IP Ratings Explained
Part of what we do at ‘Working the Doors’, involves reviewing (sometimes recommending) a diverse range of technology and equipment. Often, our reviews will spotlight and discuss a product’s ‘IP rating’, but what is an IP rating? What does it mean? How important is it?
In this handy little guide, we’ll be answering these questions, and many more, so stick around if you ever wondered about those mysterious letters and numbers allocated to most consumer electronics.
What is an IP Rating?
In simplest terms, an IP rating (sometimes called an ‘IP code’) refers to a device’s ability to withstand damage that may be caused by exposure to liquids or small particles (such as dust, dirt, sand, or grit). The higher the rating, the greater the resistance.
In some cases, the rating may also refer to unwanted entrance from larger objects, such as a hand or a pencil. IP ratings are the accepted international standard for most countries.
The rating does not refer to a device’s inner workings, but exclusively concerns the outer housing or casing of the device. For example, an outdoor security camera’s IP rating refers to the casing’s ability to withstand rain, sand, snow, or other conditions, not that of the equipment within.
To qualify for an IP rating, devices must be formally tested (i.e., sprayed with water or fully submerged) in controlled conditions.
What Do the Initials ‘I.P’ Stand for?
The initials ‘I.P’ stand for ‘ingress protection’. The word ‘ingress’ meaning ‘the action of entering’ or, more specifically in this instance, the ‘unwanted introduction of water, foreign bodies, or contaminants’.
Interestingly, this may not always have been the case. The original International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) guidelines from 1976 (when the rating was first introduced) do not offer an explanation, and ‘IP’ can thus be considered ‘characteristic letters’ devoid of any specific literal meaning.
From 1989 – 99, the initials were said to stand for ‘International Protection’ (which may have been the original intention). Since that time, ‘Ingress Protection’ has been the most-widely accepted meaning, although some consider the ‘P’ to denote the French word ‘pénétration’ (which has the same meaning as its English counterpart).
Other, less widely used, definitions exist, including ‘Internal Protection’. However, ‘Ingress Protection’ is, for all intents and purposes, the ‘official’ meaning at the time of writing.
What do the 2 Digits in an IP Rating Mean?
An IP rating is usually presented with the letters ‘IP’ followed by 2 (sometimes 3) numbers or letters. For example, ‘IP65′ or similar. In this instance, the ‘IP’ part refers to the words ‘Ingress Protection’ (see above).
The 2 digits that follow also have specific meanings. The first digit refers to the device’s ability to repel solid objects, principally dust, dirt, grit, and sand, but also other, larger objects such as pins, tools, and fingertips.
In the case of our ‘IP65′ example, the ‘6′ is the digit referring to this. A ‘6′ rating in this instance offers full protection and would be vacuum sealed against continuous airflow.
The second digit (in the case of our example, a 5), refers to the device’s ability to repel water and other liquids. So, to qualify for a 5 in this category, the device’s casing would be able to offer protection against low-pressure (6.3mm) water jets. Limited ingress would be allowed, provided the device suffered no ill effects as a result.
In summary, digit 1 is the standard of protection against physical objects, while digit 2 is the same, but for liquids.
The Third Digit: Supplementary Information
Sometimes, a device will feature a more complicated IP rating that includes a 3rd digit. The 3rd digit denotes supplementary data, i.e., more specific information. These will usually be letters, rather than numbers.
For example, as a supplemental digit, ‘S’ means that the rating applies when the device is standing still. So, while a rating of ‘IP23′ covers all types of ingress protection, a rating of ‘IP23S’ explains that the main rating is only applicable when the device is not in motion.
The opposite to this is the rating ‘M’, which implies that the device must be in motion for the rating to apply. These ratings occur due to the nature of the testing that the device has received.
‘F’ means that the device is also oil resistant, while ‘W’ explains that the IP rating applies to specific weather conditions. ‘B’ explains that the device offers protection against hazardous parts being accessed by a finger, and so on.
Does an IP Rating Matter?
The importance of a device’s IP rating often depends on what the planned uses for the device are.
For example, a security camera intended for indoor use will have a relatively low IP rating (at least for the 2nd digit). This low rating won’t be an issue if the device is used in its intended capacity. However, if this same camera is set up outdoors, the device will likely break as soon as it is exposed to rain or bad weather.
Everybody that has ever dropped a phone into water can attest to the destructive powers of liquids on electronic devices. The 2nd digit’s importance should therefore be easy enough to understand.
However, dust can also be quite destructive to electronic devices. Once it builds up, dust or dirt can have an insulating effect on the device, causing it to overheat. Small, but solid particles like dust and dirt can also cause problems with connections and switches. Likewise, sand can ruin an electronic device just as effectively and permanently as water.
An IP rating is therefore very important, especially to security equipment, which is often used outdoors and is therefore exposed to a variety of different weather conditions (including rain, snow, sleet, hail, and sustained, excessive heat).
Quality is important, especially in cases wherein equipment is used professionally, insurance claims could conceivably be made, or significant amounts of money are being spent on the devices themselves.
Ultimately, the importance of an IP rating is contingent upon the specific needs of the person using the equipment. In some instances, a low IP rating (or none) may not present any problem for the user. In others (such as our camera example), failing to understand a device’s IP rating can have serious – and expensive – consequences.
Which IP Rating is Fully Waterproof?
‘Waterproof’ IP ratings begin at ‘IP65′ and improve until ‘IP68′ (or IP69K in some cases). However, the term ‘waterproof’ is a subjective one.
A device rated ‘IP65′ can be sprayed with a 6.3mm jet of water for around 3 minutes (12.5 litres a minute), simulating heavy rainfall. It should survive this level of wetness, and thus can be considered ‘waterproof’. However, if dropped into a body of water, it will almost certainly not survive.
A device rated ‘IP66′ is protected against ‘powerful water jets’ (12.5mm nozzle for 3 minutes at 100 litres a minute), but not against full submersion.
A device rated ‘IP67′ or higher can be fully submerged in water of 1m for 30 minutes without incurring any damage. The higher ratings will allow for deeper immersion over longer periods.
If the user defines ‘waterproof’ as the device’s ability to be fully submerged in water without this adversely affecting its operation, then only IP67 or higher can truly be considered ‘waterproof’. However, for most conventional purposes, IP65 should be sufficient.
‘Waterproof’ Vs. ‘Weatherproof’
Sometimes, the term ‘weatherproof’ is used in place of ‘waterproof’. In some cases, these terms are used interchangeably. However, they mean different things.
- ‘Waterproof’ means that the item is impervious to water (see above for further information).
- ‘Weatherproof‘ means that the item is resistant (though possibly not impervious since this can be difficult to quantify) to the various effects of harsh weather. These conditions may include (without being limited to) water, cold, heat, and strong winds. Weatherproof protections are not limited to water or liquids.
Regarding consumer electronics, neither term is as relevant (or reliable) as the device’s IP rating. The IP rating refers to hard, quantifiable data as to the device’s resistance to certain potentially dangerous objects and substances.
The term ‘water resistant’ may also be used. However, any item listed as ‘waterproof’ should have an IP rating of 65 or higher. ‘Water resistant’ simply means that the device could be lightly splashed with water without incurring serious damage.
Is IP65 Better Than IP44?
IP65 is objectively better than IP44, as it offers increased protection against dust, dirt, grit, grime, sand, and water ingress, improving the user’s options, as well as the operational lifespan of the device.
The higher the numbers, the greater the protection offered.
Is IP65 Enough for Rain?
Technically, a device rated ‘IP65′ should be able to withstand rainfall.
Any device with the second digit ‘5′ in its IP rating will have been subjected to tests designed to mimic the effects of moderate or heavy rainfall. It will have been sprayed by a 6.3mm nozzle for a duration of 1 minute per square metre of the device. The spray would have been held 3 metres from the device, ejecting a volume of 12.5 litres per minute, which is quite a lot of water.
As stated above, an IP65 rating is considered ‘waterproof’ by international standards. If the device is intended to be regularly subjected to particularly heavy rainfall, it may be worth seeking out a device with a rating of ‘IP66′ or higher. However, for most purposes, IP65 should be more than sufficient.
What Does the ‘X’ Mean in an IP Rating?
Sometimes, the letter ‘X’ will appear as part of an IP rating, taking the place of one of the digits. This means that no data has been collected for this part of the rating.
In such cases, we encourage users to consider ‘X’ to be tantamount to a ‘0′ rating, and to therefore operate under the assumption that the device offers no protection in this area.
However, it is also possible to infer that the device will offer at least some protection. A rating of ‘X’ only means that no tests have been conducted, not that the device has no protection. For example, if a device has a rating of ‘IPX7′, this means that the device can be fully submerged in water for at least 30 minutes without being damaged in any way. If this is the case, it’s hard to imagine dust or sand getting into places where water cannot. It would probably be a safe purchase in most cases.
A device with an ‘X’ rating should be avoided in cases wherein said protection is necessary or vital to the device’s usage (for example, purchasing a device intended for use outdoors that has no rating for water protection is an objectively bad choice). In other instances, purchasing devices with an incomplete IP rating remains at the discretion of the user.
Sometimes, manufacturers simply don’t see the need to test their products for damage that they don’t consider to be likely. This is not always indicative of shoddy design or a poor-quality product. Once again, it simply means that the data is not presently available.
IP ratings are a logical, standardised way of ensuring quality control, consumer rights, and safety. We hope this guide was of use to you, and answered any questions you may have had.