IPX7: What does the abbreviation mean?

If you have purchased a device with the IPX7 marking, this device is conditionally waterproof. You can tell by the number "7" in the code. The "X" in front of it indicates that no indication can be made about the protection of your device from dust, since corresponding tests are missing.

Is a device that says IPX7 waterproof?

IP stands for International Protection Code. These codes represent protection classes for marking products. The first numerical value stands for protection against dust, the second for protection against moisture and water. If one of the values is indicated with an "X", the relevant protection class has not been tested. In the case of "IPX7", therefore, no statement can be made about the device's protection against dust. The number "7" here indicates that the device is waterproof, but only for a short time. It cannot be worn for longer dives and should not be submerged regularly. However, the device can withstand heavy rainfall without any problems. The device can also be used when showering. IPX7 is often found on sports watches or fitness trackers.

These are the different protection classes

• IPX0: No protection against water
• IPX1: Protection against water drops
• IPX2: Protects against dripping water up to an angle of inclination of 15°
• IPX3: Protection against spraying water up to an angle of inclination of 60°
• IPX4: Schutz gegen Spritzwasser unabhängig vom Neigungswinkel
• IPX5: Schützt vor leichtem Strahlwasser aus jedem Winkel
• IPX6: Schützt vor starkem Strahlwasser
• IPX7: Wasserdicht bei Untertauchen, allerdings nur für kurze Zeit
• IPX8: Schutz gegen dauerndes Untertauchen
• IPX9: Schutz vor Reinigung mit Hochdruckgeräten