So, you might have seen IP ratings many times when checking out the specifications of any device, smartphone, or gadget. Even we here at Gadgets in Nepal mention IP ratings in almost all of our articles and Youtube Videos. Have you ever wondered, how IP rating works, who rates the device and provide them IP rating, and what numbers in IP rating mean? Today in this article we will be addressing all of these questions so without any further delay let’s get started.
What is IP Rating?
The IP rating stands for Ingress Protection Rating. In simple terms, IP rating is a measure of protection for your device from Solid and Liquid. The IP ratings are defined or developed by IEC. Under this, a device is tested under certain conditions and the ability of the device to hold on to those conditions defines its IP rating.
How does IP rating Work?
An IP rating consists of two numbers determining its rating against Solid and liquid. The first digit in an IP rating can be from 0 to 6 and it defines the protection against solids increases from low to high. While the second digit determines the protection against liquids. For example, if a device is rated IP53, this means the device is dust resistant and can withstand water sprays that are sprayed at an angle of 60° from the vertical on either side of the device. Let’s look at the chart below to further understand IP ratings.
IP Rating Protection Reference Chart
| First Digit | Intrusion Protection (Solid or Dust) | Second Digit | Liquid Protection |
| X | No Data on IP Rating | 0 | No Protection Against Liquid |
| 0 | No protection against ingress or contact of solids. | 1 | Protection against dripping water. |
| 1 | Protection against objects larger than 50 mm. | 2 | Protection against dripping water at a 15-degree angle. |
| 2 | Protection against objects larger than 12.5 mm. | 3 | Protection against spraying water. |
| 3 | Protection against objects larger than2.5 mm. | 4 | Protection against splashing water. |
| 4 | Protection against objects larger than 1 mm. | 5 | Protection against water jets. |
| 5 | Protection against dust. | 6 | Protection against powerful water jets. |
| 6 | The unit is dust-tight. | 6K | Protection against water jets with higher pressure |
| 7 | Protection against being immersed in 1 meter of water. | ||
| 8 | Protection against being immersed in at least 1 meter of water (or more). | ||
| 9K | Protection against powerful water jets with high temperatures. |
This is how IP rating works. Here are some cool facts, that you might like.
Interesting Facts about IP Rating
- Motorola Defy was the first smartphone with IP Rating. It had an IP67 rating for dust and water protection and was launched in 2010.
- IP Rating system was first established in 1976 by the IEC.
- iPhone 7 series, were the first iPhones with an IP rating, they had they were rated IP67.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 are the only foldable phones in the world with IP ratings, as of now. Both the devices are rated IPX8, which means they are protected against being immersed in at least 1 meter of water (or more).
A video on IP Ratings Explained
