How waterproof is waterproof?
The IP code and IPX scale of “waterproof”.
The International Protection code, also referred to as the Ingress Protection code is a standard that is used to rate the resistance of an item to ingress of particles such as dust or water. When measuring the waterproofness we use the IPX prefix, you will often see these codes when shopping for Dry Bags. The X signifying that we are not measuring solid particle protection.
The following tables lists the IP code and the means in terms of waterproofness (or resistance to water ingress).
|
Level |
Protects against |
Details |
|
IPX1 |
Dripping water |
Can withstand vertically falling drops for 10 minutes. Equivalent to 1mm of rainfall per minute. |
|
IPX2 |
Dripping water when tilted at 15° |
Can withstand vertically falling drops for 10 minutes, when tilted at different 15 degree angles to normal position, for 2.5 minutes in each position. Equivalent to 3mm of rainfall per minute. |
|
IPX3 |
Spraying water |
Can withstand water falling as a spray at any angle up to 60° from the vertical. Tested with an oscillating fixture or a spray nozzle. Test duration: 1 minute per square meter for at least 5 minutes. Water volume: 10 liters per minute. Pressure: 7.3–21.8 psi |
|
IPX4 |
Splashing water |
Can withstand water splashing against the enclosure from any angle. Tested with an oscillating fixture or a spray nozzle. Test duration: 10 minutes with oscillating tube, or as IPX3 spray nozzle. |
|
IPX5 |
Water jets |
Can withstand water projected by a nozzle (6.3 mm) from any direction for 1 minute per square meter for at least 3 minutes. Water volume: 12.5 litres per minute. Pressure: 4.4 psi at distance of 3 meters |
|
IPX6 |
Powerful water jets |
Can withstand water projected in powerful jets (12.5 mm) from any direction for 1 minute per square meter for at least 3 minutes. Water volume: 100 liters per minute. Pressure: 15 psi at distance of 3 meters |
|
IPX7 |
Immersion up to 1 meter depth |
Can withstand ingress of water in harmful quantities when immersed in water, up to 1 meter. Test duration: 30 minutes. Tested with the lowest point of the enclosure 1,000 mm below the surface of the water, or the highest point 150 mm below the surface, whichever is deeper. |
|
IPX8 |
Immersion 1 meter or more depth |
Can withstand continuous immersion in water under conditions which shall be specified by the manufacturer. The test depth and duration is expected to be greater than the requirements for IPx7, and other environmental effects may be added. Test duration and depth may vary but are generally up to 3 meters |
Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IP_Code