Practical Guide: Everything You Need to Know About the IP Rating

You’ve probably come across devices with the label “IP67” or “IP68”. But what does the IP (Ingress Protection) rating actually mean? In simple terms, it’s an international standard that measures a device’s resistance to external elements (solids and liquids).

 

Breaking Down the Digits: Understanding Each Element of the IP Code

IP INGRESS
PROTECTION
6 PROTECTION
FROM SOLIDS
7 PROTECTION
FROM LIQUIDS

The IP rating always includes two digits:

Onedirect Digit 1: Ranges from 0 to 6, it measures protection against solid objects. In short, a device rated 6 is completely dust-tight.
Onedirect Digit 2: Ranges from 0 to 9, it measures resistance to liquids. For example, a rating of 7 means a device can be submerged in water, to a certain depth and for a limited time.
IMPORTANT
So, in short: the higher the numbers, the better the protection. A product rated IP68 is fully dustproof and can be submerged in water.

IP Rating: Why is it essential for your equipment?

The IP rating helps you determine whether a device is sufficiently protected for your usage environment. In a professional setting, knowing this rating is crucial to avoid failures due to exposure to liquids or dust. By choosing a suitable device, you increase its longevity while optimising its performance.
 

What level of protection do you need?

If you're looking to protect your device from everyday mishaps (domestic use), a rating of IP44 is sufficient. However, in professional settings or for adventurers, IP67-68 protection is a must! Not sure what you need? Take a look at the image below to find the exact level of protection you require:
IP Rating
Pro tip: Bookmark this page so you always have the info at your fingertips.
 
 

Comparison: IP Rating vs Other Certifications

Did you know? The IP rating isn't the only one that proves a product's durability! In more extreme environments or explosive settings, two other standards are key:

OnedirectMIL-STD Certification: Used in military environments, it confirms a device's resistance to extreme temperatures, humidity, dust, and shocks.
OnedirectATEX Compliance: This can be Zone 1/21 (DZ1) or Zone 2/22 (DZ2), but the principle is the same: it certifies that a product is protected against explosions and chemicals.
 
 

IP Certified Products: Our Flagship Models

Walkie

WALKIE-TALKIES

Construction sites, industrial zones, etc.: in tough environments, it's crucial to choose a high IP-rated model for safe and effective communication!

Motorola Talkabout T82 Extreme Quad Pack (EU Version)
4.6 of 241 Reviews
IN STOCK
£180.00 £114.99 £137.99 Incl. VAT
Ref: MOT82EXQUAD
Cleyver Talk 54
4 of 10 Reviews
IN STOCK
£54.45 £44.99 £53.99 Incl. VAT
Ref: ODTALK54
Motorola T92 Radio Twin Pack
4.7 of 120 Reviews
IN STOCK
£128.33 £79.99 £95.99 Incl. VAT
Ref: MOT92
Dynascan EU-85
IN STOCK
£93.99 £85.99 £103.19 Incl. VAT
Ref: DYNEU85
Midland G18 Pro
4.7 of 9 Reviews
IN STOCK
£156.99 £128.99 £154.79 Incl. VAT
Ref: MIG18PRO
Kenwood TK-3701DE Walkie Talkie
4.6 of 22 Reviews
Out of stock
£224.99 £162.99 £195.59 Incl. VAT
Ref: KWTK3701DE
Cordless Phone

CORDLESS PHONES

Whether in a professional setting or at home, a rugged cordless phone ensures a reliable connection even in dusty or damp environments.

Alcatel-Lucent - 8254 DECT
IN STOCK
£278.99 £179.99 £215.99 Incl. VAT
Ref: ALM8254
Gigaset R700H PRO
4.8 of 9 Reviews
IN STOCK
£119.99 £143.99 Incl. VAT
Ref: SIR700HPRO
SNOM M70
5 of 1 Reviews
IN STOCK
£157.29 £126.99 £152.39 Incl. VAT
Ref: SMM70
Alcatel-Lucent Dect 8262
4.3 of 3 Reviews
IN STOCK
£558.99 £367.99 £441.59 Incl. VAT
Ref: ALM8262
Smartphones

SMARTPHONES

With a high IP rating, smartphones offer a combination of performance and durability. They're ideal for professionals and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Crosscall Core-M5 -64 GB
IN STOCK
£269.99 £323.99 Incl. VAT
Ref: CROSSCOREM564
Cleyver XTREM 5G
IN STOCK
£275.99 £331.19 Incl. VAT
Ref: ODXTREM5G
Samsung Galaxy X-Cover 7
5 of 1 Reviews
IN STOCK
£327.99 £290.95 £349.14 Incl. VAT
Ref: SAMGALX7
I.Safe IS530.1
Out of stock
Ref: ISAFEIS5301
ECOM SMART EX 02 DZ2
Out of stock
Ref: ECOMSMARTEX02DZ2
Headset

HEADSETS / EARPHONES

For outdoor professional tasks or intense workout sessions, rugged headsets resist daily wear and tear while offering optimal sound quality.

3M Peltor WS Litecom Plus - Headset
5 of 1 Reviews
Out of stock
£1,453.99 £999.99 £1,199.99 Incl. VAT
Ref: PELLITEPLUSWSH
BlueParrott B550XT HDST Bluetooth
Out of stock
£199.99 £139.99 £167.99 Incl. VAT
Ref: VXIB550XT
Jabra Perform 45
IN STOCK
£113.00 £82.99 £99.59 Incl. VAT
Ref: GNPERFORM45
3M Peltor CH3 FLX2 with microphone and PTT Headband
5 of 2 Reviews
IN STOCK
£316.99 £196.99 £236.39 Incl. VAT
Ref: PELCH3

TABLETS

When you're working on-site or outdoors, a rugged tablet is essential to stay connected to your tasks in real time.

Thunderbook Colossus W103 - 8/128GB
IN STOCK
£1,283.99 £1,540.79 Incl. VAT
Ref: THUNCW103P
Crosscall Core T5
IN STOCK
£549.99 £503.99 £604.79 Incl. VAT
Ref: CROSSCORET5
Cleyver XTREM - Rugged tablet
3.3 of 3 Reviews
IN STOCK
£361.99 £434.39 Incl. VAT
Ref: ODXTREMTAB
Ref: ECOMTABEX03Z24G
I.Safe IS930.1
Out of stock
Ref: ISAFEIS9301
 
 

OnedirectIn Summary...

OnedirectIP Rating: Indicates the resistance level against solid objects (1st digit) and liquids (2nd digit).
OnedirectMIL-STD Standard: Follows military standards and assesses a device's protection against shocks, humidity, dust, and extreme temperatures.
OnedirectATEX Certification: Certifies that a device is protected against explosions and chemical substances.