When purchasing electronic devices or outdoor equipment, you may have come across terms like IP67, IPX4, or IP68.
These codes refer to the Ingress Protection (IP) rating system, which classifies how well a device is protected against solid particles (dust, debris) and water.
Understanding IP ratings can help you make informed decisions, especially when selecting waterproof or dustproof gadgets.
Table of Contents
What is an IP Rating?
An IP rating consists of two numbers (or an “X” if one parameter is untested):
- The first digit (0–6) represents solid particle protection (dust, dirt, etc.).
- The second digit (0–9) represents water protection (moisture, splashes, immersion, etc.).
For example, an IP67-rated device is completely dustproof (6) and can be immersed in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes (7).
IP Ratings Comparison Table
Below is a breakdown of the different solid particle protection (first digit) and water protection (second digit) levels.
Solid Particle Protection (First Digit)
| Rating | Protection Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection | No protection against solid objects. |
| 1 | Large objects | Protects against objects >50mm (e.g., hands). |
| 2 | Medium-sized objects | Protects against objects >12.5mm (e.g., fingers). |
| 3 | Small objects | Protects against objects >2.5mm (e.g., tools, wires). |
| 4 | Very small objects | Protects against objects >1mm (e.g., small wires). |
| 5 | Limited dust protection | Some dust may enter but won’t affect performance. |
| 6 | Fully dust-tight | Complete protection from dust and debris. |
Here is a visual infographics summarizing Solid Particle Protection (First Digit) – Shows how well a device is protected from dust and solid objects.
Water Protection (Second Digit)
| Rating | Protection Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No protection | No water resistance. |
| 1 | Dripping water | Protects against vertically dripping water. |
| 2 | Dripping water (tilted) | Protects against dripping water when tilted up to 15°. |
| 3 | Spraying water | Protects against sprayed water at angles up to 60°. |
| 4 | Splashing water | Protects against water splashes from any direction. |
| 5 | Water jets | Protects against low-pressure water jets from any direction. |
| 6 | Powerful water jets | Protects against high-pressure water jets. |
| 7 | Immersion (1 meter, 30 minutes) | Can be submerged up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. |
| 8 | Extended immersion | Can withstand continuous submersion beyond 1 meter (manufacturer specifies depth). |
| 9K | High-temperature, high-pressure jets | Protects against steam cleaning and extreme conditions (e.g., industrial equipment). |
Here is a visual infographics summarizing Water Protection (Second Digit) – Illustrates the level of resistance against water exposure.
Examples of Common IP Ratings
Here are some practical examples of devices with specific IP ratings:
| IP Rating | Protection Level | Example Devices |
|---|---|---|
| IPX4 | Splash-resistant | Bluetooth speakers, sports earbuds |
| IPX7 | Submersible (1m, 30 min) | Waterproof smartwatches (e.g., Apple Watch) |
| IP67 | Dustproof & Submersible (1m) | Rugged smartphones, GPS devices |
| IP68 | Fully dustproof & deep-water submersion | High-end smartphones (e.g., iPhone, Galaxy S series) |
| IP69K | High-pressure, high-temp water resistance | Industrial equipment, truck wash systems |
Choosing the Right IP Rating for Your Needs
- For casual outdoor use (light rain, splashes) → IPX4 or IPX5.
- For swimming or accidental drops in water → IPX7 or IPX8.
- For construction sites or dusty environments → IP6X ratings (IP65, IP67, etc.).
- For extreme conditions (high pressure, heat, industrial use) → IP69K.
Conclusion
IP ratings provide critical information about how well a device is protected against dust and water. Understanding these ratings can help you choose the right level of protection for your environment, ensuring durability and reliability.
Whether you’re buying a rugged smartphone, waterproof earbuds, or industrial equipment, checking the IP rating ensures you get a product suited to your needs.
