What is IPX7? Everything You Need to Know About This Waterproof Rating

Have you ever accidentally dropped your smartphone into a sink or swimming pool? If so, you likely worried about whether the device would be damaged. To address these concerns, manufacturers have introduced the IPX waterproof standard. But what does IPX7 mean, and does it fully protect your device from all water-related damage? Let’s explore this in the following article.

What does IP stand for?

IP stands for International Protection or Ingress Protection. It describes the level of protection your device has against the ingress of harmful solids or liquids.

The IP rating system includes two scales: one for dust resistance and one for water resistance. This is represented by the two letters/numbers following "IP." The first digit or letter indicates the level of dust protection, while the second digit or letter represents the level of liquid ingress protection.

Sometimes, you may see a third letter, such as H, M, S, F, or W, but these ratings are not commonly seen in everyday life. For example, H means your device has been tested under high voltage conditions, M indicates that the device has passed some form of “moving water” test, W shows that the device has been tested in various weather conditions, and F stands for oil resistance.

Is the IP rating really necessary?

Nowadays, the IP rating should be one of the basic requirements when purchasing a new electronic device. However, many people are still not fully aware of its importance. In reality, electronic devices like smartwatches, smartphones, portable Bluetooth speakers, and wireless headphones, which are often used outdoors, are quite susceptible to damage. They are at risk of coming into contact with liquids at any time. Therefore, the IP rating is a feature that helps protect your device from unexpected accidents.

What does the IPX7 rating mean?

Whenever you see an "X" in an IP rating, it indicates that no information is provided about that particular type of protection. In this case, IPX means the device has no specified level of dust resistance. However, the more important part to explain is the number 7. In this context, IPX7 means your device is waterproof and can survive complete immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes.

When reading various articles, you may come across different terms like water-resistant, water-repellent, or waterproof. For IPX7, it indicates that your device is waterproof, meaning it ensures all internal components are protected against water ingress.

All headphones, portable speakers, phones, or watches with an IPX7 rating have been tested under specific conditions to ensure they function normally after prolonged water exposure. Scientists immerse the test devices in water and leave them there for a set period to determine the maximum protection level of that rating.

Devices that survive this test are given an IPX7 rating, meaning you can safely use them near a pool or beach, and even in the rain. However, you should also note that it’s not advisable to overuse this feature, as most manufacturers do not cover water damage under warranty.