Ingress Protection Rating (IP Rating)

UR-100 ip67 waterproof tablet pc being submerged in water to show IP rating

Waterproof Tablet PCs and Panel PCs

Protection from the elements is important when it comes to industrial and rugged tablet and panel PCs. A waterproof tablet pc or waterproof panel pc can be identified by the IP Rating. A tablet might be described as IP65 waterproof or IP67 waterproof, but what is the difference? Do I need an IP65 tablet or or IP67? Is the entire panel PC enclosure waterproof or is the screen waterproof?

What is IP Rating?

The International Electrotechnical Commission has developed the IP Rating to describe an enclosure’s protective capabilities.  The IEC standard 60529 is a document that establishes and describes this rating system.  The European equivalent is EN 60529.

The first number in the rating system is for solid objects.  As this number increases, this indicates that protection extends to smaller particles.  This value can be from 0-6.

The second number in the rating system is for liquid.  As this number increases, this indicates protection from drips to immersion.  This value can be from 0-9.

First Number in the IP Rating

The table below shows the protection level an enclosure would have against solid foreign objects:

First DigitForeign Object Size ProtectionEffective against
XNo DataNo data collected to represent protection from solid foreign objects.
0Not protectedNo protection against contact and ingress of objects
1> 50mmAny large surface of the body, such as the back of the hand, but no protection against deliberate contact with a body part.
2> 12.5mmFingers or similar objects.
3> 2.5mmTools, thick wires, etc.
4> 1mmMost wires, screws, etc.
5Dust ProtectedIngress of dust is not entirely prevented, but it must not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment; complete protection against contact.
6Dust TightNo ingress of dust; complete protection against contact.

Second Number in the IP Rating

The table below shows the protection level an enclosure would have against liquids:

Second DigitObject size protected againstEffective against
XNo DataNo data collected to represent protection against liquid
0Not protected
1Dripping waterDripping water (vertically falling drops) shall have no harmful effect.
2Dripping water when tilted up to 15°Vertically dripping water shall have no harmful effect when the enclosure is tilted at an angle up to 15° from its normal position.
3Spraying waterWater falling as a spray at any angle up to 60° from the vertical shall have no harmful effect.
4Splashing waterWater splashing against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect.
5Water jetsWater projected by a nozzle (6.3mm) against enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.
6Powerful water jetsWater projected in powerful jets (12.5mm nozzle) against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.
7Immersion up to 1mIngress of water in harmful quantity shall not be possible when the enclosure is immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time (up to 1 m of submersion).
8Immersion beyond 1mThe equipment is suitable for continuous immersion in water under conditions which shall be specified by the manufacturer. Normally, this will mean that the equipment is hermetically sealed. However, with certain types of equipment, it can mean that water can enter but only in such a manner that it produces no harmful effects.

Each test has a duration in which the object must be exposed to the corresponding condition.  Based on the condition, there may also be additional requirements such as water volume or immersion depth.

Estone Technology tests each of our Rugged Tablet PC and Medical Tablet PC platforms to identify the IP Rating of each waterproof tablet PC. We also test our Industrial Panel PC platforms and provide an IP Rating to identify the platform’s waterproof screen.

For our panels, the front panels are rated IP65 but a customized enclosure is needed to protect the backside and connectors. Our engineering team can assist in the development of a custom enclosure for your selected panel platform.

IP Rated ODM Platforms

IP54 Semi-Rugged Tablet PC

IP65 Rugged Tablet PC

IP67 Ultra-Rugged Tablet PC

IP65 Panel PCs with Waterproof Screens