If you’re shopping for a new electronic device, especially a smartphone or tablet, then you’ll likely have come across an IP rating in its specs.
Developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), an IP rating represents how well a device can withstand dust and water ingress. With this in mind, how effective is an IP69-rated device?
We explain everything you need to know about IP69 below, including what it means, how durable it is and how it differs from other IP ratings.
What does IP69 mean?
IP69 is among the highest possible ratings given by the IEC, and means the rated-device is dust-tight and protected against high pressure and high temperature water jets.
We’ll break down the IP69 rating. The first number reflects how dust-resistant the device is, with “6” being the highest possible rating and simply means it’s dust-tight. The second number explains how water-resistant the gadget in question is, with nine being the highest number in the scale.
The IEC explains that “9” means water projected at high pressure and high temperature against the enclosure from any direction shall not have harmful effects.
Can I swim with IP69?
This is where things get a bit confusing. Although an IP69 rating is the highest numerical rating from the IEC, it’s not suitable for certain situations like swimming or any other immersion in water. Instead, an IP69-rated device is designed to withstand high pressure water jets with high temperatures too.
That’s why you’re less likely to find devices like smartphones or headphones with an IP69 rating, as they’ll normally sport an IP68 rating instead. IP69 ratings are normally reserved for appliances that require intense cleaning such as medical equipment and food processing.
We’ll dive more into the differences below, but an IP68 rating is better suited for portable devices like phones. While it has the same dust-protection rating as IP69, its water-resistance rating is described as “protected against continuous immersion in water”.
Which IP rating is best for swimming?
The best IP rating for swimming is likely to be IP68, as it is protected against continuous immersion in water. However, keep in mind that some manufacturers offer different conditions with their devices’ water-resistance rating, so make sure you check the guidelines before assuming it’ll be safe.
For example, some manufacturers like Samsung and Apple specify that their flagship phones are protected in fresh water and not salt water.
For a more in-depth look at the differences, make sure you visit our IP68 vs IP69 guide.
Are any phones IP69?
Even with the above in mind, there are still a few Android smartphones on the market that have an IP69 rating including:
However, it’s worth noting that many of these handsets are also fitted with an IP68 rating too, which makes more sense for smartphones.
Is IP69 worth it?
Following on from the above, you may be questioning whether an IP69 device is actually worth it and the reality is that this depends on what the device actually is.
Arguably, a smartphone or smartwatch is better suited to an IP68 rating as the likelihood of being in a situation where a water jet is shooting at your device is arguably lower compared to the instance of accidentally dropping your gadget in a bath or pool.
With this in mind, we’d argue that if you’re shopping for a smartphone, smartwatch or other everyday gadget then an IP68 rating is better suited than IP69.
IP69 vs IP69K
To slightly confuse things, you’ll also find certain devices sporting an IP69K rating. While IP69 and IP69K sport the same dust and water protection, the latter offers an extra layer of protection for certain devices and equipment.
Essentially, the ‘K’ means that the device in question can withstand hot and high pressure water jets and steam cleaning, for a more hygienic clean.
Unlike IP69, an IP69K rating won’t necessarily be found on everyday devices like smartphones or smartwatches and will instead be found in industrial environments where equipment needs to withstand high water pressure and temperature cleans to keep sanitary.
Therefore an IP69K rating ensures industries such as restaurants and care facilities can choose equipment that’s durable enough to be cleaned hygienically without causing damage.
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