1. First Things First
Before we get into the different ratings for waterproof devices and what they mean for your electronics, there’s a system we need to explain: The IP Code.
The IP Code is an international standard that measures how safe a product is from water and other particles. You will usually see IP ratings as IPXX, where the X’s are numbers. The first number is how well the device is protected from solid particles and the second number is how waterproof something is. You’ll see this number thrown around a lot with different devices, so it’s helpful to know what they are talking about.
2. Water Resistant?
A term you might see thrown around a lot is water resistant. But what does that actually mean? If something is water resistant, can you throw it in a pool?
We wouldn’t.
Water resistance is simply what it sounds like: The device can resist water a bit. Not all the way. Keep it dry if you want to keep it working.
3. The Proof is in the Pudding
Waterproof, on the other hand, means that something is protected against water … but how protected is it? That’s where the numbers come in. For example, if something has an IPX1 rating, it is only protected against water drops. So, not a lot of protection.
On the opposite end of the scale, something rated IPX9K is safe against high pressure -- like steam cleaning, high pressure spray downs. It’s the highest rating a device can get.
4. So, What Does That Mean?
What does that mean for your cell phone, then? The iPhone X and Xr are rated IP67, while the Samsung Galaxy S10, iPhone XS are rated IP68.
IPX7 on the scale means the device is protected against “temporary submersion,” at a meter depth and for a half an hour. IPX8, therefore, means it is safer for even longer periods of immersion.
Before you go throwing your electronic devices in the pool, it’s best to know if they will actually survive the dunk. We hope that this blog has given you enough info to know which devices it’s ok to take to the beach, and which are best left at home. Of course, if one of your larger electronics breaks, that’s what we’re here for! Give us a call and we’d be glad to help you get situated with new electronics, just in time for summer!