IP stands for “Ingress Protection” and measures how well a device is protected from both solid objects and liquids. The standard aims to provide users more detailed information than vague marketing terms such as waterproof. An IP rating may look something like this:
There are two numbers after the IP, first number indicates its protection rating against solid objects/particles, while the second number its rating against liquids. The higher the numbers, the better a product is protected.
IP rating is only officially given to a product that undergoes special testing by a certified agency.
Protection from solids and dust.
IP0X: The product is not protected against any physical contact or objects.
IP1X: Only protected from objects larger than 50 mm. Pill bottles, plush toys, snow globes, watch your fingers.
IP2X: Protected from any object larger than 12.5 mm. Keys, small coins, definitely watch your fingers.
IP3X: Protected from things above 2.5 mm, sharp, pointy tools and thick wires.
IP4X: Protected from anything bigger than 1 mm. At this point pretty much only dust can get through.
IP5X: Dust resistant. Small amount of dust may get through, but it won’t be enough to cause harm.
IP6X: This product is fully dust proof.
Protection from water.
IPX0: The product offers no special protection from water.
IPX1: Can resist water that drips vertically onto the product.
IPX2: Can resist water that hits the product at a 15° angle or less.
IPX3: Can take water sprays of up to 60°.
IPX4: Is resistant to water splashes from any direction.
IPX5: Can resist a sustained, low-pressure water jet spray.
IPX6: Can resist high-pressure, heavy sprays of water.
IPX6K: Can resist water jets of extremely high pressure. Rarely used.
IPX7: Can be submerged up to 1 meter in water for 30 minutes.
IPX8: Can be submerged deeper than 1 meter. The exact depth is specified by the manufacturer.
IPX9K: Resists high-pressure, high-temperature sprays at close range. Rarely used.
