Protection degree IP67: definition, decoding of the standard and moisture protection class

The characteristics of most gadgets include an IPxx security indicator, where xx are numbers. Often this is a scam, a marketing ploy in the absence of documentary evidence - tests of the resistance of the shell (device body) to environmental factors. Many mid-priced devices are rated IP67 or IP68. Let's consider what is hidden behind the marking and whether a smartphone and phone with dust and moisture protection will really withstand a snow storm and getting wet in the rain.

What is IP67?

IP (Ingress Protection rating) - standards for protecting the housing of any electrical equipment from the harmful effects of various environmental factors.
Depending on the level of security of the smartphone, the IP is assigned a two-digit number, in this case “67”. The first digit (from 0 to 6) determines the device’s ability to block all kinds of solid objects (dust, sand) of different sizes, from 50 mm to 1 mm or less. IP6 – our device is completely dustproof. The second number (from 0 to) sets the degree of water resistance of the gadget. And here some nuances await us. When many people hear the word water resistance, they understand complete protection from water, and some dream of being able to shoot from a smartphone at great depths. This is not so. The IP67 standard will protect Our device is only resistant to partial or short-term immersion in water to a depth of no more than 1 meter.

Unfortunately, nowadays, the substitution of the terms “water resistance” and “water resistance” is used for marketing purposes, although the concepts are different. So you shouldn’t unquestioningly believe advertising - you need to look at the prescribed IP standard and find detailed information on it.

Thus, a smartphone with IP67 protection will be completely resistant to sand, dust and other small things, as well as short “dives” to a depth of 1 meter. One of the most famous representatives of such protection is the Samsung Galaxy S7. More budget options include Alcatel OneTouch Go Play 7048X and Blackview BV5000 with powerful batteries and 5-inch displays.

Of course, with such gadgets it will not be possible to conduct underwater photography, but spilled water and rainy weather on the gadget will not damage the smartphone.

What are IP standards?

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has created the IP (Ingress Protection Rating) as a standard that determines the degree of protection of electronic devices from moisture and solid materials. Essentially, the IP rating system functions as a strength scale, and its numbering system indicates a device's resistance to various elements.

IP is expressed as a two-digit number XX. The first number refers to the protection of gadgets from solid objects, and the range varies from 0 to 6. The second number refers to resistance to water and is indicated by numbers from 0 to 8. The higher the number, the higher the protection.

It is important to note that the degree of protection is assigned to the device not by the manufacturer itself, but by experts who conduct independent testing. To check the level of protection and assign one of the IP classes, experts use dust chambers with talc, as well as spray guns and water tanks. In the modern classification, there are 7 levels of protection of devices from solid objects and 9 levels of protection from water.

Protection against solid objects:

• 0 – no protection;
• 1 – protection against ingress of solid objects less than 50 mm in size;
• 2 – protection against ingress of solid objects less than 12.5 mm in size;
• 3 – protection against ingress of solid objects less than 2.5 mm in size;
• 4 - protection against ingress of solid objects less than 1 mm in size;
• 5-part protection against dust. Microparticles of dust entering the device will not harm it;
• 6 – absolute protection from dust.

Water protection:

• 0 – no protection;
• 1 – protection against vertical drops;
• 2 – protection from drops falling on the device at an angle of up to 15°;
• 3 – protection against drops falling on the device at an angle of up to 60°;
• 4 – protection from splashes and drops from all sides;
• 5 – protection against low-pressure water jets hitting the device for 3 minutes;
• 6 – protection against jets of water with strong pressure hitting the device for 3 minutes;
• 7 – protection from water when the device is immersed to a depth of 1 m for 30 minutes;
• 8 – protection from water when the device is immersed to a depth of 1.5 m for 30 minutes.

IP Certification

IP certification is awarded to tested gadgets through independent testing by accredited agents. For tests, dust chambers with talc, spray bottles and water tanks are used. Based on the results of the experiments, devices receive a certificate with a two-digit number after the IP prefix. The first number in it indicates resistance to penetration of dust and microparticles:

• IP0X - no protection against dust is provided;
• IP1X - protection against penetration of solid objects larger than 50 mm into the structure;
• IP2X - protection against solid objects with a diameter of more than 12 mm;
• IP3X - objects with a diameter of more than 2.5 mm cannot enter the structure;
• IP4X - the design does not allow objects with a diameter of more than 1 mm to enter;
• IP5X - reduced likelihood of dust penetrating into the structure (it can get there in small quantities, but will not harm the device);
• IP6X - absolutely dustproof.

The second digit in the IP marking has much more weight - it is it that describes the water resistance of the device under test:

• IPX0 - no moisture protection;
• IPX1 - protection against vertically falling droplets of water;
• IPX2 - splash protection with a deflection angle of up to 15° vertically;
• IPX3 - splash protection with a deflection angle of up to 60° vertically;
• IPX4 - protection against splashing water from any direction;
• IPX5 - protection against water flows from any direction;
• IPX6 - protection against exposure to powerful jets of water;
• IPX7 - protection from full or partial short-term immersion under water (to a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes);
• IPX8 - protection for prolonged immersion under water to a depth of more than 1 meter.

Important! If a device is tested for only one parameter, one of the numbers is not indicated in the certification - the symbol “X” is placed instead. Hence the entries in the form of IPX7. Smartphones with IP68 protection level from RUR 41,570. Apple iPhone 11 128GBfrom RUR 39,770 Apple iPhone 11 64GBfrom RUR 61,690 Apple iPhone 12 128GBfrom RUR 74,150 Apple iPhone 12 Pro 128GBfrom RUR 55,570 Apple iPhone 12 64GBfrom RUR 35,700 Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 128GB/6GBfrom RUR 81,800 Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max 128GBfrom RUR 48,190 Apple iPhone 12 mini 64GBfrom RUR 54,250 Samsung Galaxy S21 128GBfrom RUR 32,895 Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus 128GBfrom RUR 58,980 Apple iPhone 11 Pro 256GBfrom RUR 51,980 Apple iPhone 11 Pro 64GBfrom RUR 88,850 Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max 256GBfrom RUR 55,390 Apple iPhone 12 mini 128GBfrom RUR 28,985 Samsung Galaxy S10 128GBfrom RUR 57,599 OnePlus 9 Pro 256GB/12GBfrom RUR 26,863 Apple iPhone Xs 64GBfrom RUR 55,950 Samsung Galaxy S21 256GBfrom RUR 28,448 Sony Xperia 10 IIIfrom RUB 78,350 Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 256GB

Electronic devices with a seven or eight at the “tip of the tail” of the IP prefix are considered completely waterproof. In fact, it is often assumed that gadgets marked IP67 are not afraid of short-term immersions, and those marked IP68 can withstand long-term immersion to greater depths. Specific restrictions on depth and duration of stay under water must be clarified in the official documentation for the device.

A separate story in this marking is the IP69K label. It is assigned to housings of products that can withstand high-temperature pressure washing. Those. hot jets of water under strong pressure. In practice, such capabilities can be useful for people whose activities involve extreme conditions - rescuers, firefighters, military personnel, etc. But for ordinary underwater use, it hardly makes sense to purchase such a device - the IP68 protection level is quite sufficient for this.

The IP dust and moisture resistance index is assigned to smartphones, smart watches and fitness bracelets, portable audio speakers, laptops, action cameras and other electronics.

Mobile phones with IP69 protection level from RUB 17,840. Doogee S88 Profrom RUR 18,950 Blackview BV9100from RUR 19,840 Doogee S88 Plusfrom RUR 21,260 Blackview BV9900Efrom RUR 13,470 Blackview BV5100 128GBfrom RUR 13,490 Blackview BV6300 Profrom RUR 13,234 Doogee S59 Profrom RUR 19,820 Doogee S96 Profrom RUR 11,900 Oukitel F150 Bison 2021from RUR 15,800 Doogee S86from RUR 26,590 Blackview BV9800 Profrom RUR 30,990 Blackview BV9900 Profrom RUR 12,370 Blackview BV6600from RUR 16,420 Doogee S86 Profrom RUR 8,940 UleFone Armor X5from RUR 8,450 Oukitel WP12from RUR 28,940 Oukitel WP10from 9,850 rub. UleFone Armor X5 Profrom RUR 9,660 Blackview BV6300from RUR 22,160 UleFone Armor 7

American military standard MIL-STD-810 and its variations

Nowadays, in the specifications of smartphones and other electronic devices, certification according to the MIL-STD-810 standard (with the letters G and H at the end) is increasingly found. It establishes certain levels of protection of electrical equipment from environmental factors. Initially, stress resistance tests were carried out on those devices that were supplied to the US Army. Hence the strict requirements for the equipment being tested.

The first version of the standard was introduced by the US Department of Defense in 1962. Over the years it has undergone many changes. Each new version of the standard is indicated by a letter of the Latin alphabet at the end. And the further the letter in the alphabet, the more modern the version of the certificate. Thus, since the end of 2008, the MIL-STD-810G specification has been in force, and in 2022, a version of the MIL-STD-810H standard was approved.

Equipment tested to meet US military standard protection standards simulates real-life challenges that may be encountered on the job. The level of resistance of the product to impacts during falls and shakes is checked, vibration tests are carried out, and the operation of the device is tested in a wide temperature range, in the rain, in fog, under the influence of sand, dust, etc. MIL-STD-810 and its specifications cover the most extensive set of environmental tests available.

Smartphones with MIL-STD-810 protection standard from RUB 17,840. Doogee S88 Profrom RUR 19,840 Doogee S88 Plusfrom RUR 7,975 Sony Xperia Z5 Compactfrom RUR 21,260 Blackview BV9900Efrom RUR 13,470 Blackview BV5100 128GBfrom 9,610 RUR Blackview BV4900 Profrom RUR 20,220 Oukitel WP7from RUR 13,490 Blackview BV6300 Profrom RUR 7,720 Blackview BV5500 Plusfrom RUR 13,234 Doogee S59 Profrom RUR 19,820 Doogee S96 Profrom RUR 9,940 Oukitel WP5 Profrom RUR 18,490 Doogee S95 Profrom RUR 11,900 Oukitel F150 Bison 2021from RUR 15,800 Doogee S86from RUR 26,590 Blackview BV9800 Profrom RUR 16,820 Oukitel WP6 128GB/6GBfrom RUR 12,370 Blackview BV6600from RUR 8,650 Blackview BV4900from 8,900 rub. Oukitel WP5

In most cases, gadgets with shockproof properties receive the MIL-STD-810G/H label. In the G standard version, they are dropped at different angles and from different heights onto a sheet of plywood placed on a concrete floor. Specification H replaced the plywood with an inch-thick steel plate that also rests on the bare concrete. In addition, options such as falls from a truck and a helicopter, when unloading a ship or being dropped by parachute are considered. Those. The requirements of the new edition of the standard for the devices under test have become stricter.

The issue of certification according to the American military standard was not without pitfalls. Since obtaining the MIL-STD-810 badge is not strictly regulated, some cunning vendors conduct tests on literally one or two points of the program. For example, for exposure to extreme temperatures or the explosion hazard of the gadget (tests are carried out in a special chamber). In this case, there is no question of resistance to falls, nor of dust and moisture protection. But the device is given the “MIL-STD-810 Certified” label. Therefore, it is important to pay attention not only to its presence, but also to the ways in which certification was carried out.

Finally, about the main thing. Remember that the presence of IP67/68 or MIL-STD-810G/H labels does not guarantee anything 100% and does not oblige the manufacturer to replace the device if it suddenly cracks after being dropped or “chokes” with water. However, the chance of surviving all sorts of negative environmental influences for gadgets certified to various protection standards is still much higher than for ordinary “classmates”.

Popular models from 14,490 rub. Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 64GBfrom RUR 19,350 Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro 256GBfrom RUR 28,963 Apple iPhone Xr 128GBfrom RUR 41,570 Apple iPhone 11 128GBfrom RUR 39,770 Apple iPhone 11 64GBfrom RUR 25,963 Apple iPhone Xr 64GBfrom RUB 28,600 Samsung Galaxy A52 4G 256GBfrom RUR 35,700 Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 128GB/6GBfrom RUR 23,280 Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro 128GB/8GBfrom RUR 17,490 Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro 128GBfrom RUR 32,499 OnePlus 9R 128GBfrom RUR 55,570 Apple iPhone 12 64GB

Difference between IP67 and IP68

Today, more and more premium smartphones are rated IP67 or IP68. For example, the Apple iPhone 8 and 8 Plus are IP67 rated, while the Samsung Galaxy S20/S20 Plus, as well as the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max are IP68 rated. What is the difference between the two standards?

As mentioned above, the number “6” means absolute protection against dust. This means that all six gadgets in question (Apple iPhone 8/8 Plus, iPhone 11 Pro/Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S20/S20 Plus) are completely dustproof.

The second number (7/8) indicates water resistance. Thus, a device with an IP67 rating can withstand immersion in water of 1 meter for 30 minutes. In this case, the water can only be fresh. A device with an IP68 rating can survive immersion in water to a depth of two meters for 30 minutes without consequences.

It is worth noting that each manufacturer gives its own recommendations for the use of devices with an IP68 rating. Thus, Samsung indicates that the Galaxy S20 and S20 Plus can withstand immersion in water of 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. In turn, Apple claims that the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max, with the same IP68 protection rating, can withstand immersion for the same time, but to two meters.

When talking about IP67 and IP68 waterproof ratings, it's important to note that we're actually talking about water resistance, not waterproofing. And even at shallow depths, water can exert pressure on the housing above the permissible limit, and water will enter the device. It's also worth noting that smartphone manufacturers' warranties do not cover water damage.

ATM water resistance levels, meters, bars

IP degrees of protection against dust and moisture have been sorted out. Now let's look at the water resistance levels of watches. Different manufacturers use different waterproof designations and standards for their devices. Some use designations in bars (bar), others in meters, others in atmospheres. There are also different ISO standards that define the water resistance and water resistance of devices.

On almost all waterproof watches you can find the inscription Water Resistant + level of protection in ATM (atmospheric pressure), meters or bars. A breakdown of waterproof levels can be seen in the table below.

It is worth noting that even if the watch says o, this does not mean that the watch can dive to a depth of 50 meters. This means that they can withstand pressure of 50 meters of water (still water). The pressure of the sea wave can significantly exceed this indicator, so you can work and swim in the watch at shallow depths, but you should not dive in it. For example, when swimming in a pool, the watch is exposed to pressure of up to 3 atmospheres (3 ATM, 30 m).

Waterproof level table

Let's sum it up

We hope you find our information useful and help you choose a device with the right level of moisture protection and water resistance for you. All that remains is to give a few recommendations that you should pay attention to when choosing waterproof watches or fitness bracelets.

• Testing of all devices is carried out in fresh cold water with a temperature of 15° to 35° C. Contact with hot or salty sea water may damage the device. Unless, of course, the manufacturer additionally indicated that the gadget is resistant to sea water and higher or lower temperatures.
• Even if your device is waterproof or waterproof, it's a good idea to check that all charging port or headphone covers are in place and closed before submerging them in water.
• Do not press buttons underwater. In waterproof watches, they are protected by cuffs, but the risk of water getting inside remains.
• And the last recommendation. To be 99% sure of waterproofness, you should not completely trust the inscription on the box or the seller, who guarantees complete waterproofness. Be sure to check this information on the manufacturer's official website

Similar articles

Degree of protection ip › GOST, standard

The degree of protection IP (Ingress Protection Rating) is a systematization of the protection values ​​of the housing (meaning the external coating) of electrical appliances and electrical equipment under the influence of various negative conditions, such as the influence of humidity, open seepage of liquid, pollution, as well as exposure to various environments.

This numeric index defines the international IP standard. Among them is the standard of the International Electrotechnical Commission IEC 60529, in the CIS GOST 14254-96, GOST 14254 and in Germany - DIN40050-9.

The current standard IEC 60529:2013 was adopted in 2013. The current GOST 14254 - 2015 in the Russian Federation was introduced on 2022.03.01. It differs from the previous GOST 14254-96 in the moisture protection index: the new current GOST 14254 - 2015 has 10 indices from 0 to 9. The ipx9 index indicates protection from high-temperature water jets supplied under high pressure (see below). Current GOSTs for IP protection level:

• IEC 60529:2013
• GOST 14254 – 2015,
• DIN40050-9,
• DIN EN 60529 (VDE 0470).

The degree of protection is provided when selecting various industrial equipment, taking into account the external environment where it will be used. So, when it is planned to change the wiring of a house, then when selecting a distribution panel, one should take into account the negative environmental conditions. There will be some impact on appliances and equipment that are located outdoors or in a building.

For electrical products, the protection class is given in the form IP [number 1] [number 2].

[number 1] shows the class of protection against exposure to external environmental objects.

7 levels of protection from external objects from 0 to 6 are standardized:

• “0” – no protection from external objects;
• “1” – the casing is protected from the impact of third-party objects with a diameter of 50 mm or more, from contact with the back of the hand;
• “2” – protection from the negative effects of third-party objects with a diameter of more than 12.5 mm, from touching the case with your fingers;
• “3” – there is protection from foreign objects with a diameter above 2.5 mm, conductors, small tools (hand);
• “4” – protection from foreign objects with a diameter of 1 mm or more - these are conductors that fix nuts and bolts;
• “5” – complete protection from foreign objects of any size, incomplete protection from dirt and dust (a small amount of dust is allowed to fly inside the housing without affecting the functionality of the devices inside the electrical panel);
• “6” – complete protection from various objects, complete dust resistance.

IP waterproof

[number 2] demonstrates the degree of protection against the negative effects of moisture (exposure to liquids, dampness). There are 10 degrees of protection of the case from moisture:

• “0” – no protection;
• “1” – the shell is protected from condensation moisture and raindrops falling strictly in a vertical position;
• “2” – the case is protected from drops, the angle of incidence is up to 15 degrees;
• “3” – there is protection against drops, the angle of incidence is up to 60 degrees;
• “4” – there is protection from liquid drops of any direction;
• “5” – protection from short-term exposure to a liquid flow (jet) of random direction;
• “6” – protection of the hull from prolonged exposure to a strong flow of liquid (water) of random direction, as well as from sea waves;
• “7” – there is protection against moisture penetration into the inside of the equipment body during short-term immersion in liquid (water) to a depth of 1 m. In this case, there may be penetration of a small volume of liquid into the middle, which does not have an adverse effect on the performance of the products;
• “8” – there is protection against liquid flowing into the products when immersed to a given depth for a given period of time). The body of the products in this version is completely waterproof;
• “9” – there is protection against hot water jets under pressure getting into the products.

The degree of protection of the outer casing (shell) from the influence of negative external conditions is established on the basis of performing a test of the working element. Below are tables with a detailed explanation of the degrees of protection, testing methods and sequences of their implementation.

For a convenient presentation, the classification of IP protection is shown in the figure.

Figure - Classification of IP protection

Degrees of IP protection › Table

It is convenient when the degrees of protection of electrical equipment ip are summarized in tables. Below are three tables for IP decryption protection. They comply with GOST 14254 – 2015.

Table of degrees of IP protection from access to dangerous parts, indicated by the first digit of the index

IP protection table from external solid objects (first digit)

Table of the degree of protection of electrical equipment IP from water (second digit)

In addition to the first two digits, the protection degree marking may contain two letters. The one that comes first after two numbers is called additional, and there may also be a letter with auxiliary information. The additional letter indicates the level of human protection from access to dangerous parts.

When a person touches electrical equipment, the following types of protection are distinguished:

• “A” – with the back of the hand;
• “B” – fingers;
• “C” – hand tool;
• “D” – single conductors.

The first number after IP and the additional letter in the marking have different meanings. The number indicates the protection of the housing from the negative influence of a person or any objects, and the additional letter indicates the protection of a person from the negative influence of elements of the electrical equipment itself.

For example, the first number “3” indicates the protection of the housing from hand-held tools, that is, the equipment will not be damaged when exposed to hand-held tools. The additional letter “C” certifies that personnel will be protected from the influence of unfavorable factors, namely electric shock, if the shell is exposed to hand tools.

The second letter of the protection category marking after the numbers displays auxiliary information.

• “H” – high voltage equipment,
• “M” – the test was carried out while moving,
• “S” – the test was carried out in a stationary (motionless) state.

"M" and "S" are usually used for equipment with moving parts.

Samples of protection degree markings with additional and/or auxiliary letters – IP 20С, IP 67S, IP 55DS.

Additionally, instead of numbers, there are “X” symbols. This symbol means that protection from foreign objects or water is not standardized for these components of the electrical product. Marking examples – IP X5, IP 1X, IP XX.

In addition, the product may be marked with not one, but several degrees of protection. Multiple degrees of protection are noted if it is necessary to indicate protection simultaneously from several negative influences, and the latter correspond to different degrees when classifying protections. For example, the product is protected from the effects of low water flow and short-term immersion in liquid. Under such conditions, the following marking can be given - IP 65 / IP 67.

What do the numbers in IP67 mean?

The degree classification includes various symbols. The higher the indicator, the better the quality of the product and the higher its resistance to dust and water. All characteristics reflected in the digital code can be seen in special tables. They are more often used by specialists, but in the days of the Internet, access to such data is not limited.

First digit

The first number determines the strength that the shell can provide:

• when a person has access to dangerous parts;
• the equipment itself located under the shell.

The designation of the first digit of the code and a description of the value can be seen in Table 1:

How to decrypt IP

Methods for classifying technical devices are carried out in accordance with international rules (GOST), called “IP standard”; the designations assigned to them indicate the IP degree of protection of the shell. To understand what IP protection is, you just need to translate this abbreviation from English.

A code with the characters “IP” stands for “IP” (means Ingress protection in translation - “protection against penetration”). This code (protection standard) can be seen in documents for any product:

• high-tech equipment;
• electrical engineering;
• modern smartphones, etc.

If the consumer has purchased a product, he can always find out the level of protection of the case to determine whether it can work in a room with a high content of dust or humidity. The device is guaranteed to be reliable if the documents indicate the degree of protection IP67 (the meaning of the first two characters is clear). What do the numbers mean?

IP Definition

The abbreviation IP in this case means International Protection, in place of XX there is a two-digit digital index. This protection determines the accessibility of any electrical product to the following external damaging factors:

• solid bodies (human fingers, tool parts, wire, etc.);
• dust;
• water.

Note: It’s not for nothing that we talk about “availability” and not “protection”. The IP standard simply refers to the requirement for the manufacturer or importer to indicate on the product body what influences it is protected from, but nothing more.

Simply put, this is a classification based on the protection of shells and cases of different products. It does not apply to internal nodes.

An example of marking could be as follows: “Protection degree IP67”, “Protection class IP54”, and the like. Sometimes numbers may be followed by a capital letter of the Latin alphabet, serving as a complement.

Decoding the degree of protection

In order to make it clearer what exactly each degree of protection in the IP standard means, we will give a detailed explanation.

Dust protection

Let's start with the first number, which is responsible for protection against the penetration of solid objects into the body, that is, for dust protection.

Moisture protection

Now the decoding of the second digit in the IP standard. The second number indicates the class of protection against penetration of water and moisture into the housing, that is, the level of water resistance or water resistance.

Let's look at examples

IP55 protection degree means that the housing or shell of the product - it can be anything, a power cabinet, starter, machine, RCD, switch, etc. - provides complete protection against accidental contact of internal components under current with a finger, screwdriver or thin probe . In this case, slight penetration of dust inside is allowed (the housing is not sealed), which should not cause interruptions in the operation of the device. It also has reliable protection against rain. This is a “street” class of product, but it will no longer withstand being doused with water, for example, from a bucket.

The degree of protection class IP44 is a “safe” design of products designed to work indoors, but in conditions of high humidity. This class must correspond to sockets, switches and other elements located, for example, in the bathroom. In fact, they can look like sockets with lockable covers and automatic “shutters” on the contacts. They should not be protected from dust, but a short circuit from accidental ingress of moisture is excluded. Touching them with wet fingers is also safe.

Note: none, even the highest safety classes, imply that the product cannot be disassembled. This is a civilian safety standard; it cannot and should not apply to specially designed products for military and similar needs.

What can a low protection class offer? Let's get acquainted with the degree of protection class IP20. A product of this class protects its contents only from penetration of fairly large objects, about a finger in diameter. From a constructive point of view, this could be, for example, an installation box. It may have small technical holes for tools - tester contact probes, screwdrivers, and so on. It can only be placed indoors or inside another electrical cabinet with a high degree of protection, since even from above such a product is not protected from moisture.

Smartphone protection level

As for the degree of protection used by phone and smartphone manufacturers, there are a variety of options. Starting from simple degrees of protection, such as IP54, to maximum ones, such as IP 67 and IP68. For example, let's look at several phones and their degree of protection.

It should be noted that in most cases, if the degree of protection of a phone or smartphone is lower than IP67 or IP68, then the manufacturer simply does not indicate it. Therefore, it is rare to find IP54, IP56, IP57, IP65 or IP66 in the characteristics of smartphones.

IPxx is a class of protection of electrical equipment from external factors according to the IEC-952 standard.

The IEC-952 standard provides for identification of the protection class using a two-digit code, where the first digit indicates the degree of protection against penetration of solid objects into the housing, and the second indicates the protection of the equipment against penetration of liquid into the housing.

IP (Ingress Protection rating) are international standards for protecting the housing (shell) of electrical and electrical equipment from harmful environmental influences. According to the accepted classification, the IP protection degree to which certified equipment corresponds is accompanied by a two-digit number, for example, IP66, IP67, IP68.

The first digit IP is the degree of protection against mechanical damage, or more precisely from penetration and impact of solid objects.

IP0x – no protection against mechanical damage. IP1x – protection against penetration of objects >50 mm (for example, accidental contact with hands). IP2x – protection against penetration of objects >12 mm (for example, finger pressure). IP3x – protection against penetration of objects >2.5 mm (for example, tools, wires). IP4x – protection against penetration of objects >1 mm (e.g. tools, small wires). IP5x – partial protection from dust (the penetrating amount does not interfere with the operation of the device). IP6x – complete protection against dust. Dustproof.

The second digit IP is the class of protection against penetration of moisture or water into the housing.

IPx0 – no protection against moisture penetration into the housing. IPx1 – protection against vertically falling drops of water. IPx2 – protection against splashing water, with a deviation angle of up to 15° from the vertical. IPx3 – protection against splashing water, with a deflection angle of up to 60° from the vertical. IPx4 – protection against water splashes from any direction. IPx5 – protection against water flows from any direction. IPx6 – protection against water flows or strong jets from any direction. IPx7 – protection for partial or short-term immersion in water to a depth of 1 m. IPx8 – protection for complete and long-term immersion in water to a depth of more than 1 m.

Thus, the larger the specified two-digit number, the higher the degree of protection of the equipment from the harmful effects of the environment. For example, protection class IP65 - complete protection against dust and protection against water jets in any direction.

If a 0 is present in the equipment specification in the standard (in the first or second digit of the IP standard), this means that this technical device does not provide protection against mechanical damage (IP0-) or against moisture penetration (IP-0).

Complement letters

Everything is simple here. The letters A to D of the Latin alphabet replace the first digit of the index, but their range does not include dust protection.

• A - protection against accidental contact with the palm;
• B - finger;
• C - from tool penetration;
• D - thin wire, cable or probe.

Example - IP3XD. Here is the third class of moisture protection and wire protection, X denotes the missing number.

Please note: the moisture protection class cannot be lower than the mechanical safety class!

A number of other letters indicate some individual nuances:

• H is a technique that operates at high voltage;
• M - a device with moving parts that can operate underwater;
• S - the same as above, the machine can withstand being under water, but cannot work there;
• W - all-weather design;
• K - hot water supplied under pressure (some types of washing).

Knowing this classification, you can easily select the appropriate equipment for a specific task. The main thing is to remember that it is better to be overcautious than underdressed.

Exceptions and features

Often the second number is related to the first: if the device body is closed from water jets (4-5), it automatically becomes protected from contact with foreign objects (5). But there are exceptions - for example, waterproof cases for gadgets have an IP38 standard.

Waterproof rating is not cumulative beyond level 6: the housing can withstand liquid immersion (7) but be vulnerable to splashing water under pressure. The protection class for such devices is indicated twice: IP65/IP68 - complete dust protection, resistance to water jets (not under pressure) and operation in a liquid environment - the shell may not withstand powerful jets.

It is strictly not recommended to deliberately check compliance with the stated standards on an expensive gadget. In case of problems with warranty service, it will most likely be refused.

Sources

• https://AndroidLime.ru/ip67-standart
• https://MobiDevices.ru/ingress-protection-rating
• https://www.e-katalog.ru/post/3229/122-chto-takoe-ip67-68-i-mil-std-810-standarty-zaschity-elektronnyh-ustroystv/
• https://ElectricPS.ru/ingress-protection-ip
• https://odinelectric.ru/knowledgebase/chto-takoe-stepen-pylevlagozashhity-ip67
• https://SmartPhonus.com/%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BF%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%8C-%D0%B7%D0%B0%D1%89% D0%B8%D1%82%D1%8B-ip67-%D0%B8-ip68-%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%88%D0%B8%D1%84%D1%80% D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BA%D0%B0/
• https://legnum.info/chto-oznachaet-klass-zashhity-ip67/
• https://WiFiGid.ru/poleznoe-i-interesnoe/ip67