When you purchase a product from our range, often its product information and specifications will list an “IPX” rating.
But what does it even mean?
We will put it as simply as possible.
The IP stands for “Ingress Protection”, and is essentially a globally-utilised system that demonstrates how resistant a product is to certain conditions in its environment.
When evaluating a product, a product begins as IPXX. The “XX” is a placeholder for two separate single digit numbers, which we will soon add in.
The first “X” is how a product tests against elements that are solid, such as dust. The second “X” represents how it stands up against liquid, or how waterproof or water-resistant it is.
Many brands across the world use this system to only demonstrate the extent to which a product is waterproof, so they simply leave the first “X” for solids as an “X” and replace the second with the relevant waterproof rating number. Sometimes there is a hyphen between the first X and the subsequent number.
Are you having flashbacks to high school algebra yet? Don’t worry, finding X is easy - just check out the table below.
While the IP table is often used to show how products stand up against solids and liquids, we’re just talking liquids on this particular blog.
We’ll give you an example to work out.
The EFM Toledo Bluetooth Speaker has an IPX6 rating. You can see this stated on its product page.
Now use the following IPX rating table to determine how waterproof the Toledo is:
That’s right! Based on the global scale above, the Toledo Speaker is water-resistant enough to protect from powerful water jets.
Now, take our bestselling TWS LE earphones and their IPX4 rating. According to the table, they are protected against splashing water - more than enough protection from that gym sweat you’re prone to - but not waterproof.
Bookmark this page and refer to the above guide to IP ratings when next choosing a product that lists such a rating in its specifications. That way you know exactly how waterproof it is, and whether it’s the right product for you!
EFM prides itself on how rigorous our products are tried and tested before they hit shelves across Australia, and that extends to our waterproof and water-resistance product testing.
Many items across our mobile accessories range come with an IPX rating to help educate our customers on whether the products are suitable for the gym, the pool, the beach or any other outdoor activity where they could potentially come into contact with moisture or liquid. Or whether they should just be kept inside, safe and sound.
If a product has an IPX rating, you can find it on its specific product page.
Check out our range of IPX rated products, including our Bluetooth speakers and wired and wireless earphones.