IP Ratings Guide: Waterproof; Dustproof Protection Made Easy

In a world where your equipment is subjected to rain, dust, and surprise spills, IP ratings are your greatest ally. It's international standards that inform you precisely how much equipment can withstand water and solid material, from the slightest splash to a dust storm in the desert. 

In this guide, we also break down what the IP ratings are, how to interpret them, and what gear, such as the BLUETTI Elite 200 V2, is designed to withstand them.

What Is an IP Rating?

An IP rating — Ingress Protection rating — is an international grading that sets the extent to which a product will withstand solid particles (such as dust) and liquid (such as water). It was created by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) under standard IEC 60529, and it's the best method of testing the seal quality of a gadget against the elements.

The Format: IPXY

The rating is expressed as IP and two numbers:

• X (first figure): Solid protection, e.g., tools, fingers, dust, or dirt

Rated 0 (no protection) to 6 (dust-tight)

• Y (second figure): Liquid protection, e.g., drips, splashes, or immersion

Rated 0 (no protection) to 9K (protection against high-temperature, high-pressure water jets)

A product with the rating IP65 is dust-tight (6) and protected against low-pressure water jets (5), and can be employed outdoors or in the workshop.

Why IP Ratings Matter

Contrary to vague labels like "water-resistant" or "dustproof," IP ratings are precise and tested. They allow consumers to compare products and choose the correct level of protection for specific environments and uses.

IP ratings are often found on:

• Smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches

• Portable power generators and solar chargers

• Outdoor garden lights and tools

• Industrial electrical boxes and enclosures

• Marine electronics and auto parts

Cracking the IP Rating Code

Your IP rating is only as good as your awareness of it. The two numbers following "IP" each provide a different fact — one regarding dust, one regarding water. These are not arbitrary numbers; they're the result of rigorous testing and global regulation. No matter if you are buying a rugged phone, streetlights or a power station, understanding the code behind these numbers will enable you to pick equipment that will not let you down in contact with the weather. Let us begin with the first number — solid protection.

Solid Protection: First Digit (0–6)

The first digit of an IP rating says something about the shielding of a product against solid particles, like dust, dirt, incidental touching, and debris. It becomes relevant for products used on building construction sites, deserts, workshops, or in areas with suspended particles. The higher, the better here — not only for the external casing but also for the delicate internal components.

This is what each digit represents:

Water Protection: Second Digit (0–9K)

The second digit in an IP rating signifies the amount of water resistance a device can offer, from exposure to light moisture to intense, high-pressure sprays or immersion. It is particularly important for electronics used outdoors, batteries, lighting, boating equipment, and any device used in wet or unstable environments.

Whereas imprecise marketing terms like "water-resistant" or "splashproof" mark the difference, this number is tested to the last detail by scientists to the extent to which a product can tolerate various forms of exposure to water, from rain and vertical drips to immersion or even industrial cleaning.

It's worth mentioning, too, that a higher rating for water protection doesn't necessarily equal "better" — but that the unit is appropriate for some level of exposure, including:

• Repetitive exposure outdoors in rain showers

• Light splashing with washing or cleaning

• Immersing in swimming pools or shallow water

• Use in pressure washing or high-heat steam applications

Selecting the appropriate level ensures the internal parts stay safe and operational even when nature or your workspace becomes dirty. Let's examine what every number actually signifies:

Common IP Ratings Decoded

It's easy to know the numbers — harder to know how they perform in the real world. Okay, technical definitions are useful, but what most people want to know is how an IP rating performs under real-world conditions: rainstorms, dirty building sites, weekend camping trips, or a coffee spill on your workbench.

IP ratings are found on a wide range of products — smartphones and smartwatches, right through to industrial enclosures and portable power supplies. Yet they do not all offer the same level of protection, and not every situation requires the highest level either.

To help you out in your practical decision, here's an explanation of common IP ratings and how well they hold up in real-world situations:

What "Waterproof" Actually Means

The term "waterproof" gets tossed around a lot, especially in ads, but it's not a technical description, and it's not a standardized term. That is, one product's "waterproof" will survive a light rain shower, while another will survive immersion in a pond. That's why IP ratings are important: they give you a specific, measurable way to understand how much protection from water a product really gives.

Here's what the standard IP tags actually imply:

IP65 – Resists low-pressure water jets from any direction.

Splash-proof, great for rain or hose spray

Not for underwater submersion

IP67/IP68 – Resists fleeting (IP67) or extended (IP68) water immersion.

Great for accidental drops in puddles, shallow creeks, or use in wet environments.

But not designed to resist high water pressure or hot water.

IP69K – Offers the highest protection on the IP scale.

Engineered to withstand high-pressure, high-temperature water jets, typically used in industrial cleaning, food handling, or car wash installations.

Much more than required for leisure use, but required in commercial applications.

Why You Should Look Beyond the "Waterproof" Label:

From a shower caddy to a phone case, waterproof is the claim, but only if you understand the specifications:

• How deeply can it immerse?

• How long can it be submerged?

• What kind of water (chlorinated, salt, fresh)?

• At what pressure?

For example, a waterproof fitness watch might survive a shower or gym session, but not the ocean, where corrosion from saltwater becomes a problem. Likewise, a "waterproof" power station might function in the rain outdoors but break if dropped into water unintentionally. 

Pro Tip

Always look for the IP rating, not just vague marketing claims. If you’re planning to use a product in wet, dirty, or rugged environments, check that the IP rating suits your real-world use, especially if water exposure is frequent or unavoidable.

When in doubt, IP67 or higher is a solid benchmark for reliable waterproofing in consumer gear.

Choosing the Right IP Rating for Your Needs

Not all environments need the same level of protection. Choosing the correct IP rating is all about where, how, and under what conditions you will be using your device. An IP68 phone would be ideal for an umbrella-armed hike, but overkill for work at the desk. On the other hand, a minimally protected device will likely die relatively quickly in a workshop with sawdust or on a camping trip.

When selecting a product, watch for these most critical considerations:

• Frequency of exposure – Will it be subject to water or dust from time to time or every day?

• Type of activity – Is it for heavy-duty outdoor work, travel, or just for indoor use?

• Portability – Will equipment be moved regularly or remain immobile?

• Maintenance access – Some environments allow for easy cleaning or repair, others don't.

• Safety threats – In mission-critical or high-voltage equipment, increased protection isn't just a good idea, it's a necessity. 

IP ratings help you choose a device that not only can withstand the environment but also function reliably within it. Below is a quick-use guide to help you identify which IP levels are suitable for different situations:

BLUETTI IP65-rated Portable Power Station You May Interested

If you're off the grid, like on a boat, camper, or at a distant work location, you need a solution for that purpose. The BLUETTI AC240 stands out in this regard. IP65-rated, it's well equipped to deal with the unpredictable conditions of the outdoors, from blowing dust to splashing water and unexpected showers.

Built for the Outdoors

BLUETTI AC240 Portable Power Station
① IP65 Rated for Water & Dust Protection, ②2,400W Outpu t/ 3,600W Power Lifting Mode ③1,536Wh Capacity ④1,200W Max. Solar Input

Learn More

With a 1,536Wh battery and 2,400W output (with 3,600W surge power), it can power heavy appliances, ranging from cooking tools to equipment. Whether you are charging from solar panels, a car, standard outlets, or even a lead-acid battery, AC240 has you covered anywhere.

What Does The AC240 Power Outside?

Whether camping, working outside, or powering a beach deployment, the BLUETTI AC240 gives you the freedom to use essential equipment anywhere you travel. With its 1,536Wh capacity and 2,400W output, it can drive a vast range of outdoor devices, from essentials to power-draining units.

Here is a summary of what the AC240 is able to power and for how long:

FAQs About IP Ratings

Is IP65 better than IP55?

Yes. The first digit (6 vs. 5) means IP65 offers better dust protection — it's completely dust-tight. Both provide similar water protection (resistant to water jets), but IP65 offers a higher overall level of durability.

Can I submerge an IP65 device?

No. IP65 is water-resistant against low-pressure jets and splashes, but not designed for submersion. If you need protection against immersion, look for IP67 or higher.

What is the difference between IP67 and IPX7?

Both offer the same level of water protection (temporary submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes). However, IP67 also includes full dust protection, while IPX7 doesn't specify any dust resistance — the “X” means it's untested or not rated for solids.

Which IP rating is fully waterproof?

There’s no official “waterproof” rating, but IP67, IP68, and IP69K offer the highest levels of water protection. For full immersion or high-pressure water, IP68 or IP69K is your best bet, depending on the use case.

Is IP69K overkill for home use?

In most cases, yes. IP69K is built for industrial environments where equipment is exposed to high-pressure, high-temperature water, like car washes or food processing. For home use, IP65–IP67 is usually more than enough.