- The IPX8 certification guarantees protection against prolonged immersion in water, but the exact conditions are defined by each manufacturer.
- Achieving IPX8 requires a design with specific gaskets, seals and materials, plus laboratory testing according to standards such as IEC 60529.
- Salt water and chlorine can corrode components, so the use of IPX8 covers, watertight enclosures and proper maintenance are key.
- Choosing the appropriate IP rating (IPX4, IPX7, IPX8, IP69K, etc.) depends on the environment and the intensity of exposure to water and dust.
Putting your phone in the pool, using a flashlight in the rain, or wearing a smartwatch to the beach These are things many of us do without thinking too much, but they can end in disaster if the device isn't properly protected against water. The famous IPX8 certification sounds like "proof of everything," but the reality is much more nuanced.
For a device to be advertised as IPX8 compatible, there is significant engineering work, case design, and laboratory testing behind it.In addition to many limitations that are rarely mentioned in the advertisement, let's break down what IPX8 really means, how a device is protected to meet that level, and what we can expect in real-world situations like the sea, a pool, rain, or dust.
What exactly is IP and IPX8 certification?
The IP (Ingress Protection) rating is an international standard that indicates the degree of protection against solids and liquids.It is primarily defined by the IEC 60529 standard (and equivalents such as EN 60529 in Europe) and is expressed with two digits: IPXY. The first digit X indicates protection against solid objects (dust, sand, debris) and the second Y indicates protection against water ingress.
When you see a reference like IPX7 or IPX8, that "X" indicates that the equipment has not been tested (or does not declare data) against dust.It is only water-resistant. It may be perfectly sealed against particles, but for the purposes of the technical data sheet, the manufacturer only certifies the level of protection against liquids.
The scale of protection against solids (first digit) ranges from 0 to 6From "no protection" to "totally dustproof". IP1X prevents the entry of objects larger than 50 mm (a hand), IP2X protects against fingers, IP3X against thinner tools, IP4X against small cables, IP5X allows some dust without affecting operation, and IP6X indicates that no dust enters under normal conditions of use.
In the case of liquids (second digit), the typical scale ranges from 0 to 9 or 9KEach number represents a more aggressive water situation: vertical dripping, inclined water, spraying, splashing, jets, powerful jets, temporary immersion, prolonged immersion, and finally, high-pressure, high-temperature (9K) water jets such as those used to clean machinery.
From IPX1 to IPX9K: how water protection is tested
IP water testing is not a simple matter of "I'll put it in a bucket and see what happens."Instead, they follow very strict procedures set by standards such as IEC 60529, ISO 20653 or DIN 40050-9. Each IPX1…IPX9K level has well-defined pressure, flow, time and orientation conditions.
At the lower levels (IPX1 to IPX4) scenarios of light, angled rain or splashing are simulatedIPX1 consists of vertical drops falling for a certain time; IPX2 repeats the dripping with the device tilted; IPX3 adds water spray from different angles and IPX4 involves splashes from any direction.
Starting with IPX5 and IPX6, water jets with different flow rates and pressures are tested.An IPX5 device withstands moderate jets, while IPX6 withstands very strong jets, usually at specified distances and flow rates (for example, tens or hundreds of liters per minute at a few meters).
IPX7 and IPX8 are designed for immersionIPX7 involves submerging the device in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes; if no harmful amount of water has entered upon removal, it passes the test. IPX8 goes a step further: it involves prolonged immersion at a greater depth or for a longer period, but—and this is key—the exact conditions are defined by the manufacturer.
In the ISO 20653 and DIN 40050-9 standards, "K" variants appear, such as IPX4K or IPX6K and the IPX9K level.This describes tests with water jets at very high pressure and temperature (for example, 14-16 liters per minute, at a distance of about 10 cm and around 80 °C). This type of protection is widely used in the automotive and food industries, where cleaning is extremely aggressive.
What exactly do IPX7 and IPX8 mean in everyday use?
An IPX7 device is designed to survive a short accidental immersion, such as falling into the sink or a deep puddle.provided that the standard conditions of the regulation are met: fresh water, static (without strong currents), 1 meter deep and up to 30 minutes.
The IPX8 certification indicates that the equipment can withstand prolonged immersion in more demanding conditions than IPX7.However, each manufacturer defines the "real-world scenario" of their test. For example, some foldable phones with IPX8 are certified for up to 1,5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes; other devices, such as cases or action cameras, may advertise 3, 5, or even 10 meters.
The important thing is that IPX8 does not necessarily guarantee that you can take the device down to a depth of 10 meters or stay underwater for hours.It only ensures that, under the exact test conditions (detailed in specifications or legal notes), the amount of water entering does not compromise performance.
Furthermore, IPX8 does not mention dust, sand, or salt spray.A phone with an IPX8 rating but an "X" in the first digit might be very well sealed against water, but not necessarily against solid particles. In some foldable models, for example, water resistance is very high, but dust resistance isn't advertised to avoid creating false expectations.
Many smartphones, wearables, and other gadgets combine IP6X with IPX7 or IPX8, resulting in IP67 or IP68 type sealing.In those cases there is a formal guarantee that no harmful dust will enter and that they can be submerged under the approved conditions (usually 1 meter/30 minutes for IP67 and greater depth or time for IP68, depending on the manufacturer).
How to design a device to support IPX8
Making a gadget IPX8 rated isn't just a matter of adding a rubber gasket and calling it a day.Behind it is a complete design of the casing, the assembly method, the connector covers, and the internal protection of the electronic components.
The first ingredient is the perimeter gaskets and seals They are placed at the casing seams, around the screen, on the back cover, and at all points susceptible to leakage. Materials such as silicone, rubber, or special elastics that maintain their elasticity are used. There and temperature variations.
IPX8 device housings are typically made of engineering plastics, aluminum, or stainless steel.These materials are selected to offer mechanical strength and, at the same time, good resistance to corrosion and aging. Often, specific coatings (paints, anodizing, varnishes) are added to reinforce this protection.
The connectors, buttons, card slots, and cable inputs are the major weak points.To protect them, watertight covers, rubber membranes, clamps with uniform pressure, and connectors sealed with internal gaskets that prevent water from entering when the cable is connected are used.
Inside, the key electronic components are usually coated with sealants and rubber putties or resins.In some rugged phones, for example, the circuit boards and the most delicate components are protected with waterproof coatings that continue to function even if, in an extreme scenario, a minimal amount of water were to seep into the cavity.
Fresh water, salt water, and chlorinated water: not everything is the same
IP testing (including IPX8) is performed under highly controlled conditions and, as a rule, with clean fresh water.The problem is that real life includes the sea, chlorinated swimming pools, mud, sweat, and many other variables that are not listed in the fine print of the regulation.
Salt water is probably the worst enemy of electronic devices.It contains dissolved sodium chloride, which is highly conductive and extremely corrosive. The galvanic corrosion that occurs when salt water comes into contact with metals can cause rust and irreversible damage in just a few days (or even hours).
Furthermore, even if the device appears dry after a swim in the sea, salt crystals remain embedded in crevices, buttons, speakers, or connectors.That residual salt continues to absorb ambient moisture and progressively fuel corrosion, even if the device continues to function initially.
In theory, a perfectly sealed device that meets its IPX8 rating should not allow salt water to enter the internal circuits.However, many gadgets have necessary openings (charging ports, microphones, speakers) that, although splash-resistant, are not designed to withstand frequent immersion in the sea.
If a device without specific protection for saltwater gets wet in the sea, it is advisable to act quickly.Do not turn it on, disassemble as much as possible (remove the battery in devices that allow it), rinse with fresh water if the immersion has been total and clean the accessible components with isopropyl alcohol to remove salt residue, leaving to dry for 24-48 hours.
The impact of chlorine in swimming pools and how to manage it
Pool water presents another type of aggression: chlorine and other disinfectantsChlorine, which is used in higher concentrations than in tap water to eliminate bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens, is a powerful oxidizing agent. However, under normal temperature conditions, it does not attack metals as aggressively as sea salt.
For chlorine to generate corrosion comparable to that of salt water, temperatures much higher than usual would be needed.on the order of over 100°C, something completely different from a recreational swimming pool. That doesn't mean chlorine is harmless, but the risk is lower if the device is reasonably protected.
For devices with IPX8 ratings, many manufacturers indicate that occasional use in swimming pools is possible.However, it's not usually covered as "recommended use" to avoid warranty issues. Water can still enter through small gaps if used intensively or if there are shocks or sudden pressure changes.
A good practice after using a gadget in a swimming pool is to rinse it with fresh water. (if the manual allows it) and dry it with a soft towel, paying attention to crevices, speakers, and connectors. This removes any chlorine residue and minimizes chemical wear.
If the device heats up in the sun, it's worth remembering that high temperatures also affect batteries and seals.If you notice it's burning hot, it's best to move it to the shade, let it rest, and avoid drying it with direct hot air, as this can deform seals and make it easier for water to enter in the future.
Dust, sand, and IP ratings combined in demanding environments
In many industrial and professional applications, not only is water a concern, but also dust, sand, and other solid particles.For this purpose, there are combinations of IP ratings such as IP54, IP65, IP66, IP67, IP68 or IP69K, which balance protection against solids and liquids.
IP54 is commonly found in general industrial equipment.It protects against harmful amounts of dust and water splashes. IP65 represents a significant leap forward by offering better sealing against dust and water jets, for example for machinery that is hosed down.
IP66 adds resistance against high-pressure water jets, ideal for environments where the equipment is heavily washed, while IP67 combines total protection against dust and the ability to be submerged up to 1 meter for a limited time.
IP68 is reserved for equipment that can be submerged at greater depths or for extended periods.This is very useful for sensors, cameras, and equipment installed in extremely humid environments or even underwater. IP69K, on the other hand, is the "top" rating for cleaning with high-pressure, high-temperature water, typical in the automotive and food industries.
Achieving these combined ratings requires considering many design factors: effective sealing, housing materials, connector type, controlled ventilation, and durable coatingsIt is not enough to pass a laboratory test once: the device must maintain that protection through years of use, shocks and harsh weather.
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