One of the words that bring itself up when comparing speakers is the IP code rating or IPX rating if you are only considering water resistance. Some will have IPX4, IPX7, IP67, IP68, and other numbers. What tends to be confusing is the meaning of the IP Code rating.
Most of us hear the IPX rates, and we quickly judge the ability to resist water. However, there is more that we need to learn about the IPX ratings. We have to learn the meaning of IPX rating and the IPX rates and then know how important they are. We have a comprehensive compilation that will make you understand the rating.
Meaning of IPX rating
IPX rating determines a speaker or a sound device to resist both water, dust, and falling (shocks). The higher the IPX rating, the higher the ability to resist the destruction factors. If the speaker has an IPX rating of 8, it means that managing water and dust is excellent.
On the other side, a device with a low IPX rating or completely none has low resistance. It means that when it gets to dust, it will destroy. When it gets to water, the chances are very high that you will not use the device again.
IP stands for Ingress Protection. It is a measure that comes after a product has undergone some testing to assess its potential. On the other hand, X means that there has been no test conducted so far.
What do these IP codes mean?
You may be surprised to know that an IP code consists of a two-digit number. This represents the level of protection against solid particles such as dust and liquids like water, with 1 being the least protective rating (and 9 representing full immunity). Thus the IP Code is the standard for identifying a level of protection against solid particles and liquids.
The 4 letters and digits IP code can be divided into 3 parts.
| I | The first two letters “IP” shows that you are checking an IP code |
| P | |
| X | The first digit or X shows the level of protection against solid particles such as dust |
| X | The second digit or X shows the level of protection against liquids such as water |
- The first two letters “IP” shows that you are checking an IP code
- The first digit or X shows the level of protection against solid particles such as dust
- The second digit or X shows the level of protection against liquids such as water
Thus we use the IP code as follows:
First digit (solids)
| Level | Dust resistance level (Intrusion Protection) |
|---|---|
| X | Not tested |
| 0 | Not protected |
| 1 | Protected against solid objects larger than 2 inches (50 mm) like accidental touch by hands |
| 2 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.5 inches (12.5 mm) such as fingers |
| 3 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) like tools & wires |
| 4 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.04 inches ( 1 mm) |
| 5 | Dust protected (Against dust limited ingress thus there are no harmful deposits) |
| 6 | Dust-tight (total protection against dust) |
Second digit
| Level | Water-resistance level (Moisture Protection) |
|---|---|
| X | Not tested |
| 0 | Not protected |
| 1 | Protected against dripping water |
| 2 | Protected against dripping water tilted at 15° |
| 3 | Protected against spraying water |
| 4 | Protected against water splashes (splashing water) |
| 5 | Protected against water jets |
| 6 | Protected against powerful water jets |
| 7 | Protected against immersion up to 3.3 feet (1 M) |
| 8 | Protected against continuous immersion at a depth of 3.3 feet (1 M) or more |
| 9 | Protected against close-range high pressure, high-temperature spray downs (steam-jet cleaning) |
Importance of the IPX rating
IPX rating is essential if we have to talk about portable speakers. It has been common for people to walk along with headphones and Bluetooth portable speakers. Some will carry the speakers to the beach, swimming pool, and when off for hiking.
A good number of people love cycling and will attach the speakers to the bikes. It is also becoming common to find people parting outdoors. Some of these places people visit have rain, dust and some will pour drinks on the devices.
Your speaker will manage all this if it has a good IPX rating. It becomes essential to have a speaker that has some resistance to these factors. Such include Bluetooth speakers of different sizes and even headphones.
Water and dust are the leading factors that destroy speakers. All the electronics are also exposed when they get extreme levels of water and dust. The quality of the speaker determines the durability, which is also determined by the IPX rating level.
Understanding the working of the IPX
IPX is a feature that is slightly confusing but essential when you understand its functionality. It determines the international level that a device can stand out when in contact with water and dust.
There is a specific company that does the test and issues the ratings. Once the test is done, the outcome gets published under the standards of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). After the test, the result gets measured against the chart, which then derives the IPX number.
Once the device has passed the IPX rating and has an award, it determines specific things. You will have a clue about the duration that the device can stay in the water. It also tells the specifics of how much dust or falls it can manage. You will notice that the big brands have the real IPX ratings and deliver exactly what is in the specifications.
If you are keen on the speakers, you will notice the IPX5 or IPX7 rating. This means that the speakers have a specific performance that they must deliver. The range comes from 0 -8, and each one will have a specific representation.
IPX rating in real-life application
IPX rating has some real application that guides on the solids and the liquids. The good thing with the ratings is that it makes you understand the extremes you should not expose the device to. We will discuss each rate and the meaning for both the liquids and the solids.
IPX 0 rating
When you see such a rating, the device has not undergone testing, whether solid or liquid. It also means that the product does not have any protection against the solids and also liquids. Exposing it to any condition will lead to immediate destruction.
If you get a device that is written IPX0 or has no IPX protection, you keep off. If it is a portable speaker, it will not resist water and dust. Such as device is best if you buy it for indoor use. While using it indoors, you have to ensure that it does not contact even with the small traces of water.
IPX1 rating
IPX1 applies to both solids and liquids. For liquids, it means that dripping water will not cause harm to your device. If the speaker gets in touch with the pools of water, then it will spoil. Water that comes from both ends of the device will cause massive harm to the product.
For the case of solids, it means the device will manage 50mm of the solids. It means that the solid capacity that it can withstand is 50mm. When the device falls, it will only manage an impact of 50mm. If it exceeds, then you can be sure that the device will not serve you anymore.
IPX2 rating
A speaker that has an IPX2 rating can manage the solids and the liquids. For instance, if you get such a rating, both solids and liquids will have good times using the product. If it is for water, the water falling or dripping angle must be around 15 degrees.
It can manage water resistance from both sides without much problem. However, it means that large amounts of water will destroy the speaker. You need to take some caution with water pools and running water.
For the solids, it means that there is sine resistance to solids above 12.5mm. An impact of 12.5 mm and above is not so bad. It will manage it, but you still need to take some caution. Such a speaker is good for indoor use.
IPX3 rating
The IPX3 rating means that the speaker can manage spraying water. It is almost similar to IPX2, but it is much stronger than IPX2. Water that is splashing at an angle of 60 degrees is manageable on both sides.
However, the speaker will not manage water pools and flowing water. On the solids, you will need to be careful about objects that are larger than 2.5mm. You need to be careful about this speaker’s impact because the chances of destruction are also high.
The usage for such as device is both for indoors and slightly for outdoors. Drizzling rain is manageable by this device. Even indoors, you have to be cautious about how you use it.
IPX4 rating
The limitation of this device is limited to water. It means that it will be able to manage splashes from all directions. It will come to withstand the heaviest impact of splashing water, especially drinks and others. However, you have to take caution because of the water pools, heavy splashes, or flowing water.
Such water is likely to cause a problem as it will damage the speaker. On solids that are more than 1mm, the speaker will work well. The level of impact increases, and it can fall several times without getting damaged. However, it will not manage dust and heavy impacts.
Such a speaker will serve best indoors and deliver an outstanding performance outdoors. However, you still need to take caution because the extremes will cause some damage.
IPX5 rating
The IPX5 rating can resist the jets of water that are flowing at the lowest pressure. It means that the devices get exposed to rain and water at slightly lower pressure. You have the assurance that you will stay in the rain for some time and not experience any form of damage.
On the other part of solids, the device will have some resistance to dust. Your device will make a good option for visiting the various outdoor and dusty areas. The falling impact will not affect it much because the components are powerful.
The problem with this rating on devices is that they are not very resistant. When you expose the speaker to too much water, you will miss the services you expect. Too much dust will also spoil the speaker.
IPX6 rating
We also have the IPX6 rating. This rating will make you have some good times because of resisting large amounts of water. You can immerse such a speaker in water and get it working perfectly. It has the potential over powerful water jets. When you immerse it for a certain depth, then you are good to go.
On the dust part, such speakers are excellent. They have some powerful resistance that will have an enhanced and better resistance. You will have a chance to use the speaker even in the dustiest areas and still have the service you get standing out. When the speaker falls, you will not have it destroyed so long as the measure of the fall is minimal.
You need to get the proper amounts of water getting submerged under the water. The beauty of the speaker is that it will manage considerable amounts of water. You can go to the beach and other areas, including getting rained without getting much of a challenge.
IPX7 rating
IPX7 is another powerful rating that you should always be looking for. A device that has the IPX7 rating can manage immersion in water for a depth of 1 meter. You will comfortably go with this speaker to the beach and also swim with it. If you forget it in a pool of water for some time, you will find it intact.
If you are a fisherperson, you have no good reason to worry about going with the speaker everywhere you wish. Thus you can use an IPX7 rated Bluetooth speaker for a boat. It works in a bathroom when you go hiking and get rained on and anywhere you wish. It is fully waterproof and will serve various places, including the swimming pools.
In terms of dust, there is no test for this device because of the quality of service you will get from it. You need to check such a speaker because too much immersion or staying for too long in water will damage the speaker.
IPX8 rating
IPX8 is the lion when it comes to the rating of the devices. It is the best rating under the waterproof system and standards. Any depth between 1and 3 meters will not cause any problem to the device. Such a device makes the best choice for use in rainy areas and even watery areas.
Moreover, you will have good times because of the ability to resist even falling. If you are looking for the best speaker for beach, partying and outdoor use, such models are the best.
Application of the IPX ratings
The application of the IPX rating has wide compatibility. We have used Bluetooth speakers as the best examples. However, many applications use the IPX rating. Most of the electronic devices that serve outdoor use will have an IPX rating.
The application works very well in the Bluetooth and portable speakers. Each model has its IPX rating, which means you can do things with the speaker and some that you cannot do.
For instance, when the rating is IPX8 and IPX7, the speaker is a perfect choice for outdoor activities. It can resist rain and large amounts of water. A good example is when you have to go to the beach or the swimming pool.
It can also manage considerable amounts of dust without getting damaged. For people who love ice skiing, these speakers are the best. As the level goes down to IPX6 and IPX5, there are slight changes.
The devices can serve for some time under considerable amounts of water. The extremes will damage the speakers. As the rates go lower, the level of water resistance and unfitness for outdoor use increases. You will need to assess the purpose of the speaker and then get the proper IPX rating.
IPX rating FAQs
How is an IPX4 test performed for example?
A Bluetooth speaker is placed on a griddle and sprayed from all directions with rotating hooping nozzles. The product goes through five minutes of continuous spraying to pass the IPX4 test without being damaged at all. Thus, to do the tests we use specialized equipment in order to fulfill the set standards.
What does IPX8 mean?
IPX8 rated means that the product is not tested for protection against solid objects (dust) but it’s fully resistant to water. In comparison with IP68, an IPX-rated device can handle light rain or exposure from shallow depths without problems while a higher number will keep you dry in any condition!
Can I shower with IPX8?
A device such as a Bluetooth speaker or earbuds with an IP rating from IPX5 to IPX8 is resistant to water jets from all directions, temporary immersions, and continuous immersion. Thus a device with an IPX8 rating can be used in the shower.
Ipx7 vs ipx8: What is the difference?
Ipx7 means that the device is protected against immersion up to 3.3 feet (1 M) while ipx8 means that the device is protected against continuous immersion at a depth of 3.3 feet (1 M) or more. Thus you can dive into a deep water body with an ipx8 device, unlike an ipx7 device.
IP Rating Reference Chart
| IP Rating | First Digit – SOLIDS | Second Digit – LIQUIDS |
| IPXX | Not tested | Not tested |
| IPX0 | Not tested | Not protected |
| IPX1 | Not tested | Protected against dripping water |
| IPX2 | Not tested | Protected against dripping water tilted at 15° (vertical) |
| IPX3 | Not tested | Protected against spraying water |
| IPX4 | Not tested | Protected against water splashes (splashing water) |
| IPX5 | Not tested | Protected against water jets |
| IPX6 | Not tested | Protected against powerful water jets |
| IPX7 | Not tested | Protected against immersion up to 3.3 feet (1 M) |
| IPX8 | Not tested | Protected against continuous immersion at a depth of 3.3 feet (1 M) or more |
| IPX9 | Not tested | Protected against close-range high pressure, high-temperature spray downs (steam-jet cleaning) |
| IP00 | Not protected | Not protected |
| IP01 | Not protected | Protected against dripping water |
| IP02 | Not protected | Protected against dripping water tilted at 15° |
| IP03 | Not protected | Protected against spraying water |
| IP04 | Not protected | Protected against water splashes (splashing water) |
| IP05 | Not protected | Protected against water jets |
| IP06 | Not protected | Protected against powerful water jets |
| IP07 | Not protected | Protected against immersion up to 3.3 feet (1 M) |
| IP08 | Not protected | Protected against continuous immersion at a depth of 3.3 feet (1 M) or more |
| IP10 | Protected against solid objects larger than 2 inches (50 mm) like accidental touch by hands | Not protected |
| IP11 | Protected against solid objects larger than 2 inches (50 mm) like accidental touch by hands | Protected against dripping water |
| IP12 | Protected against solid objects larger than 2 inches (50 mm) like accidental touch by hands | Protected against dripping water tilted at 15° |
| IP13 | Protected against solid objects larger than 2 inches (50 mm) like accidental touch by hands | Protected against spraying water |
| IP14 | Protected against solid objects larger than 2 inches (50 mm) like accidental touch by hands | Protected against water splashes (splashing water) |
| IP15 | Protected against solid objects larger than 2 inches (50 mm) like accidental touch by hands | Protected against water jets |
| IP16 | Protected against solid objects larger than 2 inches (50 mm) like accidental touch by hands | Protected against powerful water jets |
| IP17 | Protected against solid objects larger than 2 inches (50 mm) like accidental touch by hands | Protected against immersion up to 3.3 feet (1 M) |
| IP18 | Protected against solid objects larger than 2 inches (50 mm) like accidental touch by hands | Protected against continuous immersion at a depth of 3.3 feet (1 M) or more |
| IP20 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.5 inches (12.5 mm) such as fingers | Not protected |
| IP21 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.5 inches (12.5 mm) such as fingers | Protected against dripping water |
| IP22 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.5 inches (12.5 mm) such as fingers | Protected against dripping water tilted at 15° |
| IP23 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.5 inches (12.5 mm) such as fingers | Protected against spraying water |
| IP24 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.5 inches (12.5 mm) such as fingers | Protected against water splashes (splashing water) |
| IP25 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.5 inches (12.5 mm) such as fingers | Protected against water jets |
| IP26 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.5 inches (12.5 mm) such as fingers | Protected against powerful water jets |
| IP27 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.5 inches (12.5 mm) such as fingers | Protected against immersion up to 3.3 feet (1 M) |
| IP28 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.5 inches (12.5 mm) such as fingers | Protected against continuous immersion at a depth of 3.3 feet (1 M) or more |
| IP30 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) like tools & wires | Not protected |
| IP31 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) like tools & wires | Protected against dripping water |
| IP32 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) like tools & wires | Protected against dripping water tilted at 15° |
| IP33 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) like tools & wires | Protected against spraying water |
| IP34 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) like tools & wires | Protected against water splashes (splashing water) |
| IP35 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) like tools & wires | Protected against water jets |
| IP36 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) like tools & wires | Protected against powerful water jets |
| IP37 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) like tools & wires | Protected against immersion up to 3.3 feet (1 M) |
| IP38 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) like tools & wires | Protected against continuous immersion at a depth of 3.3 feet (1 M) or more |
| IP40 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.04 inches ( 1 mm) | Not protected |
| IP41 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.04 inches ( 1 mm) | Protected against dripping water |
| IP42 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.04 inches ( 1 mm) | Protected against dripping water tilted at 15° |
| IP43 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.04 inches ( 1 mm) | Protected against spraying water |
| IP44 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.04 inches ( 1 mm) | Protected against water splashes (splashing water) |
| IP45 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.04 inches ( 1 mm) | Protected against water jets |
| IP46 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.04 inches ( 1 mm) | Protected against powerful water jets |
| IP47 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.04 inches ( 1 mm) | Protected against immersion up to 3.3 feet (1 M) |
| IP48 | Protected against solid objects larger than 0.04 inches ( 1 mm) | Protected against continuous immersion at a depth of 3.3 feet (1 M) or more |
| IP50 | Dust protected (Against dust limited ingress thus there are no harmful deposits) | Not protected |
| IP51 | Dust protected (Against dust limited ingress thus there are no harmful deposits) | Protected against dripping water |
| IP52 | Dust protected (Against dust limited ingress thus there are no harmful deposits) | Protected against dripping water tilted at 15° |
| IP53 | Dust protected (Against dust limited ingress thus there are no harmful deposits) | Protected against spraying water |
| IP54 | Dust protected (Against dust limited ingress thus there are no harmful deposits) | Protected against water splashes (splashing water) |
| IP55 | Dust protected (Against dust limited ingress thus there are no harmful deposits) | Protected against water jets |
| IP56 | Dust protected (Against dust limited ingress thus there are no harmful deposits) | Protected against powerful water jets |
| IP57 | Dust protected (Against dust limited ingress thus there are no harmful deposits) | Protected against immersion up to 3.3 feet (1 M) |
| IP58 | Dust protected (Against dust limited ingress thus there are no harmful deposits) | Protected against continuous immersion at a depth of 3.3 feet (1 M) or more |
| IP60 | Dust-tight (total protection against total dust ingress) | Not protected |
| IP61 | Dust-tight (total protection against total dust ingress) | Protected against dripping water |
| IP62 | Dust-tight (total protection against total dust ingress) | Protected against dripping water tilted at 15° |
| IP63 | Dust-tight (total protection against total dust ingress) | Protected against spraying water |
| IP64 | Dust-tight (total protection against total dust ingress) | Protected against water splashes (splashing water) |
| IP65 | Dust-tight (total protection against total dust ingress) | Protected against water jets |
| IP66 | Dust-tight (total protection against total dust ingress) | Protected against powerful water jets |
| IP67 | Dust-tight (total protection against total dust ingress) | Protected against immersion up to 3.3 feet (1 M) |
| IP68 | Dust-tight (total protection against total dust ingress) | Protected against continuous immersion at a depth of 3.3 feet (1 M) or more |
| IP69K | Dust-tight (total protection against total dust ingress) | Protected against close-range high pressure, high-temperature spray downs (steam-jet cleaning) |
Conclusion
IPX ratings are very important when it comes to devices such as portable speakers. They facilitate effective use for both indoor and outdoor use. We have done some reviews about the IPX ratings. Your duty now is to go for the rates that will serve you.
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