When shopping for electronics or outdoor gear, you've probably seen terms like IP67 or IP68 listed in the product specifications. These IP ratings are more than just technical terms; they provide useful information about how well a device is protected against dust, water, and other environmental hazards.
Understanding IP ratings can help you in selecting products that are suitable for your needs and surroundings when purchasing a smartphone, smartwatch, speaker, or industrial equipment. In this blog, we'll go over what IP ratings are, how they're tested, what each number and letter signifies, and why they're important for everyday use.
The Ingress Protection (IP) rating, which is based on the international standard EN 60529, indicates how well a device is protected from dust, dirt, tools, and water. The guidelines and testing procedures are established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). To officially receive an IP rating, a product must be tested and certified by an independent, accredited laboratory.
An IP rating has a two-digit code that specifies the level of protection against solid objects (first digit) and liquids (second digit).
Here’s what the two digits in an IP rating represent:
0 – No protection at all.
1 – Protected from large parts of the body, like a hand (objects bigger than 50mm).
2 – Protected from fingers or similar small things (up to 12mm wide).
3 – Protected from tools or wires that are 2.5mm or larger.
4 – Protected from small objects larger than 1mm, like thin wires or screws.
5 – Some dust might get in, but not enough to cause damage.
6 – Completely protected from dust.
0- No water protection.
1- Protected from water dripping straight down (like light rain)
2- Protected from water dripping at a 15° angle.
3- Protected from water sprayed up to 60° from above.
4 -Protected from splashes of water from any direction.
5 - Protected from light water jets from any direction.
6 - Protected from strong water jets or waves.
7- Can handle being underwater for a short time.
8 - Can handle being underwater for a long time or under pressure.
The higher the number, the stronger the protection.
F - This indicates that the gadget is oil-resistant, making it ideal for areas where oil exposure is common.
H - Denotes a high voltage device, indicating that the product uses higher electrical voltages than typical equipment.
M - Signifies that the device was moving during water testing, providing insight into how well it resists water while in operation.
S - Indicates the device remained stationary during water testing, meaning the protection level applies when the device is not in motion.
W - The term "weather conditions" indicates that the item has been tested for resilience to various external environmental factors.
K - High-pressure and high-temperature water jet tests are stronger than the IPX9 test. They are used for devices that need to work in tough places, like food factories or car washes, where strong cleaning is needed.
B - Protection from specific dangers means the device is made to keep you safe in certain harmful situations. For example, it may stop you from touching dangerous parts or protect you from harmful radiation.
These letters provide additional information about IP ratings, helping users in choosing goods that are appropriate for their particular environment and intended usage.
Sometimes, you might see the letter "X" in an IP rating, like IPX4 or IP6X. This means there is no data available for that part of the rating; the device wasn’t tested for protection against solids or liquids in that case.
The iPhone 16 series is IP68 rated, which means it is resistant to water but is not totally waterproof. It can still be harmed if it is submerged in water for an extended period of time or under unexpected conditions.
The JBL PartyBox 520 has an IPX4 rating. It is protected against water splashes but not tested for dust.
The SteelSeries Aerox 3 Ultra Lightweight Wired Gaming Mouse has an IP54 rating, meaning it’s protected from dust and water splashes. It can handle small spills and sweat during intense gaming sessions.
The Shokz OpenFit 2+ earbuds are IP55 rated. This means that a small amount of dust can enter without causing harm, and they are protected from mild water sprays from any direction.
The SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB TKL Gaming Keyboard has an IP32 rating. This means it’s protected against objects like tools or wires larger than 2.5mm, and from water dripping at a slight 15° angle.
Understanding IP ratings is important when choosing electronics for different environments. Whether you’re using a device in the rain, at the beach, or in a dusty workspace, the right IP rating helps ensure your device is safe, durable, and reliable. It allows you to make smart buying decisions based on how and where you plan to use your device, use it without worry in different situations, and achieve better performance in the long run.
