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
ALSO READ: How to remove your info and account on Google
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.
Subscribe to this blog and follow us on facebook
