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IP, IC, IM — The Alphabet Soup of Motor Codes
IP55, IP65, IC411, IM B3, IM B5 — what these codes mean and why mixing them up can cost you thousands in returns and reinstallation.
DATE: 2026-05-17
Motor manufacturers love three-letter codes. IP, IC, IM — each communicates essential information about where and how a motor can be used.
IP — Ingress Protection
First digit (0-6): Solids. 4 = small tools, 5 = dust-protected, 6 = dust-tight.
Second digit (0-8): Liquids. 4 = splashing, 5 = water jets, 6 = powerful jets, 7 = temporary immersion.
Common: IP23 = indoor clean. IP55 = outdoor/dusty (most common). IP65 = washdown (food). IP68 = submersible.
IC — How the Motor Stays Cool
- IC410: natural convection, no fan. Small or intermittent duty only.
- IC411: shaft-mounted fan (TEFC). The most common. Problem: less cooling at low speed.