What is IPX protection?
IPX protection is a standard that defines the resistance of a device to the ingress of water and dust and is a feature found in some electronic devices, such as mobile phones, headphones, tablets, shavers... This protection can be useful in environments where where there is a lot of dust or when the device is expected to get wet.
Its initials IP (Ingress Protection) refer to a protection standard and are accompanied by two alphanumeric codes, the first refers to an element generally known as resistant to dust and the second to liquids (water)
IP[X][Y]
[ X ] Dust protection level
[ Y ] Water protection level
It is important to mention that if a letter X appears in the first position in the device code, for example IPX5 means that it is not protected against dust or if it is IP4X it is not protected against liquids.
How is IPX protection tested?
IPX protection is tested using specialized equipment that simulates the conditions in which the product will be used. Liquids and particles of different sizes and densities are used to simulate product exposure to the elements.
That a device has adequate IPX protection to withstand or function under certain conditions of dust and water does not mean that it can be handled in that environment for a long time, thinking that it cannot be damaged and that this protection is against liquids does not mean that it be to any liquid (soft drinks, sea water...) as for liquids it refers to water.
What are the IPX protection levels?
There is an international standard that is used for the measurement of IPX protection. The standard is called IEC 60529 and classifies the protection levels in numbers from 0 to 8 if it is protection against liquids and from 0 to 6 if it is against dust.
Protection against the penetration of solid foreign bodies, is often known by dust protection, corresponds to the first digit and the scale of the number goes from 0 to 6 as we discussed.
These would be the levels of protection:
IP0X: No protection
IP1X: Protection against solid bodies larger than 50 mm
IP2X: Protection against solid bodies of more than 12 mm in diameter.
IP3X: Protection against solid bodies of more than 2,5 mm in diameter.
IP4X: Protection against solid bodies of more than 1 mm in diameter.
IP5X: Protection against dust.
IP6X: Total protection against dust.
Protection against water penetration, corresponds to the second figure and its scale goes from 0 to 8.
IPX0: No protection
IPX1: Protection against vertically falling water drops
IPX2: Protection against falling drops of water with a maximum inclination of 15º
IPX3: Protection against rain with a fall of up to 60º incline
IPX4: Protection against spraying water
IPX5: Protection against water jets
IPX6: Protection against powerful water jets
IPX7: Protection against the effects of temporary immersion
IPX8: Protection against the effects of submersion (for the time specified by the manufacturer)
Remember to consult the technical sheet or the indications that the manufacturer gives in relation to the certification of each product.
It may be the case that they have IPX7 protection, but that does not mean that it is suitable for IPX5, the manufacturer should indicate the two degrees of protection.
The higher the numbers of the IPX protection, the better resistance it will have to dust and water.
Why is IPX protection important?
Water and dust are enemies of electronic devices and damage caused by these elements can be very difficult and expensive to repair. IPX protection is a way to ensure that your devices are protected against these damages, and depending on their use, you will need them to have the best possible protection to use them.
IPX protection is achieved by adding an extra layer of materials to your device, this helps prevent water and dust from coming into direct contact with the internal components of your device.
Which devices have IPX protection?
Some mobile phones only have an IPX4 protection level, which means that they can resist a little sweat or rain, but they should not be submerged in water and in any case the manufacturer must indicate the type of protection.
Other sports and outdoor devices usually have an IPX7 protection level, which means that they can resist water for a short period of time.
However, if you need full protection against water and dust, you will need a device with an IP68 protection level.
Certain devices require that their degree of protection be the maximum possible, such as a watch for swimming or headphones if you are going to run or a razor to use in the shower, in these cases it is important to verify that they have this type of protection.
Some devices that you can find here with IPX7 protection would be the shaver Groomie BaldiePro or wireless headphones Gear Airbuds Pro or the toothbrush U-Blanc Max and the new shaver Qinux, Qinux Trimmate
With IPX4 protection would be the powerful LED flashlight LumForce, with IP68 protection Qinux Brick Pro and with IPX5 the portable bluetooth speaker Beatfy 360 or superior protections such as headphones Qinux AuriMus noise canceling
Remember to consult the technical sheet or the indications that the manufacturer gives in relation to the certification of each product.