IPX Rating Chart Meaning for Waterproof and Water Resistant (Complete Guide!)

What is the IPX Rating Chart Meaning? You're not alone if you're perplexed by IPX ratings on electronic devices. This guide will teach you the fundamentals of IPX waterproof ratings, including an explanation of both numbers (solid and water) and what they mean. In addition, an IPX rating chart of increasing protection against intrusions is provided.

If you want the best IPX waterproof rating, look for an action camera with an IPX7 or IPX8 rating. Both can be safely immersed in water – and will continue to function in the face of heavy rain, mist from breaking waves, and even llama spit episodes. Here is everything you need to know about IPX waterproof ratings.

In this post, you'll discover the distinction between IP ratings for solid and liquid intrusions, as well as examples of each category and an IPX rating chart for each. In addition, the IPX rating of popular cameras and other electronic devices.

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WHAT IS IPX RATING?

What exactly is an IPX rating? The IPX rating measures the level of protection your electronic device has against water, dust, and other debris.

The IPX Rating System is used to assess a product's resistance to environmental conditions. Many cycling and camera products include an IPX rating, which tells the consumer how well an item will perform in specific environmental conditions.

The IP (Ingress Protection) numbers are written as IPXX, where “X”s are placeholders for numbers. The first “X” represents solid (dust/particle) resistance and the second “X” represents liquid resistance (water).

WHAT DOES IP STAND FOR?

IP stands for Ingress Protection in mechanical and electronic devices. This rating code categorizes the level of protection provided by an electronic device against water, dust, and other intrusions. This is an IEC 60529 international rating standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN).

DO IP RATINGS MATTER?

IPX ratings are more precise than simply “waterproof.” Some cameras, such as the GoPro Hero10 Black, are advertised as waterproof and can be submerged to 33 feet (10 meters).

When compared to a decent dive watch (such as this Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster), which can go to depths of 1000 ft (300 m) but is only listed as water-resistant.

Consumers can accurately understand the level of protection for each device by using a standardized rating system. Before using an IP rating, each product must be tested and independently certified. Companies cannot use an IPX without first being certified.

WHAT THE NUMBERS MEAN?

Each IP rating is made up of three parts.

• IP: The first two characters of each IP rating are IP.
• First digit (Solid Particle): Classification of solid materials such as dust, sand, soil, and even fingers. Scale of 0 to 6.
• Second Digit (Liquid): Water resistance rating. On a scale of 0-9.

The greater the number, the greater the level of protection. This is true for the first and second digits alike. A third digit was previously used to convey mechanical impact resistance but has since been dropped.

WHAT DOES THE X AND 0 MEAN?

• X: The letter X can be used in place of either digit. This means that either there is insufficient data, or that that rating is focused on just one element.
• 0: The zero is used when there is no protection provided for that element.

The X is commonly used because IPX ratings can be confusing for consumers. By only displaying one digit, the level of protection is more easily understood.

IPX RATING CHART MEANING

IPX Rating	IPX Rating Meaning
IPX0	No protection from water ingress.
IPX1	Dripping water. Test lasts 10 minutes. Water volume measures 0.039 inches (1 mm) in rainfall per minute.
IPX2	Dripping water with a device tilted at 15° from normal position. Texted in 4 different positions. Water volume equals 0.12 inches (3 mm) per minute.
IPX3	Spraying water. 5 minute spray test of 10 liters per minute.
IPX4	Splashing water from any direction, using an oscillating tube or spray nozzle. 10 minute duration.
IPX5	Water jets. Water sprayed for 3 minutes at 4.4 psi (30 kPa), with 12.5 liters per minute.
IPX6	Powerful water jets. Water sprayed for 3 minutes at 15 psi (100 kPa), with 100 litres per minute. IPX6K: Powerful water jets (increased pressure). Water sprayed for 3 minutes at 150 psi (1000 kPa),
IPX6K	Powerful water jets (increased pressure). Water sprayed for 3 minutes at 150 psi (1000 kPa), with 100 liters per minute.
IPX7	Immersion (1 meter or less). Up to 3 ft 3 in (1 meter). Test lasts 30 minutes, with depth of 39 inches (1000 mm)
IPX8	Immersion (1 meter or deeper). 3 ft 3 in (1 meter) or deeper. Test length and depth specified by manufacturer. Commonly, this test is up to 9.8 ft (3 meters). Actual test depth noted on each device spec sheet.
IPX9K	Powerful, hot water jets. This 3-minute test subjects devices to 14-16 liters per minute of 176 °F (80 °C) water. This rating corresponds to IPx9. It uses the same water test as IP69K.

Here's an explanation of each IPX waterproofness rating.

• IPX0: There is no protection against water ingress.
• IPX1: Water dripping. The test lasts ten minutes. Rainfall volume is measured in 0.039 inches (1 mm) per minute.
• IPX2: Dripping water with the device tilted 15 degrees from its normal position. Texted from four different angles. Water volume moves at a rate of 0.12 inch (3 mm) per minute.
• The IPX3 sprays water. Spray test at 10 liters per minute for 5 minutes.
• IPX4: Water can be sprayed in any direction using an oscillating tube or spray nozzle. Duration: 10 minutes.
• Water jets, IPX5. Water was sprayed at 12.5 liters per minute for 3 minutes at 4.4 psi (30 kPa).
• IPX6: High-pressure water jets. Water sprayed at 15 psi (100 kPa) for 3 minutes at a rate of 100 liters per minute.
• IPX6K: High-pressure water jets (increased pressure). Water sprayed at 150 psi (1000 kPa) at 100 liters per minute for 3 minutes.
• Immersion IPX7: (1 meter or less). 3 ft 3 in and up (1 meter). The test lasts 30 minutes and has a depth of 39 inches (1000 mm)
• Immersion (IPX8): (1 meter or deeper). a depth of 3 ft 3 in (1 meter) or greater The manufacturer specifies the length and depth of the test. This test is commonly up to 9.8 ft (3 meters). Each device's spec sheet specifies the actual test depth.
• IPX9K: Strong, hot water jets. The devices are subjected to 14-16 liters per minute of 176 °F (80 °C) water during this 3-minute test. This rating is equivalent to IPx9. It employs the same water test as the IP69K. This is a rare rating.

Alternative Video: IPX Rating Explained

WHAT’S THE BEST IPX RATING?

For action camera gear, you should be looking for IPX7 or IPX8. Both ratings are safe for water immersion. That means rain, snow, dew, and ocean spray won’t harm your gear.

WHAT IS GOPRO IPX RATING?

I can't seem to find an IP rating for any GoPro camera. This most likely means that they did not pay for the testing and certification. It is unusual for a company to not publish an IPX rating, because major competitors make extensive use of this rating on their sales and spec sheets.

Since the Hero5 (and up to the current Hero10), all GoPro cameras have been waterproof to depths of up to 33 feet without the use of an external case (10 meters). The Max is an exception, as it is only waterproof to 16 feet (5 meters).

WHAT IS APPLE WATCH IPX RATING?

In contrast to most cameras and phones (including iPhones), most older Apple watches lack an IPX rating. Rather, they use a watch depth rating, which is the same for all watches. The first generation Apple watches, which had an IPX7 rating, are an exception.

Here's how the Apple watches compare.

• IPX7 for Apple Watch Series 1 (and 1st Gen).
• Apple Watch Series 2 (and later) is water resistant to 50 meters.
• IP6X Apple Watch Series 7 (Dust Resistant). Waterproof to 50 meters). Not all straps are waterproof. There is no IPX (waterproofing) rating provided.

Watch this: What is IP Rating? Waterproof & Dustproof Rating Explained

WHAT IF A PRODUCT DOESN’T HAVE AN IP RATING?

“But what if this product does not have an IP rating?” Does this imply that the company is deceiving me? Are they attempting to sell me something? ” you retort angrily. No, not always. All of this means that a product did not pass this specific IP test. It is not uncommon for a product to be tested for water resistance but not for dust resistance.

In this case, it could literally have a rating of “IPX7.” In this case, “X” does not mean “0,” but rather that the manufacturer did not specifically test the product for solids protection.

If the company chose a different certification or rating standard, the IP rating may also be missing. Look for other quality markings that demonstrate the product's resistance to water or dust. And, yes, if someone claims their product is “completely waterproof, man,” but refuses to show you any certifications, you may be dealing with a snake oil salesman.

FAQs About IPX Rating Chart