IP Ratings Explained: Understanding Waterproof/water Resistant Tech

Ever wondered what those IP ratings like IP68, IP69K, or P2i mean when it comes to waterproofing your gadgets?

1:  IP Ratings Basics:

IP stands for Ingress Protection, and it’s a standard that measures a device’s resistance to dust and water.

The format is IPXX, where “X” represents two digits. The first digit rates dust resistance, while the second digit rates water resistance

2: Dust Resistance (First Digit):

• IP0X: No protection against dust.

• IP1X to IP5X: Offers protection against varying levels of dust particles.

• IP6X: Completely dust-tight! No dust gets in.

3: Water Resistance (Second Digit):

• IPX0: No protection against water.

• IPX1 to IPX3: Protection against dripping water or rain.

• IPX4: Protected against splashes from any direction.

• IPX5: Resistant to water jets (e.g., nozzle spray).

• IPX6: Can handle powerful water jets.

• IPX7: Submersible up to a certain depth (often specified).

• IPX8: Can withstand continuous submersion beyond IPX7.

4. IP68: The most common rating for smartphones and many gadgets. It’s fully dust-tight (IP6X) and can handle immersion in water beyond 1 meter for a specified time. Always check the device specifics!

Phones with IP68 rating:

• Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

• iPhone 14 Pro max

• Google Pixel 7 pro

• One plus 10 pro

• Xiaomi 10 pro

• Oppo find X5 pro

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5. IP69K: This rating is tough! Often found in industrial settings or rugged devices. It can withstand high-pressure, high-temperature water jets—great for washdowns.

Phones with IP69k rating:

• Ulefone Armor 11 5G

• Cat S62 Pro

• Oukitel WP15

• Blackview BV9900

6. P2i Technology: Unlike IP ratings, P2i is a nanocoating technology applied to the device’s internal components.

It forms a liquid-repellent barrier, safeguarding against accidental splashes or spills. Think of it as extra protection!

Phones with P2i technology:

• Xiaomi Redmi Note 7

• OnePlus 7 Pro

• Nokia 1

7. Is IP68 Waterproof Forever?

While IP68 devices are water-resistant, their resistance may diminish over time due to wear and tear. Also, the water-resistant seals might degrade with usage. So, it’s best to avoid exposing them to water unnecessarily.

8. Water-resistant vs. Waterproof:

Water-resistant devices can handle light water exposure, while waterproof devices can withstand submersion in water for a specified depth and time. Remember, no gadget is entirely “waterproof”; they are water-resistant to varying degrees.

Final Thoughts:

• IP ratings are essential for understanding your device’s resistance to elements.

• Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines on water exposure and warranty coverage.

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