IP Ratings Explained: How Waterproof is Your Walkie Talkie?
IP Ratings: What Those Numbers Actually Mean
You see IP67, IPX5, IP68 on radio specs. But what do they mean for real-world use? Here is the complete breakdown for two-way radio buyers.
The Two Digit System
| Digit |
What It Means |
| First digit (0-6) |
Dust protection — higher is better |
| Second digit (0-9) |
Water protection — higher is better |
Dust Protection (First Digit)
-
IP0X-IP4X: Minimal dust protection — keep it clean and dry
-
IP5X: Dust protected — limited ingress, no harm to operation
-
IP6X: Dust tight — completely sealed against dust
Water Protection (Second Digit)
-
IPX4: Splash resistant — light rain OK
-
IPX5: Water jets — heavy rain, spray
-
IPX6: Powerful water jets — deck wash down
-
IPX7: Immersion up to 1m for 30 minutes — dropped in a puddle
-
IPX8: Continuous immersion beyond 1m — full submersion
What Rating Do You Need?
| Use Case |
Minimum Rating |
| Indoor / office |
IPX0 — any radio works |
| Light outdoor |
IPX4 — splash resistant |
| Construction site |
IPX5 — dust + water jets |
| Marine / boating |
IPX7 — full immersion |
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