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Home » Guides » Buying Guides » What do the ingress protection IP codes really mean?
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What do the ingress protection IP codes really mean?

From IPX4 to IP67 - how dust and water proof is my device actually?
Stereo GuideBy Stereo Guide9. August 2022
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IP67 protection class: Bose Soundlink Flex in the waterproof test
Immersive thanks to IP67 protection: Bose Soundlink Flex in the waterproof test. (Goto: Stefan Schickedanz)

Many manufacturers boasting their products complying to standards like IP55, IP67 or IPX4. That is especially true to outdoor speakers and mobile headphones. And it is indeed of significance for outdoor use in case a device might be subject to rain, water or dust. The ingress protection, or IP code of “International Protection”. Following a standardized IEC test procedure, they simply express which external ingress a device can withstand and for how long. This is separated for water and dust/solid ingress.

This is exactly what the two digits that follow the “IP” actually mean: The first indicates resistance to small solid structures such as dust and sand, the second simply means 10 different levels of water resistance.

Protected against ingress of dust, sand and solid structures

The ability to withstand solid particles is expressed on a scale between 0 (= no protection at all) and 6 (highest protection). It is based primarily on the size of the solid particles that might potentially penetrate a device and cause malfunctions. The smaller the particles being successfully kept out, the higher the protection code. IP5X classification for examples ensures resistance against dust in usual quantities. The IP6X class means absolute dust resistance.

IP0Xno protection against solid particles
IP1XWithstands particles of 50mm in diameter or bigger
IP2XWithstands particles of 12.5mm in diameter or bigger
IP3XWithstands particles of 2.5mm in diameter or bigger
IP4XWithstands particles of 1mm in diameter but not sand
IP5XWithstands ingression of sand and dust
IP6XCompletely sealed and dustproof
Bose speakers in the sand:
The IP code provides information on both water and dirt resistance for outdoor devices. (Photo: Stefan Schickedanz)

Protection classes for water and immersion

The second digit indicates how well a device is withstanding the ingression of water and moisture. These tests are always executed using fresh water. Dedicated codes for seawater or chemicals such as solvents are not subject to classification and therefore they are not guaranteed.

Usually you find water protection codes from IPX0 (=no moisture protection at all) to IPX8 (waterproof against longtime submersion). In addition to that, a code IPX9 even ensures waterproof at high pressure and increased temperature.

IPX0No water/moisture protection
IPX1Withstands dripping water with vertical incidence
IPX2Withstands dripping water from above or up to 15 degrees
IPX3Withstands spraying water or rain ( from up to 60 degrees)
IPX4Splashwater-proof in all directions
IPX5Sealed against water jets
IPX6Sealed against water jets with pressure
IPX7Waterproof against immersion limited by time and pressure (30min, 1m in depth)
IPX8Completely waterproof with immersion not limited in time limit
IPX9Completely watersealed even at high pressure and temperature

These IP protection codes you might find on Bluetooth speakers or headphones

When reviewing personal audio components we found th following IP protection codes to be quite common. We therefore provide an explanation of the respective protection class both against the ingression of dust and water. An X or a 0 instead of either the first or second digit means that no test has been executed or the manufacturer does not guarantee any protection against either solid particles (1st digit) or water (2nd digit).

What does protection code IP44 mean?

Protected against small solid particles (but neither sand nor dust!!) & Splash water protected from all directions.

What does protection code IP54 mean?

Withstands sand and dust & Splash water protected from all directions.

What does protection code IP55 mean?

Withstands sand and dust & Jet water protected

What does protection code IP56 mean?

Withstands sand and dust & Jet water protected with pressure

What does protection code IP57 mean?

Withstands sand and dust & waterproof when immersed up to 1m for 30min

What does protection code IP6X mean?

Completely sealed from dust/sand but no water/moisture protection

What does protection code IP65 mean?

Completely sealed from dust/sand but & jet water protected

What does protection code IP66 mean?

Completely sealed from dust/sand but & jet water protected with pressure

What does protection code IP67 mean?

Completely sealed from dust/sand & waterproof when immersed up to 1m for 30min

What does protection code IP68 mean?

Completely sealed from dust/sand & immersion proof

What does protection code IPX4 mean?

Not protected against solid particles but Splash water protected from all directions.

What does protection code IPX5 mean?

Not protected against solid particles but jet water protected

What does protection code IPX6 mean?

Not protected against solid particles but jet water protected with pressure

What does protection code IPX7 mean?

Not protected against solid particles but waterproof when immersed up to 1m for 30min

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