THE IP CODE: A GUIDE TO WATERPROOF AND DUSTPROOF RATINGS INGRESS PROTECTION TESTING

The IP Code rates products based on how well they prevent water and foreign particles intrusions. Each IP Code numerical rating is broken down in the chart below. The first number on the list is always solid particle protection, and the second number is always moisture protection. For example, a product rated IP57 will be dustproof and waterproof up to one meter. The same is true for products rated IP68, which are fully waterproof and dustproof.

If you are shopping for dustproof or waterproof electronics, you should familiarize yourself with the IP Code. The IP ranking provides clarity during a confusing market saturated with misleading advertising and meaningless jargon. Regardless of whether an IP ranking guarantees the quality of a product, it adds transparency by assessing what level of protection a product provides.

From ear buds to tablets, consumers can now find IP rankings on various products. A person familiar with the IP code has a powerful tool at their disposal for making informed decisions when purchasing ruggedized electronics.

International Protection Marking or Ingress Protection is what IP stands for. An international standard defines the levels of seal efficiency of electrical enclosures against intrusion from substances like dirt, water, and tools. 

An IP classification is assigned by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), an international standards organization established in 1906 in Switzerland. The IEC is the world’s leading organization dedicated to “electrotechnology” standards, a catch-all term for all electronic technologies. Its members are electrical engineers, academics, and industry experts. 

The group sets quality standards for electrotechnologies around the world. Eighty-two countries currently use their program. An IP code measures how well a product is protected against dust, accidental contact, and water. An IP address follows two digits, such as IP67. When an “X represents either numeral,” it indicates that the product has not yet been tested in that category. A ranking of 0 does not guarantee protection, but it does not equate to it.

SAND/DUST INGRESS PROTECTION TESTING:

The first number in the IP rating indicates how well a product protects against hazardous parts and foreign objects (access or entry). A score of zero to six indicates solid protection. A product rated as “0” doesn’t offer any protection against solid objects or any way of preventing them from getting inside. 

There are four categories of objects, ranging from fingernails to fine tools, depending on how difficult it is to penetrate. This is a critical safety rating in terms of protection against electrical shock. An IP3X is the minimum rating you should consider if your house has children or pets, while an IP4X protects For grain-sized and larger objects protect against everything foreign. An IP5X or IP6X rating represents a product’s resistance to hazardous dust or fine particles like sand. 

This is known as Single Particle Protection, and it describes how well a product keeps dust out of electronic components. Products with IP5X protection are dust-resistant. Although dust entry is not entirely prevented, the product operates well in sandy conditions thanks to significant protection from dust. An overall rating of 5 works well for most consumer applications. A product with an IP6X rating is entirely dust-tight, and dust cannot enter. A product with an IP6X rating is preferred by contractors and those travelling to extremely dirty or dusty environments.

WATERPROOF INGRESS PROTECTION TESTING:

Moisture protection is indicated by the second digit of an IP code. There is a range of protection from 0 (no protection) to 8 (completely waterproof at depths over 1 m). It is important to note that many products marketed as waterproof are not intended to be submerged in water for any prolonged period. When rated 1-4, a product will operate in the presence of water (from splashes or drips) but not underwater. This is common for outdoor speakers, shower radios, and kitchen appliances. The IPX7 and IPX8 ratings indicate that a product can withstand prolonged immersion in water. 

These electronics are rated for depths between one meter and one hundred meters. Moreover, the manufacturer should specify precisely the distance this safety is guaranteed, so you should double-check before diving underwater with your electronics. The IPX5 and IPX6 certifications indicate that the product can withstand pressurized water jets. It is important to note that a product rated for submersion in water is not guaranteed to survive a pressurized plane.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST:

This article is composed of the IP code and the way to protect your devices; from which suitable method you can identify the efficiency of your devices related to liquid, solid, and other materials. Still, if you have any questions about the IP code of solid particles and invasion of liquid material, don’t hesitate to drop a comment. You can check the credible source of devices launched by the LISUN.