Ingress Protection (IP) rating

IP ratings, or ingress protection ratings, are a way of classifying the level of protection provided by a device's enclosure against the intrusion of solid objects and liquids. The rating is given as a two-digit code, with the first digit representing the level of protection against solid objects (such as sand and dust) and the second digit representing the level of protection against liquids. 

IPX2 rating

IPX2 is a type of ingress protection rating which indicates that the device has a low level of protection against liquids, and no dustproof rating.

Specifically, a device with an IPX2 rating is protected against vertically falling drops of water, but not against water sprayed at it from any angle.

This means that while a device with an IPX2 rating may be able to withstand light rain or condensation, it is not suitable for use in wet or damp environments.

 

IPX3 rating

An IPX3 rating indicates that the device has a low to moderate level of protection against liquids.

Specifically, a device with an IPX3 rating is protected against water sprayed at it from a 60-degree angle, but not against water sprayed at it from a wider angle or against water sprayed at it with high pressure.

This means that while a device with an IPX3 rating may be able to withstand light rain or splashing water, but is not suitable for use in wet or damp environments where the device may be exposed to more significant amounts of water.

 

IPX4 rating

The "4" in "IPX4" indicates the product's level of protection against water splashes.

IPX4-rated products are protected against water splashes from any direction, but not against submersion. This means that the product will be safe from water splashes, but it should not be submerged in water or exposed to water jets.

 

IPX5 rating

The IPX5 rating means that a device has been tested and is protected against water projected from a nozzle at a high-pressure and flow rate. This means that the device can withstand being splashed with water from all angles, but it cannot be fully immersed in water or subjected to high-pressure water jets.

For example, a device with an IPX5 rating can be used outdoors in light rain or splashed with water, but it should not be submerged in water or used in heavy rain or in wet environments.

 

IPX6 rating

The IPX6 rating indicates that the device is protected against strong jets of water from any direction. This means that it can withstand powerful water sprays and heavy rainfall, but it is not designed for submersion in water.

The IPX6 rating is commonly used for outdoor electronics such as portable speakers and camping lanterns. It provides a good level of protection against water damage, but it is not as robust as higher ratings.

 

IPX7 rating

IPX7 is a rating that indicates that the device is protected against water ingress when immersed in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. This means that it can be submerged in water without any harm to its internal components. This is a relatively high level of water resistance and is suitable for use in wet conditions or water sports.

 

IPX8 rating

The IPX8 rating indicates that the device can be submerged in water for extended periods of time, typically for 30 minutes or more, at a depth of 1 meter or more. This makes it suitable for use in very wet environments, such as in heavy rain or while swimming.

It's important to note that the IPX8 rating is not a guarantee of water-tightness. The rating only applies to the specific conditions under which the device was tested, and it may not be as resistant to water in other situations. Additionally, the rating is only valid for fresh water, and may not apply to other liquids, such as salt water or chlorinated water.

In general, devices with an IPX8 rating are considered to be highly water-resistant and suitable for use in wet environments. However, it's always a good idea to check the manufacturer's specifications and use the device carefully to avoid damaging it.

 

IP44 rating

The IP44 rating is a standard that measures the ingress protection of a device. The first digit, "4," indicates that the device has protection against solid objects like dust. The second digit, "4," indicates that the device has protection against water splashes from any direction.

This means that the device is protected against some dust and water but not against prolonged water exposure or high-pressure water jets.

 

IP45 rating

The IP45 rating indicates that a device has been tested and is protected against the ingress of solid foreign objects larger than 1mm, such as tools and wires, and is also protected against water spray from all directions.

This rating is commonly used for outdoor electrical equipment and devices that are not intended to be submerged in water.

 

IP52 rating

The IP52 rating indicates that a device is protected against solid objects larger than 12.5 millimeters (such as hands and fingers), and is protected against vertically dripping water when the enclosure is tilted at an angle of up to 15 degrees from its normal operating position.

This means that the device should be able to withstand light splashes and spills, but it should not be submerged in water or exposed to heavy water spray.

 

IP53 rating

The IP53 rating is made up of two parts: the first digit (5) refers to the level of protection against solid objects, while the second digit (3) refers to the level of protection against liquids. In this case, the "5" means that the device is protected against the ingress of dust and other solid objects, while the "3" means that it is protected against water spray.

In general, a device with an IP53 rating will be able to withstand light exposure to water and dust, but it should not be fully submerged or exposed to heavy rain. It is important to check the specific specifications of a device to see how it has been tested and rated.

 

IP54 rating

A device with an IP54 rating has been tested and found to be protected against the ingress of dust to the point that it will not have a harmful effect on the operation of the device. In addition, the device is protected against water splashes from any direction, but it is not designed to be fully submerged in water.

In general, a device with an IP54 rating is suitable for use in environments where there may be some dust or water splashes, but it is not recommended for use in very dusty or wet environments. It is important to check the IP rating of a device before purchasing it to ensure that it is suitable for your intended use.

 

IP55 rating

The IP55 rating is a standardized measure of the level of protection provided by a device's enclosure against the ingress of water and solid particles. The first digit, "5," indicates the level of protection against solid particles, while the second digit, "5," indicates the level of protection against water.

In the case of the IP55 rating, it indicates that the device has a medium level of protection against solid particles, such as dust, and is protected against water jets or splashes from any direction. This means that the device should be able to withstand water splashes or jets from any direction, but it may not be suitable for immersion in water or extended exposure to water.

 

IP56 rating

A device with an IP56 rating has been tested and found to be protected against the ingress of dust to the point that it will not have a harmful effect on the operation of the device. In addition, the device is protected against powerful water jets from any direction, but it is not designed to be fully submerged in water.

In general, a device with an IP56 rating is suitable for use in environments where there may be some dust or water splashes, but it is not recommended for use in very dusty or wet environments. It is important to check the IP rating of a device before purchasing it to ensure that it is suitable for your intended use.

 

IP57 rating

The IP57 rating is a standard that indicates that the device is protected against water ingress when it is immersed in water up to a depth of 1 meter for a duration of up to 30 minutes. It also means that the device is protected against dust ingress, which means that dust particles cannot enter the device and interfere with its operation.

The IP57 rating is commonly found on smartphones, tablets, and other consumer electronics products.

 

IP58 rating

An IP58-rated device has been tested and found to be completely dust-tight, meaning that no dust can enter the device, and it will not have a harmful effect on the operation of the device. In addition, the device is protected against the effects of long-term immersion in water under specified pressure and time conditions. This means that the device can be used underwater for extended periods of time without being damaged.

In general, an IP58-rated device is suitable for use in environments where there may be dust or water, and it can even be used underwater for extended periods of time.

 

IP65 rating

A device with an IP65 rating has been tested and found to be dust-tight, meaning that no dust can enter the device, and it will not have a harmful effect on the operation of the device.

In addition, the device is protected against low-pressure jets of water from any direction, but it is not designed to be fully submerged in water.

 

IP66 rating

A device with an IP66 rating has been tested and found to be dust-tight, meaning that no dust can enter the device, and it will not have a harmful effect on the operation of the device. In addition, the device is protected against powerful jets of water from any direction, but it is not designed to be fully submerged in water.

 

IP67 rating

In the case of an IP67 rating, the "6" indicates that the device is completely dust-tight, and the "7" indicates that it is protected against the effects of immersion in water up to a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes.

This means that the device can withstand being submerged in water without any damage or loss of functionality. The IP67 rating is commonly found on smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices that are designed to be used in outdoor environments.

 

IP68 rating

The IP68 rating is a standard used to test the ingress protection (IP) of electronic devices. It indicates that a device is dust-tight and can be submerged in water for a specified amount of time without experiencing any damage.

The number 6 means that the device is completely dust-tight and will not allow any dust particles to enter it. The number 8, on the other hand, means that the device can be submerged in water at a depth of 1.5 meters for a duration of 30 minutes without experiencing any damage.

Therefore, an IP68 rating means that a device is completely dust-tight and can be submerged in water at a depth of 1.5 meters for 30 minutes without experiencing any damage. This makes it ideal for use in outdoor environments or in situations where it may come into contact with water.