IP Ratings Explained: Waterproof, Water Resistant, and Shockproof ratings

Waterproof phones

Most Gadgets these days are either Waterproof or Water Resistant and bear an IP Rating. You may have also seen the ratings like IP X4, IP65, or IP68 on several devices. These things give an assurance that your device is safe. But do you really know the difference between these things? Do you understand the IP rating and number associated with it? Most people don’t. So let’s break things down as we explain what they all indicate.

Also see: Phone Finder

Shockproof

Shockproof refers to the amount of impact a device can absorb when dropped or bumped into. The Shockproof label is mostly seen on Mobile cases and covers, as they need to absorb the landing impact and protect the device. The shockproof protection has nothing to do with protection from electric or static damage, it is understandable why it can be easily confused with.

Water-Resistant

Water Resistant is often confused with Waterproof; However, they are not the same. When a device is labeled as Water Resistant, it means that the device is able to withstand water up to a certain extent and can resist the effect of rain. It is important to note that it is not completely immune to the effects of water and hence must NOT be submerged.

Note that there are varying levels of water resistance. Not all devices have the same level of water resistance, we’ll talk about the water protection levels and rating in a moment.

Water Resistant and Splashproof are the same things.

Waterproof

Waterproof means that the device can be completely submerged in water. However, it can be submerged only for a limited time, after which the device may no longer be immune to water damage. How long a device can be submerged will again depend on the level and water protection rating of the device.

Also see: Best waterproof phones

IP Ratings

The IP Rating is also called as International Protection Rating or Ingress Protection Rating. It is a standard used to classify the degree of protection provided by an enclosure against the intrusion of solid objects (like dust) and liquids (such as water). It is a two-digit code defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in the IEC 60529 standard. They usually consist of two letters – ‘IP’, followed by two numbers.

The IP rating is expressed as “IPXX.” The first number (X) indicates the device’s protection level against the entry of solids such as dust, while the second number (X) indicates the device’s protection against the entry of moisture and water.

Image Source: wirefield

For example, Galaxy S9 comes with an IP68 rating. It means, that 6 is for solid and 8 is for moisture. So,

IP68 = Dust right, no ingress of dust / Watertight against the effects of immersion in water under pressure for long periods.

If the letter ‘X’ is denoted instead of a number, it means that the device has no protection against either solids or liquids, depending on where the ‘X’ is. You may have seen IPX4 and IPX7 ratings on smartphones and other gadgets. Here is the table explaining those.

NameCan Survive
IPX0Not water-resistant at all
IPX1Some waterdrops that are falling vertically
IPX2Some waterdrops when the device is tilted up to and including 15°
IPX3Some waterdrops when device is tilted up to and including 60°
IPX4Splashing water
IPX5Water jets in any direction
IPX6Powerful water jets
IPX7Water up to 3 feet
IPX8Water over 3 feet

Even if your phone or other gadget comes with an IP rating to offer water resistance, you won’t get a warranty against the IP rating. If a waterproof phone gets water damaged, your company won’t repair it against warranty. Companies typically don’t provide a warranty specifically against the IP (Ingress Protection) rating of a device or product for a few reasons:

Misuse and Abuse: The IP rating indicates the level of protection against dust and water that the device is designed to provide under specific conditions. However, if the device is subjected to extreme conditions, misused, or abused beyond its intended capabilities, the IP rating may no longer be valid. For example, if a smartphone with an IP67 rating is intentionally submerged in water deeper than the specified depth or used in extremely dusty environments, the warranty may not cover any resulting damage.

Wear and Tear: Over time, the effectiveness of the IP rating may decrease due to wear and tear. Regular use, exposure to harsh environments, and mechanical stress can impact the device’s ability to maintain its IP protection. The warranty typically covers manufacturing defects and not the gradual decline in IP performance over the course of normal usage.

Varied Environmental Factors: The IP rating is tested under controlled laboratory conditions, and real-world usage may involve various environmental factors beyond the manufacturer’s control. For instance, the pressure, temperature, or chemical composition of the water might differ from what was used during testing, affecting the device’s performance. Such variations make it challenging for companies to offer a comprehensive warranty based solely on the IP rating.

Multiple Components: A device may have several components that contribute to its IP ratings, such as seals, gaskets, adhesives, and housing materials. If one of these components fails, it could compromise the IP protection. Determining the cause of failure in such cases may be challenging for the manufacturer, making it difficult to establish blanket IP-related warranties.

Despite not offering a specific IP rating warranty, many companies do provide general warranties covering manufacturing defects and other issues that may occur under normal use. Customers are encouraged to read the warranty terms and conditions to understand what is covered and under what circumstances, ensuring that the device is used appropriately and in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.

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