Waterproof? This is what IP44, IP68 or IPX7 stand for!
07/16/2019 (1264x read)
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Loading...Is my device waterproof? The IP protection class is often specified for cameras, mobile phones and many outdoor devices such as wall outlets or Bluetooth speakers: This will tell you whether the device is only protected against splashing water or is even waterproof. Nevertheless, the information must be taken with caution: All openings must be closed tightly with the protective caps that are often provided.
In addition, the protection class usually refers to pure tap water: sea-water or the water in a swimming pool can harm the device because of chemicals and the salt which both can attack the seals!
That means the IP protection class!
The IPXX protection classes distinguish between the first and the second number after the letters IP. IP stands for „International Protection“ or „Ingress Protection“. The first number indicates protection against solid parts (such as dust or sand) and protection against contact. The second number shows whether the housing is waterproof and how well the device is generally protected against water: from a protection class of 7 (IPX7) and above, the device is considered waterproof and should even withstand brief immersion and submersion.
First digit of the IP number (IPXX)
The first number indicates the protection against foreign objects and the protection against contact. If this number is missing, there is usually an „X“: The device then has protection class IPX4, IPX6 or IPX7, for example. If this number is missing, the device has not been tested or there is no official specification for protection against solid bodies.
| IP Number | Protection against contact | Protection against solid objects |
| IP0X | No protection | No protection |
| IP1X | Protection against solid objects with a diameter of 5 cm | Protection against access with the back of the hand |
| IP2X | Protection against solid objects with a diameter of 12.5 mm | Protection against finger access |
| IP3X | Protection against solid objects with a diameter of 2.5 mm | Protection against tool access |
| IP4X | Protection against solid objects with a diameter of 1.0 mm | Protection against access with one wire |
| IP5X | protection against dust in harmful quantities | Completely protected against contact |
| IP6X | Dust-tight | Completely protected against contact |
Second digit of the IP number (IPXX)
The second number indicates how well the housing is protected against water. The higher this number, the more waterproof the housing and the better the protection against water: IPx4 means that a device is protected against splashing water, a device with IPx7 protection should also survive short submersion.
| IP Number | Protection against water |
| IPX0 | No protection against water |
| IPX1 | Protected against vertically falling dripping water (like rain) |
| IPX2 | Protected against dripping water falling at an angle of up to 15° |
| IPX3 | Protected against water spray (angle up to 60°) |
| IPX4 | Protection against splashing water from all sides |
| IPX5 | Protected against splashing water from all sides |
| IPX6 | Protection against strong water jets |
| IPX7 | Protection against submersion (max. 1 meter for 30 minutes) |
| IPX8 | Protection against permanent submersion (with depth indication) |
| IPX9 | Protection against water from all directions and at high pressure (e.g. steam pressure cleaner) |
Waterproof technology: Does that even exist?
Numerous technical devices are waterproof already. Simple devices often start with IP44 or IPX4 protection: Then they are at least protected against light splash water. Expensive devices go much further: The Apple iPhone Xs is according to Apple rated for IP68 and thus waterproof for up to 30 minutes and to a depth of 2 meters. Apple’s Smart Watch, the Apple Watch Series 4 is waterproof to 50 meters as per to ISO standard 22810:2010 and according to Apple suitable for swimming in pools or the sea.
Many Samsung smartphones are already IP68 protected against sand, dust and water: These include the Galaxy S7 Edge, the S8, S9 and the S10. In addition, many Smart Watches from Samsung are protected against water penetration: On this website Samsung shows which devices should be waterproof.