What does waterproof mean? All information

Many products, especially electrical devices, advertise among other things that they are waterproof. However, many users usually do not even know what the term really means and whether the product is only water resistant. In fact, there are differences when it comes to waterproofing.

What waterproof products can do

When a product is advertised as waterproof, the buyer must first do some research. Products can already be described as waterproof if you are only protected against drops.

1. How waterproof a device really is is determined by its IP code.
2. IP codes are classifications of the International Protection Norm and indicate to what degree a device is waterproof.
3. There are nine different classes, ranging from "not waterproof at all" to "protection against water during high-pressure and steam jet cleaning".
4. Commonly, electrical devices that are designated as waterproof are in the IPX4 class, which only provides protection against splashing water.

IP codes for waterproof devices at a glance

• IPX0: No water protection
• IPX1: Protection against dripping water
• IPX2: Protection against falling dripping water with a 15° inclined housing
• IPX3: Protection against falling spray water up to 60° against the vertical
• IPX4: Schutz gegen allseitiges Spritzwasser
• IPX5: Schutz gegen Strahlwasser (Düse) aus beliebigem Winkel
• IPX6: Schutz gegen starkes Strahlwasser
• IPX7: Schutz gegen zeitweiliges Untertauchen
• IPX8: Schutz gegen dauerndes Untertauchen
• IPX9: Schutz gegen Wasser bei Hochdruck-/Dampfstrahlreinigung.