What does the IP rating of a hair dryer mean and does it need one?
Not all hair dryers need an IP rating. However, if it is likely that it will come into contact with significant dripping, sprayed, splashed or even a constant flow of water, the hair dryer will need to be IP rated (Ingress Protection Rating) at the correct level for the area. There are 2 numbers, with the second one being more relevant to liquids and the first, solids.
The below gives information on what the numbers mean:
First Digit
0 No special protection
1 Protection from a large part of the body such as the hand, from solid objects greater than 50mm in diameter
2 Protection against fingers or other object not greater that 80mm in length and 12mm in diameter
3 Protection from entry by tools, wires, etc with a diameter or thickness greater than 1mm
4 Protection from entry by solid objects with a diameter or thickness greater than 1mm
5 Protection from the amount of dust that would interfere with the operation of equipment
6 Dust tight
Second Digit
0 No special protection
1 Protection from dripping water
2 Protection from vertically dripping water
3 Protection from sprayed water
4 Protection from splashed water
5 Protection from water projected from a nozzle
6 Protection against heavy seas, or powerful jets of water
7 Protection against immersion
8 Protection against complete, continuous submersion
For more in-depth information relating to IP ratings please see this article
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