Rating Comparison | IPX4 vs IP55, IPX5, IPX7, IP67, IP44, IP24, IP78

The term IP stands for Ingress Protection rating, which protects you from water and solids. Ratings for IP (Ingress Protection) usually contain four characters. An excellent example of IPXX is IPXXV; the first ‘X’ represents the level of resistance against solids like dust particles, hands, tools, or thick wires. The ‘X’ after IP indicates that the product has not been tested for resistance to dust or solids. A number following IP codes indicates that the product has been tested for resistance to solids. 

The range of these numbers lie between 0 to 7. The surface is protected from the effects of high-pressure water jets and steam cleaning. So here we will discuss the difference and similarities between IPX4 vs IP55  IPX5 IPX7 IP67 IP44 IP24 IP78!

How Does IP Rating Measure Resistance to Water and Solids

By increasing ‘X’s value,’ the product becomes more resistant to solid particles. When X is at its highest value, it can handle larger solid particles. In IP ratings, the last digit represents the resistance to liquids. It ranges from 0 to 8.

An IP number with a higher 4th digit is more water-resistant. The Ip mean that the device is only splashproof if the last value is up to 4 or 5. The product is fully waterproof if the previous value is more than 5. The IP78 rating, for example, indicates that the product is 100% water and solid resistant. In the IP78 rating, solid resistance is represented by 7 and water resistance by 8.

Importance of Understanding IPXX Rating

When buying earphones or any other device, it is important to know the IP code rating. Our earphones are used in various places under different conditions. When it rains, we like to listen to music. Many people enjoy listening to music while swimming.

While the earphones do not have to be submerged in water, they may still be exposed to moisture and dust. Their hands or necks get wet from fog, sweat, or wet hands. Before buying the right earphones for your lifestyle, you should know the IP rating of the product.

IPX4 vs IP55 IPX5 IPX7 IP67 IP44 IP24 IP78

What is an IPX4 Rating

An earphone or other electronic device is rated IPX4 using the standard IP rating. The earphones are splashproof in every direction, thanks to their IPX4 rating. Therefore, earphones with an IPX4 rating can withstand splashes of water completely. However, they cannot be submerged in water. “X” means that the device cannot resist direct contact with water. In contrast, a higher IP rating ensures greater water resistance.

IPX4 vs IP55

IPX4 vs IP55, IPX5, IPX7, IP67, IP44, IP24, IP78 by speakerjournal.com

Its IPX4 rating means that it can withstand water splashes from all directions. On the other hand, the “X” indicates that testing wasn’t done on solid resistance. Although not fully vulnerable to solid, it still indicates that testing wasn’t done. Dust and debris are protected to some degree.

Products with IP55 ratings are dustproof. The earphones are IP55 rated to protect them from harmful dust particles that disrupt their normal function. Despite this rating, the earphones are not entirely immune to dust infiltration. One such earphone has a 6.33mm nozzle and is resistant to solid objects entering from any direction.

IPX4 vs IPX5

IPX4 vs IP55, IPX5, IPX7, IP67, IP44, IP24, IP78 by speakerjournal.com

Products rated IPX4 are only splashproof. Therefore, they can withstand low water pressure for a limited time. However, IPX5 is a better rating. It is a no-promise rating since no solid resistance is tested on this product. Water cannot get inside, but it’s waterproof and protected against low-pressure jets of water. Therefore, they can be used in light rain.

IPX4 vs IPX7

IPX4 vs IP55, IPX5, IPX7, IP67, IP44, IP24, IP78 by speakerjournal.com

IPX4-rated products are not waterproof but water-resistant. A waterproof rating of IPX7 is ideal. Up to 1 meter of water can be submerged in IPX7 rated earphones. Submergence in water can last for up to 30 minutes.

If they accumulate dust, you can wash IPX7 rated devices even though they are not tested for solid resistance. Furthermore, IPX7 rated earphones can withstand heavy rain, showers, and even swimming. IPX4 rated earphones are unsuitable for these activities.

Therefore, IPX7 provides better water resistance than IPX4. The dust protected ability of both is untested, though.

In any case, when it comes to earphones or other devices that should be waterproof and dustproof, IP67 is the best option.

IPX4 vs IP44

An IP indicates an ingress complete protection rating. This indicates solid and dust resistance. IPX4 is marked with an X to indicate that it has not been tested for solid resistance. The product is splashproof in all directions.

Comparatively, IP44 is rated with 4 instead of X. By this definition, and the IP44 product is solid-resistant as well as splash-resistant from all directions. A solid particle larger than 1mm will not affect the product.

Accordingly, IP44 is better than IPX4 when it comes to solid resistance. Both are equal when it comes to water resistance.

IPX4 vs IP24

IPX4 and IP24 have the same last value. Both IPX4 and IP24 are splash-proof in all directions. You cannot submerge them in water. They withstand water spray instead. A product with an IP24 rating is resistant to touching objects larger than 12mm.

Therefore, IPX4 is better than IP24 if you want splash-resistant and dust-resistant products.

IPX4 vs IP78

There is no test duration for IPX4. Despite this, it is splash-proof from every angle. IPX4 is still better than IP78. Both waterproof and dustproof. The last digit represents waterproofness. A value of 8 indicates a product that is 100% waterproof.

In other words, a product rated IP78 can be submerged in water for 30 minutes up to 1.5 meters deep. It is also fully dust ingress and solid object resistant. Accordingly, IPX4’s highest rating is IP78. IP78 is substantially better than IPX4.

Also Read: How To Get Water Out Of Phone Speaker  

Conclusion

We tried our best to provide the comprehensive information in this article. Moreover, we have summarized each popular IP rating by comparing it to the standard IPX4 rating. With this information, you can now able to  understand what IP value earphones you should purchase. Your goal, circumstances, and budget will determine which option is best for you. In any case, make sure that the earphones are IPX4-rated and it is important to ensure that your earphones are resistant to moisture. Using this guide when choosing other electronics will be  helpful as well.