What does the “IP” rating on your smartphone mean?

If you look at your new phone’s specifications, you will notice something like “IP69 Water and Dust Protection.” This is a common selling point that phone manufacturers and brands show on their specifications.

At first glance, it may appear too technical, but it’s actually straightforward.

What does the IP code mean?

The “IP” in the IP code stands for Ingress Protection, an internationally recognized standard defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that indicates the level of dust and water protection of a gadget, such as a mobile phone or other electronic device.

As you notice, the letters IP are usually followed by a mix of numbers and/or letters, like ‘IP69’ or ‘IPX7,’ indicating their water and dust protection rating. 

We already mentioned what IP stands for. Now, let’s look at the next two digits.

What does the first digit mean?

The first digit after IP indicates solid particle protection, including dust, wires, or body parts. It will range from 0, which means no protection at all, to 6, indicating absolute protection. Here are the levels:

• X – no data available, not tested for dust and particle protection
• 0 – no protection against contact and ingress of objects
• 1 – protection against objects > 50mm (2.0in), such as large surfaces of the body.
• 2 – protection against objects > 12.5mm (0.49in), such as fingers.
• 3 – protection against objects > 2.5mm (0.098in), such as tools and thick wires.
• 4 – protection against objects > 1mm, including most wires, slender screws, and large ants.
• 5 – dust protected 
• 6 – dust-tight, complete protection against contact

So, if your mobile phone has a water and dust protection rating of IP69, it’s dust-tight, so you won’t be concerned even if you leave it in a dusty area or on a beach with fine sand. 

On the other hand, the IPX7-rated gadget doesn’t say anything about its dust ingress protection, so it would be safer to keep and use it indoors.

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What does the second digit mean?

The second digit of the IP code indicates the level of liquid ingress protection, which is crucial if you own portable electronic devices, particularly your mobile phone and tablets.

• 0 – no protection against contact and ingress of objects
• 1 – protection against dripping water
• 2 – protection against dripping water when tilted up to 15 degrees
• 3 – protection against spraying water
• 4 – protection against spraying water
• 5 – protection against water jets
• 6 – protection against powerful water jets
• 6K – protection against water jets with increased pressure
• 7 – protection against immersion up to 1 meter (3.28 feet)
• 8 – protection against immersion beyond 1 meter
• 9 – protection against high-temperature water jets

Going back to the previous example, the IP69 mobile phone indicates complete protection against dust. It is also protected against high-pressure and high-temperature water jets and immersion beyond 1 meter in water. 

On the other hand, an IPX7 gadget has not been tested for solid particle protection but is waterproof up to 1 meter.

It’s also good to know that most high-end mobile phones today have a dust and water protection rating of at least IP68, so you wouldn’t have to worry about taking underwater pressures.

Supplementary letter (optional)

Besides the two letters, there are instances where you’ll see another letter indicating another level of equipment protection besides the two digits. However, they are optional. 

• F – oil resistant
• H – high voltage apparatus
• M – motion during water test
• S – stationary during water test
• W – weather conditions

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Modern mobile phones are essential and are carried everywhere, so it’s crucial that they can withstand the test of the environment. The IP code rating can help you decide which phone to buy if you regularly go to the beach or the pool. Thankfully, more mobile phones on the market have at least an IP68 rating.

Have you noticed the dust and waterproof protection level of your phone or gadgets?

This article, What does the “IP” rating on your smartphone mean?, was originally published at NoypiGeeks | Philippines Technology News, Reviews and How to's.