Sony has managed to grab worldwide attention with its Xperia Z line, a smartphone that offers the ability to stay submerged underwater without any negative consequences. Since then (and for a very long time before), manufacturers have created devices that can withstand some of the harshest environments for those who like to walk on the wild side. Many of these devices have "IP" codes, but few customers really understand what these codes are. If you're wary of what you're buying, maybe understanding how the IP code system works will give you some sort of indication of what you can do with your device.
First off, we're not talking about IP addresses — those numbers you use to identify your home network when you connect to the internet. IP codes are used to describe the environments that a particular object or device can withstand. It's so simple.
When the IP guidelines mention "solid particles", they are referring to anything from the back of the hand to a speck of dust. Level 0 is the least protected, having absolutely no protection against solids (about as much as a shot of vodka). Level 1 will block against wires, screws and anything else with a diameter greater than 1mm.
The most common levels of protection against solid particles among the devices you use every day are level 5 and level 6. This is what you need to worry about.
A Level 5 (IP5x) object is protected from dust, but not in a way to survive prolonged exposure to extremely dusty environments. Eventually, a stitch or two may slip in. Over time, the accumulation of tiny dust particles can damage the device. In a home, that's not a problem because there's usually not enough dust to damage your smartphone or anything you're carrying. In a cement plant, on the other hand, I would recommend something a little more robust.
A level 6 (IP6x) object is completely “dustproof”. This means that the device can sit in a pile of dust for years and there is still no dust in its components. This is by far the most dust resistant thing you could spend your money on.
As is the case with solid particle protection, liquid seepage ratings range from level 0, where even the slightest sign of moisture could turn it into mulch. Level 1, for reference, will resist dripping. Most household appliances will not start listing an IP code unless the liquid ingress rating is at least level 7.
A liquid ingress rating of level 7 (IPx7) means that the device will not suffer any damage if it is submerged in water up to one meter deep. If you accidentally drop a phone with such a rating in your sink or tub, expect it to be in pristine condition when you pick it up. Keep in mind that the manufacturer is only obligated to test the device for 30 minutes. If you keep the device underwater for longer, you do so at your own risk.
At level 8 (IPx8), a device is water resistant enough to be submerged less than one meter deep. The maximum depth will be mentioned by the manufacturer. Usually your manufacturer will tell you that your device can only be submerged in a maximum of three meters of water.
Most devices do not mention an IP code if they have nothing important to report. Here are the most common IP codes among devices:
If you have found a strange IP code on a product and would like to ask a question about it, please leave a comment and we can discuss it!
