Running accessory manufacturers often describe their products as “dustproof” or “waterproof”. To confirm these claims, products can be classified as IP, which stands for Ingress Protection or protection index in French. But what does that mean more exactly?
Today, in descriptions of running products, such as watches, bracelets or waterproof bags, we are used to seeing terms such as “waterproof”, “waterproof”, “weatherproof” and countless other variants. While marketers have many ways to get their message across, these terms can confuse many of us. Can I run in the rain with my cardio watch? Are my headphones weatherproof?
Fortunately, there is a way to compare these products on a standardized rating scale. This scale is entitled “IEC Standard 60529”, established by the International Electrotechnical Commission. Informally, it goes by the name of waterproofing standard, IP rating or even IP code.
Let’s take a look at what this really means.
What is an IP protection rating ?
IP stands for “Ingress Protection” and indicates to what level a device is resistant to solid objects and liquids. An IP rating might look like this: IP58
As you can see, it consists of two digits. The first number corresponds to the protection rating against solid substances. The second refers to water resistance. When the number is higher, the product is most durable.
The IP protection index is only officially attributed to a product that has undergone specific tests by a certified company. Therefore, a manufacturer cannot assign its own IP rating to a product itself.
Now let’s see what exactly each number represents.
Protection against solid objects and dust.
The first number ranges from 0 to 6 and reflects protection against solid particles.
- IP0X: The product is not protected against ingress of solid bodies.
- IP1X: Protected only against objects larger than 50 mm.
- IP2X: Protected from any object larger than 12.5 mm.
- IP3X: Protected from objects larger than 2.5 mm.
- IP4X: Protected from any object larger than 1 mm.
- IP5X: Dust resistant. Dust ingress is not completely prevented.
- IP6X: Completely dustproof.
Protection against water
The second number, between 0 and 9, indicates how well the product is protected against water.
- IPX0: The product offers no special protection against water.
- IPX1: Withstands water flowing vertically over the product.
- IPX2: Can withstand water striking the product at an angle of 15° or less.
- IPX3: Can withstand water striking the product at an angle of 60° or less.
- IPX4: can withstand splashing water in all directions.
- IPX5: can withstand spray, sustained water spray and low pressure.
- IPX6: can withstand high pressure water jets.
- IPX7: Can be submerged up to 1 meter in water for 30 minutes.
- IPX8: Can be submerged more than one meter. The exact depth is specified by the manufacturer.
Interestingly, an IPX8 product is no more protected than an IPX6 product. Certainly, this product can stay under water for a while, but it can still be damaged by a high-pressure water jet. If a product wants to survive in both scenarios, it must have a dual rating, e.g. IPX6 / IPX8.
What happens if a product is not IP rated?
It is not uncommon for a product to be tested, for example, for water resistance but not dust resistance. In this case, it may have an “IPX7” rating. Here, “X” is not the same as “0”. It simply means that the manufacturer has not tested the product for protection against solid products.
Now you know the essentials for choosing your running gear for your outings in the rain ! So, if someone tells you that their product is ” fully waterproof ” but refuses to show any certification, you may be wondering !
WATERPROOFING STANDARD
WATERPROOFING STANDARDS
IP X4 PROTECTION RATING:
The IPX4 rating of a product means that the product is suitable for all weather conditions and is resistant to strong splashing water. However, it does not withstand immersion.
IP X6 PROTECTION RATING:
The IPX6 rating of a product means that the product is resistant to splashing and rain. It should not be submerged.
IP 67 PROTECTION RATING:
The IP 67 rating of a product means that the product is completely dustproof and protected against the effects of immersion to a depth of 1 m for 30 min.