Water and dust resistance
What is an IP rating?
An IP rating (Ingress Protection) is a code from the international standard IEC 60529 that states how well a device resists dust and water. It has two digits: the first, from 0 to 6, covers solids; the second, from 0 to 8, covers liquids. The higher the number, the more protection.
How to read the two digits
First digit (solids and dust): 4 means protected against objects larger than 1 mm; 5 means dust protected (some dust may get in, but not enough to harm the device); 6 means completely dust tight.
Second digit (water): 4 resists splashes from any direction; 5, water jets; 6, powerful jets; 7, immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes; 8, continuous immersion beyond 1 meter, under conditions the manufacturer specifies.
If an X appears instead of a digit (IPX4, for example), that aspect was not certified. It does not mean zero protection: it means there is no data.
What an IP rating does not tell you
Tests use fresh water at rest. An IP rating does not cover salt water, soapy water, steam (a hot shower, a sauna) or pressure hits such as diving into a pool.
Protection depends on seals and gaskets that wear out with time, impacts and heat. A device that is several years old may resist less than it did when new.
What to check before you buy
- For rain and sweat, a second digit of 4 is enough (IPX4, IP54).
- To get it wet without worry or rinse it under the tap, look for 7 or 8 (IP67, IP68).
- For outdoor use with dust or dirt, the first digit should be 5 or 6.
Products with IP rating in our store
This is how it appears on their spec sheet. Open each one to see all its specifications.
Guides to help you choose
Frequently asked questions
The highest one you actually need. IP68 is the usual maximum in consumer devices: dust tight and submersible. For a device that will only see rain or sweat, IP54 or IPX4 is enough.