IP ratings stand for Ingress Protection ratings. IP ratings are a way to measure how well a device is protected against dust and water. They are defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and are used to classify electrical enclosures and other products.
IP ratings consist of two digits. The first digit indicates the level of protection against dust and the second digit indicates the level of protection against water. The higher the number, the better the protection.
For example, an IP rating of IP65 means that the device is completely protected against dust and can withstand powerful jets of water from any direction.
How Does IP Rating Signify Water and Solid Resistance?
If the value of “X” is higher then the resistance of the products will be greater against the solid particles. It means that the object can handle bigger solid particles.
The resistance to liquids is shown by the last number in the IP grade. The number can be between 0 and 8. It is less likely that water will damage the device if the 4th point of the IP number is higher.
If the last number is between 4 and 5, the device is only splashproof. If its value is more than 5 then the product will be fully waterproof.
IPXX Ratings: Important Things You Need to Know
When choosing a device with an IPXX rating, it is important to consider the environment in which you will be using it. For example, if you are looking for a smartphone that you can use in the rain or at the beach, you will want to choose one with a high IP rating, such as IP67 or IP68.
Furthermore, you need to know that an X in the rating indicates that the device has not been tested for that type of protection. IPXX ratings do not protect against chemicals or other corrosive substances.
Comparison Table Of Water And Dust Resistance For Different IP Ratings
| IP Rating | Dust Resistance | Water Resistance |
|---|---|---|
| IP20 | No protection | No protection |
| IP24 | Protected against dust particles larger than 12.5 mm in diameter | Protected against splashing water from any direction |
| IP33 | Protected against dust particles larger than 2.5 mm in diameter | Protected against spraying water |
| IP44 | Protected against dust particles larger than 1 mm in diameter | Protected against water sprayed from all directions |
| IP54 | Protected against dust particles larger than 1 mm in diameter | Protected against water splashed from all directions |
| IP55 | Protected against dust particles larger than 1 mm in diameter | Protected against water jets from a nozzle |
| IP65 | Completely protected against dust | Protected against powerful jets of water from any direction |
| IP67 | Completely protected against dust | Protected against immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes |
| IP68 | Completely protected against dust | Protected against immersion in water |
Note: The IP rating system does not test for protection against chemicals or other corrosive substances.
What is an IPX4 Rating?
The IPX4 rating specifically refers to protection from splashing water from any direction. This means that a device with an IPX4 rating can withstand water being sprayed from all sides, but it is not submersible.
IPX4-rated devices are commonly used in environments where they may be exposed to water splashes, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoors. Examples of IPX4-rated devices include:
- Smartphones
- Smartwatches
- Fitness trackers
- Bluetooth speakers
- Headphones
- Electric toothbrushes
- Outdoor lights
- Security cameras
An IPX4 rating does not guarantee that a device is completely waterproof. If you need a device that can be submerged in water, you should look for a device with a higher IP rating, such as IP67 or IP68.
Comparison No. 1: IPX4 vs IP55
An IPX4 rating indicates that a device is protected against splashing water from any direction. This means that the device can withstand water being sprayed from all sides, but it is not submersible.
The main difference between IPX4 and IP55 is that IP55 offers additional protection against dust. An IP55 rated device can withstand dust particles larger than 1 mm in diameter, while an IPX4 rated device is not tested for dust resistance.
Both IPX4 and IP55 rated devices are commonly used in environments where they may be exposed to water splashes, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoors.
Comparison No. 2: IPX4 vs IPX5
Products with an IPX4 rating can only handle splashes. In other words, it means they can handle the low water flow for a while. The IPX5 grade is better than the others.
The X means that the solid resistance of the object has not been tested. On the other hand, it is waterproof and can handle low-pressure water jets. That means it’s okay to use them when it’s light rain.
Comparison No. 3: IPX4 vs IPX7
If the product has an IPX4 grade, it means that it is waterproof, but not water-resistant. People think that an IPX7 grade is great when it comes to waterproofing. If your headphones have an IPX7 rating, you can put them in water up to one metre deep and not damage them. You can put them in water for thirty minutes.
IPX7 devices don’t have to pass a solid-resistant test, but they can still be washed if dust builds up on them over time. You can use the IPX7-rated headphones in the bathroom, while swimming, or even when it rains lightly or heavily. IPX4 shouldn’t be used in these places.
This means that IPX7 is better at keeping water out than IPX4. The dust can’t get in either one, but no one has tried their quality.
Comparison No. 4: IPX4 vs IP67
An IPX4 rating indicates that a device is protected against splashing water from any direction. However, An IP67 rating indicates that a device is completely protected against dust and protected against immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes.
The main difference between IPX4 and IP67 is that IP67 offers significantly better protection against water. IPX67 rated devices are also dust-tight, while IPX4 rated devices are not tested for dust resistance.
Comparison No. 5: IPX4 vs IP44
An IP44 rated device is dust-resistant, while an IPX4 rated device is not tested for dust resistance.
Both IPX4 and IP44 rated devices are commonly used in environments where they may be exposed to water splashes, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoors.
It is important to note that neither IPX4 nor IP44 rated devices are completely waterproof. If you need a device that can be submerged in water, you should look for a device with a higher IP rating, such as IP67 or IP68.
Comparison No. 6: IPX4 vs IP24
IPX4 and IP24 are two common IP ratings that are used to classify the level of protection that a device has against water.
In both IPX4 and IP24, the last number is the same. In other words, both IPX4 and IP24 can handle splashes from all sides. Both of them can’t go underwater; instead, they can stand up to water spray.
Products with an IP24 rating can’t be touched by fingers or things that are 12 mm in diameter. So, IP24 is better than IPX4 if you want goods that are waterproof against water and dust.
Comparison No. 7: IPX4 vs IP78
The dust-proofing of IPX4 has not been tried. In any case, it won’t get wet in any way. IP78 is much better than IPX4, though. Because it doesn’t let water or dust in.
The last number is a measure of how waterproof something is. The number 8 in IP78 means that this item is completely waterproof.
A product with an IP78 rating can be submerged in water up to 1.5 metres deep for 30 minutes. It also doesn’t let solid items or dust stick to it at all. The best grade is IP78, which is much better than IPX4.
FAQS
What is the difference between IPX4 and IPX5 and IPX7?
IPX4, IPX5, and IPX7 are all water resistance ratings. IPX4 is the lowest rating, indicating that a device is protected against splashing water from any direction. IPX5 has a higher rating, indicating that a device is protected against water jets from a nozzle. IPX7 is the highest rating, indicating that a device is protected against immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes.
What is better IPX4 or IP55?
IP55 is better than IPX4 because it offers additional protection against dust. IP55 rated devices are dust-resistant, while IPX4 rated devices are not tested for dust resistance.
What is the difference between IP44 and IPX4 ratings?
IP44 and IPX4 are both water resistance ratings, but IP44 also offers protection against dust particles larger than 1 mm in diameter. IPX4 rated devices are not tested for dust resistance.
Is IPX5 better than IP44?
IP55 is better than IP44 because it offers additional protection against water jets. IP55 rated devices are protected against water jets from a nozzle, while IP44 rated devices are only protected against splashing water from any direction.
Final Words
This article taught you everything you need to know about IP rating. In addition, we talked about each common IP rating by comparing it to the IPX4 ranking. You now have a better idea of which IP value headphones or other products to pick.
It depends on what you want to use it for, how you plan to use it, and your budget. But make sure the earphones you pick are at least IPX4 marked. The reason is that earphones are always going to get wet. You can use this IP rating guide to choose other tech items as well.
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