What Are the IP Waterproofing Standards?

The IP waterproofing standards, also known as the Ingress Protection rating, are internationally recognized codes that assess the level of protection provided by electronic devices against the ingress of solid particles and liquids. These standards play a crucial role in determining the device's durability and suitability for various environmental conditions.

Understanding the IP Code

The IP code consists of two numbers. The first number indicates the degree of protection against solids, such as dust, while the second number represents the protection level against liquids, ranging from drips to full immersion. Let's delve into each category to gain a comprehensive understanding.

Protection Against Solids

The first digit in the IP code signifies the device's resistance to solid particles. It ranges from 0 to 6, with higher numbers indicating better protection. Here is a breakdown:

0: No protection against solids.

1: Protection against objects larger than 50 mm (e.g., hands).

2: Protection against objects larger than 12.5 mm (e.g., fingers).

3: Protection against objects larger than 2.5 mm (e.g., tools).

4: Protection against objects larger than 1 mm (e.g., wires).

5: Limited protection against dust ingress.

6: Complete protection against dust ingress.

Protection Against Liquids

The second digit of the IP code represents the device's resistance to liquid ingress. It ranges from 0 to 9, with higher numbers indicating better protection. Here is a breakdown:

0: No protection against liquids.

1: Protection against vertically falling droplets.

2: Protection against vertically falling droplets when the device is tilted up to 15 degrees.

3: Protection against sprays up to 60 degrees from vertical.

4: Protection against splashes from any direction.

5: Protection against low-pressure jets of water from any direction.

6: Protection against powerful jets of water or waves.

7: Protection against temporary immersion in water.

8: Protection against continuous submersion under specific conditions.

9: Protection against high-pressure and high-temperature water jets.

In summary, the IP waterproofing standards are crucial indicators of an electronic device's durability and ability to withstand various environmental elements. Understanding these codes helps consumers make informed decisions by choosing devices suitable for their specific needs.