Who doesn’t love products that last longer and offer their best performance even after some unfortunate water splashes on them?
Buying any device or item that is waterproof or at least water-resistant will protect them against ingress of liquids like from water splashes, sweat, or any moisture. Ingress protection (or International Protection) IPX rating is the best way to check the resistance of a certain product from water or any other liquids.
In our previous article, we explained the IP/IPX rating, and now we will discuss the meaning and significance of the IPX5 rating in detail. But before getting into its topic, here is a small explanation of the IP/IPX rating for a better understanding of this IPX5 rating.
What Does IP/IPX Rating Mean?
Ingress Protection (IP) rating is a standard code set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), used to determine the resistance of a particular device from external elements like solid dust and liquid/ water.
For instance, a device like BT speaker, smartwatch, smartphone, or headphones offering an IP65 rating means 6 represents solid protection, and 5 represents its water protection. In case, if the solid protection number is unknown, then it is replaced with an X, which means the IPX rating represents only water protection, ranging from 0 – 8.
Why is it essential to know? Well, it became one of the deciding factors for most users while shopping for any smart product/device. As it provides some assurance in the working of the device and makes it last longer than other smart devices that won’t have this key feature.
Want to know what each IPX rating means? We suggest you check out our IP/IPX Rating article for a clear explanation of what they mean, how much water the device can resist, in what situation, and how to select the product based on this IPX rating.
Now, let’s get into the details of the IPX5 rating
What Is Meant By The IPX5 Rating?
IPX5 rating offers protection against water projected from a spray nozzle (or jet of low-pressure water stream) at any angle for up to 10 – 15 minutes from a distance of 3 meters at 30 kilopascals pressure. Generally, it is considered water-resistant, sweatproof, rainproof, or splashproof but not as fully waterproof.
So, it is advisable to wash the IPX5-rated devices under tap water, or take them under a shower, or can survive even on heavy rainy days. But it doesn’t endure the device while swimming underwater submersion. However, a special coating called hydrophobic nano-coatings is used on some devices to repel water (coated internals or top of the housing) and slides off as water droplets preventing water damage.
Why Do We Need To Buy a Device With This IPX5 Water-Resistant Rating?
Commonly, smart devices like phones, earbuds, speakers, headphones, or watches might get into contact with sweat (due to running or workouts), water (water splashes or drizzling), or any other liquid. So, we need to purchase the device with IPX5 to protect them from this water ingress, especially while using the device around the pool or beach.
IPX5-certified devices perform effectively without getting any damage, even after spilling some water, or are good for shower use (but not functional in the pool/submerged in water). Mostly, the difference between the water pressure of the shower or IPX5 water jet is similar, and yet the difference is that the water temperature of the shower and tested device is a bit different. Thus, the hot water turns into vapor to enter the device and turns into water that damage the internal parts. Thus, the device with IPX5 water resistance and moisture resistance will offer some sort of protection.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to check the valid IPX5 rating on the product?
As a buyer and user, one has to check the IPX rating carefully before purchasing any product or device. The standard way to represent IPX/IP rating is not having any space or hyphen between IPX or its representing number. For instance, the IPX rating should be IPX5 but not IPX-5 or IPX 5.
2. Shall we use IPX5 rated device in rain?
Yes, we can. The IPX5-certified devices are the perfect option that can easily handle light to moderate rain. Since it is not at all fully waterproof, these IPX5-rated devices are not to be used in heavy rain/water submersion.
3. Is it okay to shower with IPX5-rated devices?
Yes, it is. Even there is a bit difference in the water pressure and water temperature between the IPX5-rated devices (tested with cold water) and shower (if uses hot water). Yet you have to be careful while using the devices like headphones or speakers in the shower, as it shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes.
4. Can you use IPX5 earbuds during workouts or running?
Whether you are running or doing workouts, you can use these IPX5-certified earbuds without any hesitation, why because they are designed to resist sweat or water, or any moisture and work effectively.
5. What items/devices do we need to check the IPX5 rating?
Mostly, we check the IPX5 rating while selecting the products like speakers/Bluetooth speakers, wireless Bluetooth earbuds, smartwatches, fitness trackers/Fitbit, smartphones, smartphone cases, HD cameras, or power banks to protect them from water splashes or any other liquid.
Conclusion
Purchasing any sport or smart device having an IPX5-certified is the preferred option, as they protect them from water splashes or sweat. So, this rating will enhance its durability and longevity. Just remember that it is water-resistant yet not completely waterproof.
Do you have any queries about these IPX5-rated devices? Or would you like to share your experience with us? Then don’t hesitate to write it down in the comments section. We are happy to hear from you.
