Can you wear your watch while swimming? It all depends on the protection level

Can IP68 mobile phones really be used in any environment?
If it is waterproof, does it also mean it is dustproof?

Can I wear a waterproof watch while swimming?

Understand IP protection level in one article!

In GB/T 4208-2017 "Enclosure Protection Grades (IP Code)", the IP code is used to indicate the protection grade of the enclosure against people approaching dangerous parts and against the ingress of solid foreign objects or water.

To judge the dustproof and waterproof levels, the key is to look at two numbers: the first number for "dustproof" and the second number for "waterproof".

Note: When the degree of protection does not require a specified characteristic number, the letter "X" is used instead. Adding the letters A/B/C/D after IPXX indicates that the level of protection required is higher than the level indicated by the above characteristic numbers; adding the letters H/M/S/W indicates additional supplementary information.

Different numbers correspond to different levels of protection, and Professor V has listed them all for you!

1. Dust prevention standards

As shown in the picture, the first number ranges from 0 to 6. The larger the number, the better the dustproof ability!

IP5X can block dust that affects the normal operation of the equipment, but if you want to be completely dustproof, you must choose the IP6X level.

2. Waterproof standards

The second number ranges from 0 to 9, representing the waterproof level requirements in different scenarios.

Taking mobile phones as an example, let’s see how the protection performance of mobile phones corresponds to the common IP protection levels~

IP53: has certain dust and water resistance, suitable for use in dry environments.

IP64: Completely dustproof + good waterproof performance, can be used on rainy days, but not suitable for showering and other scenes.

IP68: Completely dustproof + very high level of waterproof performance, suitable for outdoor use, and also for divers and surfers operating their phones underwater.

Strong dustproof ability does not mean strong waterproof ability, don’t confuse the two!

3. Common questions about IP protection level

①Why are some devices labeled with multiple IP levels?

Some devices are marked with multiple IP code identifiers, while others are marked with only one. This is because:

⚫Only one dustproof grade is required. A higher grade means that the requirements of all grades below that grade are met at the same time .

For example, a housing marked as IP6X also has IP1X~IP5X dustproof capabilities

⚫Different waterproof levels have different application scenarios and need to be marked separately:

Ø When the number does not exceed 6, it means that the marked waterproof level also meets the requirements of all levels lower than that level, and only the higher level number is marked (for example, if the housing with IPX5 performance also has IPX4 performance, only IPX5 is marked).

Ø IPX7 and IPX8 only indicate water-proof performance, and do not mean performance of IPX6 and below;

Ø IPX9 only means that it has the performance of high temperature/high pressure water spray, and does not mean that it has the performance of IPX8 and below (if it has the performance of water spray + short-term immersion + high temperature/high pressure water spray, it needs to be marked as IPX6/IPX8/IPX9, not just IPX9)

②Which IP protection level is more suitable for the product? The key depends on the category/usage scenario!

⚫ Recommended protection levels for electronic devices in different usage scenarios:

Ø Dry environments such as offices and bedrooms: IP53

Ø Slightly humid environment such as rainy days: IP64

Ø Outdoor environments such as mountaineering and heavy rain: IP67

Ø Outdoor underwater environments such as diving and surfing: IP68

⚫ Recommended protection levels for lamps in different usage scenarios:

➢For ordinary indoor places (daily living space), choose IP20;

➢ For places such as kitchens and toilets (areas not exposed to water), at least IP40 should be selected;

➢ For semi-sheltered spaces such as terraces and outdoor corridors (places with high temperature and high humidity), select IP54 grade;

➢ For open-air, unobstructed spaces such as gardens and courtyards (places with high temperature, high humidity, corrosive gases, etc.), select IP68 grade.

⚫ Recommendations on protection levels for home appliances in different usage scenarios

①Outdoor or water spray environment

At least IPX4 requirements must be met, such as outdoor grills, air conditioners, water heaters, or water heaters and washing machines installed in showers.

②Easy to come into contact with water during use

Must meet different requirements of IPX1~IPX4:

⚪Hand dryers used in bathrooms must be at least IPX1 rated;

⚪ Duct fans that are prone to condensation must be at least IPX2 grade.

⚪ Hair styling appliances, curling rollers , animal vacuum cleaners and water-absorbing cleaning appliances must meet at least IPX4 rating;

③Water spray will occur during use:

For example, the waterproof rating of a boiling washer should be at least IPX3.

A shell with a high IP protection level does not equal a diamond protective cover , so you still need to be careful when using it!

You can refer to the IP protection level when using it, but it cannot absolutely guarantee the protection effect. The actual effect will decrease due to daily wear and tear and usage time. Pay attention to correct use and maintenance~