IPX4 Rating Water Resistance Meaning: What It Does?

What is IPX4 Water Resistant Rating? If you've been investing in contemporary electronic gadgets, especially speakers and earphones, you've probably heard of the IPX4 classification standards. We're going to publish a quick post about the IPX4 water resistance grade and explain its importance despite the fact that everything we presume you already have a basic understanding of it.

Today's products are frequently hydrophobic, waterproof, water-repellent, or water-resistant. These phrases, which are used to define the degree of protection against liquid intrusion, are commonly used inconsistently and refer to various circumstances and goods.

For instance, “waterproof” is used to characterize the level of protection standards offered by electronic equipment against liquid entry, whereas the terms “water-resistant,” “water repellent,” and “hydrophobic” are frequently used to describe the level of protection offered by clothes.

When we say something is water-resistant, we are referring to its dense fabric and the fact that you will be covered for a considerable amount of time before being wet. Both “water repellant” and “hydrophobic” denote the presence of a liquid-repellent layer on the cloth. Yet, it is believed that hydrophobic materials are of a higher caliber than everything that is water-repellent.

 

IPX4 Rating Water Resistance Rating
What Does IPX4 Water Resistance Rating Means?

Key takeaway

An IPX4 water resistance rating means the device can face only light water splashes and cannot be submerged. It is a placeholder for a number, with each “X” being a placeholder for a number. Everything has an IPX4 rating as a minimum, which means that they are Splash Waterproof, protecting against long-term exposure to water.

What is the IPX4 Rating Water Resistance Meaning?

On the other hand, waterproof is frequently related to numerous kinds of technological devices like smartphones. In order to waterproof a device, it is usually coated with a specific coating that keeps moisture from getting inside electronic components and ruining them. However, it can be challenging to determine the precise level of protection when an item is simply marked as waterproof.

There are always queries over the precise definition of the phrase, its application, etc. Because of this, classifying electrical equipment is made simpler by the 1989 IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) Standard, which was later incorporated into the European Standard EN 60529.

The IP code/rating was created based on this standards. IP refers to the ingress of solids and liquids into electronic devices and stands for “International Protection” or “Ingress Protection.” The IEC standards allows all consumers to use IP codes to determine the capabilities and potential of electronic devices before purchasing them.

IP code sends us detailed information about the level of protection that our device has using up to 5 numbers/letters. With this information, we can plan our purchase, decide what type of device we need, what its purpose will be, and then begin looking for such devices. We'll go over this in greater detail later, but for now, let's get to the most important part – IPX4 rating.

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IS IT WATERPROOF OR WATER RESISTANT?

Manufacturers frequently describe their products as “dust resistant” or “moisture proof,” and these claims can be supported by an IP rating. But what exactly does this mean?

We're used to hearing words like “waterproof,” “weather resistant,” “dust resistant,” and a plethora of other variations. While these terms provide product marketers with numerous ways to massage their message, they can cause significant confusion for the rest of us.

Is my water-resistant smartphones as rain-proof as my weatherproof Bluetooth headphones? Can I bring either of them scuba diving? (Please don't scuba dive with your smartphones.)

IPX4 Ratings
IPX4 Ratings

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

IPX Ratings Earbuds and Headphones: What Is it? (Easy Guide)

IP RATINGS Water Resistant EXPLAINED

International Protection is abbreviated as IP (also called Ingress Protection). It is the marking that defines the level of protection provided by a device's enclosure against the intrusion of water and other liquids or dust and other solids.

IP code is made up of the letters “IP” and one, two, or three symbols that can be a number or a letter. The first symbol indicates that the device is dust resistant. When dust resistance of a device is tested, its value is represented by a number ranging from 0 to 6. If the device has not been tested, the manufacturer will simply mark it with a “X.”

The second symbol represents resistance to water. If a device is tested, its level of resistance to water intrusion is indicated by a number ranging from 0 to 9, or by the letter “X” if the device is not tested. The third symbol is quite uncommon, and it describes the conditions under which the device was tested.

It is denoted by the letters H, M, S, F, and W. H denotes high voltage conditions, M denotes that the device moved through the water during the test, S denotes that the device did not move during the test, W denotes different weather conditions, and F denotes oil resistance. The second symbol is currently the most important to us because it refers to liquid intrusion protection.

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WHAT IS IPX4 RATING AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

As we have previously mentioned, if your device is tested for water resistance, the level of protection will be expressed by a number ranging from 0 to 9. The IPX4 rating was chosen for this article because it represents the bare minimum of protection/rating that any device intended for occasional outdoor use must have.

It is also the bare minimum of protection required for any device that may be used near water. IPX4-certified devices have been tested under standardized conditions that include the use of an IEC-approved nozzle.

The same shield is used for testing devices with IPX3 and IPX4 ratings, but the nozzle in the first case has a counterbalanced shield. In the second case, the shield is removed, allowing water jets to strike the device from any angle.

IPX4-certified devices are frequently regarded as splash proof and can be used in a variety of situations and scenarios. We can't call them “waterproof” because they can't be completely submerged in water.

Because those are the only devices with IPX7, IPX8, or IPX9 ratings, we'll use a “weaker” expression – “water-resistant.” Let's take a look at how and when these devices can be used.

Why Is IPX4 Important?
Why Is IPX4 Important?

THE USE OF DEVICES WITH IPX4 RATING

All outdoor devices should have an IPX4 rating or higher because they can withstand certain (less severe) outdoor conditions such as rain. Furthermore, these devices are not only splash-proof but also sweatproof, which means they can withstand contact with human sweat and continue to function normally.

So, what IPX4-certified devices do we have? Different kinds, in fact. When we hear the term IPX rating, the first two things that come to mind are portable Bluetooth speakers and Bluetooth earbuds, both of which are frequently used outdoors.

For example, if you like to listen to music while hiking or camping, you'll need a device that can withstand rain or general humidity without malfunctioning. Furthermore, because IPX4-certified headphones can withstand constant sweat exposure, you can use them not only for jogging but also for indoor workouts.

To prevent damage, the devices are nicely coated. Not to mention headlamps, which are frequently designed for outdoor use. In addition, there are certain situations that require a device to be water-resistant even if it’s not used outdoors.

For example, many people love to listen to music in the shower. In case you are one of those people, you should definitely buy a speaker with a minimum IPX4 rating, because they can survive drops or even splashes of water falling on them at different angles. 

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IS IPX4 ENOUGH?

If you don't have the entire framework, answering this question can be difficult. This refers to your desires, needs, and the purpose of the product you want to purchase.

Consider what device you actually need before making a purchase. Determine whether the IPX4 grade is sufficient for you based on all the possible usage scenarios or whether you need a gadget with a greater level of protection.

PRODUCTS WITH OR WITHOUT AN IP RATING OR WITH AN INACCURATE IP RATING

There is no reason to be concerned that the specs list does not include an IP rating. It need not mean that the system is insecure or that it falls short of the required caliber. It might only imply that no such information is available because the manufacturer did not test it.

You can always give the manufacturer a call and double-check the information if you're genuinely interested in that item. Yet, there are situations when the IP code is presented incorrectly or in an odd way. Such products should be avoided since the IP rating information is wholly untrue.

If a device has an IP-X4 or IP-44 rating, you should be aware that it was probably never tested and that the maker is trying to trick you into buying it. The absence of hyphens is the only acceptable way to present the IP rating (IPX4, IPX7, IP44, etc.)

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

IPX4 Water Resistance Rating
IPX4 Water Resistance Rating

FAQs About IPX4 Rating

Is IPX4 OK for shower?

Wireless earbuds with IP ratings ranging from IPX1 to IPX4 are only resistant to water drops, sprays, and splashes. Such earbuds can withstand curses, water spray, and drops of water, but not showerhead water.

Is IPX4 water-resistant?

All of our products have at least an IPX4 rating, which means they are splash proof. In reality, the IPX4 rating means that the headlamp or flashlight can be used in heavy rain but cannot be submerged in water.

What is IPX4 equivalent to?

The IP rating standards for earphones or other electronic devices is IPX4. The IPX4 rating indicates that the earphone is waterproof in all directions. As a result, an earphone with an IPX4 rating can withstand water splashes completely. However, it cannot be submerged in water.

Barry Moroney

Hi, Barry here. I'm a tech writer and blogger. I write about the latest technology, gadgets, and software. I also provide the best how-to and guides on the latest sound systems. I'm always excited to share my knowledge with others!

 

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