IPX Rating. What it means?

Ever wondered how a smartphone, completely submerged in water to the point of destruction, remains in working condition? Good question. Water resistance, waterproof, and dust protected are just a few terms marketing gurus throw at consumers to give their products more rugged appeal. One area where it’s becoming more common is in the audio space, primarily with headphones. But what does that all really mean? Just how much water can your earbuds or over-ears sustain? The answer is in its IP rating.

The IP rating determines how resistant something is to environmental elements. Most IP numbers read IPXX: each “X” being a placeholder for a number. The first number represents the level of resistance to dust/particles and the second representing its ability to withstand liquid. To get a better idea how the IP rating system works, here’s a quick breakdown.

• IPX0 – No protection
• IPX1 – Protects from dripping water
• IPX2 – Protects from vertically dripping water
• IPX3 – Protects from sprays up to 60°

• IPX4 – Protects from splashing water, no matter the direction
• IPX5 – Protects from water jets at any direction
• IPX6 – Protects from powerful water jets
• IPX7 – Protects in water up to 3 feet (1 meter)
• IPX8 – Protects when immersed in water over 3 feet