mining environment where temperature, dust and water conditions aren’t always ideal. To ensure your products are protected against foreign debris, your linear actuators must have an Ingress Protection (IP) rating that shows it is built to function in these types of environments.
Breaking Down the IP Rating
This rating, also known as the Ingress Protection rating, is a recognized international standard for the degree of protection provided against the entry of solids and liquids. The IP rating consists of the letters ‘IP’, followed by two numbers and, in rare instances, a letter. The first number indicates the protection against solids while the second number refers to protection against liquids. The higher each number is, the higher level of protection provided.
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Finding the Right IP rating
At Duff-Norton, our linear actuators have varying IP ratings depending on their intended use. Our products that are used in challenging environments, including our XT, SPA, LT, and particularly our CMLA series, have a rating of IP66. This means that they are dust tight and protected against powerful water jets, which is sufficient for most industrial environments.
Contact Our Engineering Team For A Free Application Analysis
The XT series stands out in corrosive environments, maintaining functionality without compromise.
The SPA series is versatile and robust, ideal for a broad spectrum of uses.
Duff-Norton
As a leading engineering manufacturer of reliable industrial lifting and positioning products, Duff-Norton is comprised of individuals with in-depth industry experience. Articles authored by Duff-Norton belong to a collection of blogs written by product and application experts throughout the organization.

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