IPX7 Waterproof Rating | Always Go For This
By Robert Jones · 2020-12-08
I've seen some right rubbish labelled "waterproof" over the years. This IPX7 rating business cuts through the marketing fluff and tells you exactly what your gear can handle when things get wet. A must-read if you're buying anything for outdoors.
I've had more than my fair share of "waterproof" gadgets pack up on me over the years. Honestly, some of the claims I've seen plastered on packaging are just plain misleading. It’s a real shame, because you fork out your hard-earned cash expecting something to survive a bit of rain or an accidental dunk, only to find it's about as water-resistant as a paper bag. That's why, when I'm looking at anything that might see a splash or two – be it a Bluetooth speaker for the garden party or a smart new head unit for the boat – I always insist on checking the IP rating. Don't just take the manufacturer's word for it, ever. There's a whole load of waffle out there, isn't there? "Splash-proof," "weather-resistant," "can handle a light shower." All sounds a bit wishy-washy to me, vague as anything. I prefer hard numbers, proper, independently verified standards. That's where the IP rating comes in, and today, we're diving deep into IPX7. It's a cracking standard, one that actually tells you what your gear can genuinely put up with. And frankly, if you're after something that can truly take a proper soaking without giving up the ghost, you'll want to see that X7. **Quick Verdict: IPX7 is the absolute minimum standard for true submersion protection; always go for it if your gear will face water.**  *IPX7 Waterproof Rating | Always Go For This — tested here in the SpeakersMag workshop, just before it went for a dip.* ## What's All This IPX7 Business, Then? Right, so "IP" stands for Ingress Protection. Dead simple, that. It's an international standard, officially known as IEC 60529, which was set up to classify and rate how well an enclosure protects against bits of solid stuff (like dust, sand, or even your fingers poking about) and, crucially for us, water. Think of it as a no-nonsense, clear-cut way of knowing exactly how tough and resilient your new bit of kit is against the elements. No more guessing games, thank goodness. The number right after "IP" tells you about protection against solids – dust, grit, all that sort of thing. This first digit ranges from 0 (no protection) all the way up to 6 (totally dust-tight). Now, the "X" in IPX7? That just means the manufacturer hasn't bothered to test it for solid particle ingress, or they haven't published the rating. It doesn't mean zero protection; it just means it hasn't been formally rated for dust. For many things, like a speaker you're only using by the pool, dust isn't the primary concern anyway. For others, like something you're taking to the beach, you might want to look for an IP67 rating instead, which gives you both dust-tightness and water immersion protection. But for today, we're focusing on the water bit, the second digit. ### The All-Important "7" for Water Resistance This second digit is where the magic happens for us water-wary types. It tells you exactly how much water your device can handle. These ratings go from 0 (no protection) up to 9K (for high-pressure, high-temperature jets – think car washes, not your shower). The "7" in IPX7 is a significant one. It means the device can withstand *immersion in up to 1 metre of water for up to 30 minutes*. Yes, that's a proper dunk! Not just a splash, not just a bit of rain, but full-on submersion. That's proper peace of mind, that is. I've personally tested countless speakers, headphones, and even a few smartwatches with an IPX7 rating. It's always reassuring to chuck something in a bucket of water for half an hour and pull it out, wipe it off, and have it working perfectly. Mind you, always check the seals before you do anything daft like that yourself. A tiny bit of grit in the charging port flap could ruin your day. ## What Does IPX7 Really Mean in the Real World? So, you see IPX7 on your new Bluetooth speaker. What does that actually translate to for you and your everyday life? Well, it means a lot, honestly. * **Poolside Panic? Not Anymore:** If your speaker accidentally gets knocked into the swimming pool, you've got a good half an hour to fish it out without it turning into a brick. That's handy. It means you can relax a bit more around water. * **Shower Singing Sessions:** Fancy a sing-along in the shower? An IPX7 speaker is absolutely fine. Just don't go submerging it under the shower head for the full 30 minutes every day; it's designed for accidental dunks, not continuous high-pressure jets, which would be an IPX8 or IPX9K rating. * **Rainy Days Out:** A sudden downpour at the BBQ? No worries. Your IPX7 rated phone or speaker will be absolutely grand. It's built to shrug off a proper soaking. * **Kitchen Calamities:** Splashed a bit of cooking water on your tablet while following a recipe? IPX7 will handle it. Just don't go dropping it in the washing up bowl with the plates. ### Where IPX7 Falls Short (and where you need more) It's not a magical shield against all liquids, though. Here's where you might need to think beyond just IPX7: * **Saltwater:** This is a big one. IP ratings are typically tested with fresh water. Saltwater is highly corrosive and conductive. A quick dunk might be okay if you rinse it thoroughly with fresh water immediately, but prolonged exposure will kill most devices. Don't rely on IPX7 for the beach or sea. You'll need something specifically designed and advertised for saltwater use, often with extra protective coatings. * **Hot Water/Steam:** A boiling kettle, a sauna – high temperatures can degrade seals and internal components, even if the device is technically waterproof at room temperature. IPX7 is for ambient temperature water. * **High-Pressure Jets:** As I mentioned with the shower, IPX7 isn't for jet washing. A powerful stream of water can force its way past seals that would otherwise hold up against submersion. That's what the 8 or 9K ratings are for. * **Beyond 1 Metre or 30 Minutes:** If you need to dive deeper, or keep it submerged for longer, you're looking for an IPX8 rating. This typically means protection for continuous immersion under conditions specified by the manufacturer, often deeper than 1 metre. For example, a sports watch might be rated IPX8 for 50 metres for an hour. ## My Thoughts: Is IPX7 Enough? For most people, most of the time, yes. Absolutely. If you're using something outdoors, near a pool, in the kitchen, or just generally have a knack for accidental spills (like me, always knocking over my tea!), then IPX7 is a fantastic baseline. It gives you genuine peace of mind. It means you don't have to panic if your phone slips out of your pocket into a puddle, or if the kids get a bit overzealous with the water pistols near your expensive Bluetooth speaker. I've had a few JBL Charge speakers through my hands over the years, all IPX7. Fantastic bits of kit for a garden party. They've survived torrential downpours, a few tumbles into paddling pools, and even a friend's clumsy attempt at washing it under the tap (don't ask). Still going strong, sounding brilliant. Similarly, many of the newer smartwatches, like the Apple Watch (Series 2 onwards) or some Garmin models, boast an IPX7 or IPX8 rating. Makes sense, you want to wear those things everywhere, don't you? However, if you're a serious swimmer, diver, or someone who works in genuinely wet or dusty environments (like a builder or a landscaper), then you probably need to look for something more robust. For those folks, an IP68 or even IP69K rating might be more appropriate, offering protection against fine dust and continuous, deeper submersion, or high-pressure jets. ### A Few IPX7-rated products I've personally used (and usually recommend): * **JBL Charge 5 Bluetooth Speaker (around £130-£150):** An absolute workhorse. Great sound for its size, decent battery, and that IP67 rating means it'll handle dust and a proper dunk. I've seen these battered and bruised and still pumping out tunes. Solid value. * **Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 (around £100-£120):** Another cracking portable speaker with an IP67 rating. Slightly different sound profile to the JBL, perhaps a bit more 360-degree. Very durable, feels like it can take a beating. * **Some Garmin Fenix series smartwatches (starts around £300, goes up significantly):** While many are rated to 10 ATM (which is generally beyond IPX8), some models start with robust IPX7/IPX8 for general water activities. Essential for active types. * **Most modern flagship smartphones (e.g., iPhone 15, Samsung Galaxy S24 - starting from £700+):** Many now come with IP68 ratings, meaning they're dust-tight and can handle deeper, longer submersion than IPX7. This is a brilliant feature to have on such an expensive bit of kit. ## Who Is IPX7 For? * **The Casual Outdoor Enthusiast:** Someone who enjoys a picnic, garden party, or a day at the park and wants their gadgets to survive unexpected rain or accidental spills. * **Bathroom/Kitchen Users:** For speakers or devices that might get splashed frequently near sinks, baths, or in the shower. * **Poolside Relaxers:** Those who want their tech to survive a dip in the swimming pool without a heart attack. * **Parents of Young Children:** Because we all know kids and drinks don't mix well with electronics. * **Anyone Prone to Accidents:** Let's be honest, we all have our clumsy moments. IPX7 offers a nice safety net. ## Who Should Skip IPX7 (and look for more)? * **Serious Swimmers/Divers:** If you need to regularly submerge your device beyond 1 metre or for extended periods, you'll need IPX8 or a specific ATM (atmosphere) rating for water depth. * **Beach Bums/Desert Explorers:** Where fine dust and sand are a major concern, you'll want to see an IP6X rating (e.g., IP67 or IP68) to protect against solids as well as water. * **Marine/Boating Enthusiasts:** Saltwater is a different beast. Look for devices specifically designed and rated for marine environments, which often have better corrosion resistance. * **Car Wash Workers/Industrial Users:** Anyone needing protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets will need IPX9K. ## How IPX7 Compares to Other Ratings It's worth quickly seeing where IPX7 sits in the grand scheme of things. Knowing this helps you pick the right gear for the job. Here's a little table to make it clearer: | IP Rating | Solids Protection (1st Digit) | Water Protection (2nd Digit) | Real-World Meaning | | :-------- | :---------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **IPX0** | No protection | No protection | Don't even look at it funny with a glass of water. | | **IPX4** | No protection | Splashing water from any direction | Survives light rain, a bit of spray. Think outdoor speakers under an awning. | | **IPX5** | No protection | Water jets from any direction | Can take a hosepipe to it (low pressure), a strong downpour. | | **IPX6** | No protection | Powerful water jets | Good for heavy seas on a boat, or very strong torrents of rain. | | **IPX7** | No protection | Immersion, 1m depth, 30 min | The star of our show. Survives a proper dunk in a pool or bath. | | **IPX8** | No protection | Continuous immersion, depth & time specified by manufacturer | Deeper, longer submersion than IPX7. Essential for serious swimming, diving. | | **IP67** | Dust tight (level 6) | Immersion, 1m depth, 30 min | My personal preferred general-purpose rating. Dust-proof and dunk-proof. | | **IP68** | Dust tight (level 6) | Continuous immersion, depth & time specified by manufacturer | The gold standard for most flagship phones and outdoor rugged gear. Dust-proof, very water-resistant. | ## FAQ Section ### Q: Can I take my IPX7 phone swimming? A: You *can* for a short, shallow dip in fresh water, but I wouldn't make a habit of it. IPX7 means 1 metre for 30 minutes. If you're doing proper lengths or going deeper, you need something rated IPX8 or with a specific ATM (atmosphere) rating, like '5ATM' or '10ATM'. Also, remember saltwater is a no-go for most IPX7 devices unless explicitly stated. ### Q: Does IPX7 protect against spilled drinks like coffee or beer? A: It depends. The IP rating is for water. While a quick spill of coffee or beer *might* be okay if you rinse it off immediately with fresh water, the sugars, acids, and other chemicals in drinks can be corrosive and potentially damage seals or leave sticky residues. I wouldn't rely on IPX7 for anything other than plain old water, to be honest. Clean it fast if it happens! ### Q: My device is IPX7, but the charging port has a rubber flap. Do I need to close it? A: Absolutely! Always, always, always make sure all ports, flaps, and covers are securely closed before exposing an IPX7 device to water. Even the tiniest gap or bit of grit can compromise the seal and let water in, rendering that IP rating completely useless. It's a bit like leaving a window open in a submarine, isn't it? ### Q: Will an IPX7 device float? A: Not necessarily. The IPX7 rating only specifies water *resistance*, not buoyancy. Some devices, especially smaller speakers, might float due to their construction, but it's not guaranteed by the IPX7 standard itself. Always check product specifications or, if it's precious, consider a floating case or strap. ### Q: Do I need to dry my IPX7 device immediately after it gets wet? A: Yes, it's always a good idea. While the internal components are protected, drying the exterior, especially around charging ports and speakers, prevents water spots, potential corrosion on external contacts, and ensures best sound quality (water in speaker grilles can muffle sound temporarily). Make sure ports are fully dry before charging too, to prevent shorts. ## Final Word Look, when it comes to any gear that's going to be around water, whether it's a bit of rain or a full-on splash, an IPX7 rating is seriously worth looking out for. It's not just a fancy label; it's a proper, internationally recognised standard that actually means something. It offers a genuine level of protection that many of us simply need in our everyday lives. No more holding your breath when your phone tumbles near the paddling pool, or panicking when the clouds open up at your garden party. It means your beloved Bluetooth speaker can join you by the pool without fear, and your smartwatch can survive that accidental dive. For most general-purpose wet situations, IPX7 is more than enough to give you peace of mind and keep your kit alive. So next time you're shopping, make sure you demand that '7'. It's worth every penny for the extra confidence it brings. Honestly, you'll thank me for it.