Feature of the month: IP Rating

Many GPS equipment come with an IP rating especially those that are supposed to be "rugged". However, not many people know what the IP ratings mean and how to define the digits in these ratings.

The IP (International Protection) code refers to an international standard for electronics housings or enclosures.

There are typically two numbers associated with an IP standard; the first refers to the level of protection against access to hazardous or sensitive parts. The highest number, six, indicates a piece of equipment is sealed against the entry of dust, and ostensibly anything larger (grit, dirt, clumsy fingers, etc.). The second digit refers to protection against water; eight, the highest possible value, means the device can be continually immersed in water deeper than one meter.

First Digit: the first number indicates the level of protection that an enclosure provides against intrusion of foreign objects.

Second Digit: the second number indicates the level of protection against water.

First Digit Object size protected against 1 >50mm 2 >12.5mm 3 >2.5mm 4 >1mm 5 dust protected 6 dust tight

Second Digit Protected against 1 dripping water 2 dripping water when tilted up to 15° 3 spraying water 4 splashing water 5 water jets 6 powerful water jets 7 immersion up to 1 m 8 immersion beyond 1 m