What is IP54? The dust and water resistance rating explained

If you’ve been looking for a new pair of earbuds, speaker or even smartphone, then you’ll likely have come across the term “IP54 rating”.

But what does IP54 actually represent, and why is it important to understand the rating system when buying tech? We answer those questions and more right here to provide a better understanding of IP54-rated devices and what you can do with them without incurring damage. 

What is an IP rating?

Before we dive into the specifics of IP54, we’ll begin by explaining what an IP rating actually is. 

Short for Ingress Protection, the IP rating system was developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and explains how well a device can withstand potentially harmful foreign bodies like dust and water.

Devices with an IP rating are marked with two numbers: the first representing how well the product is protected from solid intrusions, such as dust, while the second tells us how well the gadget can withstand liquids like water. 

The first number will range from zero to six, while the second ranges from zero to nine. With both, the higher the number means the better protected the electronic is. 

What does an IP54 rating mean?

An IP54 rating shows that a device is protected from limited amounts of dust and splashes water from all directions.

This means that although the device is somewhat durable, it is not dust-tight and it shouldn’t be exposed to temporary or continuous immersion in water or water jets either. 

What is the difference between IP65 and 54?

An IP65 rating is higher and therefore more resistant to ingress than an IP54 rating – it essentially means the device is better protected from both dust and water. 

To break this down, while IP54 is protected from limited amounts of dust, IP65 is completely dust-tight. Plus, an IP65-rated device is projected against water jets, with the IEC explaining that “water projected in jets against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.”

Although an IP65 rating is higher than IP54, keep in mind that it still isn’t waterproof and shouldn’t be temporarily or continuously immersed in water. 

Is IP54 suitable for outdoor use?

As the IEC explains, “water splashed against the enclosure from any direction will have no harmful effects” with IP54. That means a device sporting the rating should be suitable for outdoor use, even in the rain. 

Having said that, any heavier water exposure may lead to damage, so you should avoid leaving it outside for prolonged periods or in unpredictable weather conditions.

Can you swim with IP54?

It is not recommended to swim with an IP54-rated device as, although it will survive the odd splash, anything more can cause significant damage to your electronics. 

You can, however, use an IP54-rated device while exercising as it will be able to withstand sweat and drops of water. 

What devices have an IP54 rating?

IP54 isn’t a common IP rating for smartphones, with many flagship handsets from companies like Apple, Samsung and Google carrying higher water resistance ratings of IP68.

You’re more likely to see earbuds and speakers sporting an IP54 rating, such as the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4, Nothing Ear (Open) and Bowers and Wilkins Pi8.

What IP rating is fully waterproof?

The best IP rating a device can sport is IP69 which means the device is not only dust-tight but, according to the IEC, is protected against high pressure and hot water jets.

Having said that, it’s worth noting that the IEC doesn’t explicitly state this as “waterproof” or “water-tight” so you should still exercise caution when using your device in water.

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