Water Proof, Water Resistant, and IPX – What Does It All Mean?

A lot of the bluetooth stuff we make is water resistant, obviously you are stoked on that. This means that if you are playing in the snow, the sprinklers, the bath-house, in the middle of a super soaker fight, or all male wet t-shirt contest with something from us, its gonna be fine. But hold on kiddies, water resistant is different than water proof. There are different “levels” of water resistance that are standard. This standard is referred to as IPX.

And now, a picture that represents flowing liquid. I sure am getting thirsty…

If something has a water only rating (whether 4, 5, or 6) you write it as IPX5. The X acts as a placeholder since there is not a particle (or dust rating)

If something has a dust rating of 6 (dustproof) and a water rating of 5, you write it as IP65

In the rare instance that the dust and water rating are the same (let’s say 6), you write it as IP6 This isn’t used nearly as often as the other two models.

Here is a breakdown of the IP standard as it relates to water proof and water resistant:

IPX0 – This means it’s not water resistant at all. Think of what happens to paper when it gets wet. It’s a mess and your novella is ruined.

IPX1 – This will protect a device from some water drops that are falling vertically on said device. I guess it’s possible for this situation to actually occur but so is winning the lottery. If you or someone you know has won the lottery, sharing is caring.

IPX2 –  This will protect your thingy from some water drops when the device is tilted up to and including 15°. If you have your device at 16°, you are fucked, sorry but there are limits in the world.

IPX3 – Getting better, you can now spray your gear up to 60° from the top of the device. So that’s cool, i guess.

IPX4 – Now we are getting somewhere. This will keep “yo ish chill” fromsplashing water from any direction. So if you drop some cubes of ice into you scotch and it splashes, there is no need to worry.

IPX5 – (this is where the super soaker is allowed). Will protect your stuff fromwater jets at any direction. Spray away kiddo, spray away.

IPX6 – Protects from powerful water jets. So if you modified your super soaker with an air compressor and an aftermarket tip, your stuff is still safe.

IPX7 – This is for full water splashdown. If you drop your device in water up to 3 feet your device is still going to work.

IPX8 – You can protect your device in water over 3 feet. This is for your stuff at the bottom of a pool, lake, or even Shamu’s tank. Good luck getting your stuff back from Shamu though. I mean, that guy never gives back the stuff you let him borrow.