What do IP Ratings Mean for Speakers?

What do IP rating numbers mean?

IP ratings, or Ingress Protection ratings, are defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to classify and rate the degree of protection provided by electrical enclosures against intrusion from solid objects (like dust) and moisture.

An IP rating typically consists of two digits: the first digit represents the level of protection against solids, while the second digit indicates the level of protection against liquids.

• First Digit (Solids Protection)

  This ranges from 0 to 6. A rating of 0 means there’s no protection against contact and ingress of objects, while a rating of 6 indicates complete protection against solids, even fine dust and dirt.

• Second Digit (Liquids Protection)

  This ranges from 0 to 9, with 0 signifying no protection against moisture and 9 indicating protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets from all directions, or total submersion.

For example, a speaker with an IP67 rating is completely dust-tight (6) and can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes (7). (The maximum submersion time will vary for individual products.) Understanding these numbers allows you to gauge how well a speaker will withstand various environmental conditions.

The X Rating Exception

Many newer speakers designed for outdoor use will have an X where the solids rating should be (eg, IPX6), which can be confusing. What this means is that a particular product has only been tested for liquid ingress, and the solids protection has not been ‘officially’ rated. It’s also important to note that an X is not the same as a zero rating, as a 0 would mean it had been tested but had no protection.

For something like wall mount speakers, this is simply down to keeping manufacturing costs lower, with most people just wanting to know if they can get rained on safely. The fact they can withstand a specified amount of liquid ingress will in most cases mean they will be pretty decent at dust and dirt too.

It's all about usage when it comes to the rating system, and a speaker mounted 6ft up on a patio wall won't require the dirt or solids protection that a ground-level garden speaker placed in a flower bed would do, so they don't bother with gaining that certification.

If you’re planning to use a speaker outdoors, knowing the IP rating, and what that rating actually means, helps ensure you won’t end up with a device that’s vulnerable to the elements.

The chart below is a simplified version of the standard Ingress Protection 4-digit numbering system. It shows the levels of protection offered, eg 'OBJECTS 50mm AND ABOVE' means the device will let anything in that's smaller than 50mm in diameter.

What is the best waterproof rating for Outdoor Speakers?

Best is one of those words that tells you not much. This is especially true with IP-rated speakers as depending on their design or intended placement, you may have an IP56 or IP67 rating, or you may find an IPX7 for example, and each will do the job. You may even find identical speakers available with different IP rated versions to suit different environments, so which of those would be ‘the best’?!

It's much more about the capability to suit your specific needs, and taking into account that the IP rating is purely about ingress protection, and has nothing at all to do with the sound quality or power ratings of a speaker system (a really poor speaker can still be made waterproof!).

When it comes to outdoor speakers, the most suitable waterproof rating depends on the environment where they’ll be used. Generally, following the standard increasing IP scale, decent all-weather units will start at say IP44 or IPX3 for semi-protected outdoor fitment, and go up to IP56, IP66, or IPX5 or IPX6 for decent protection from rain and the occasional wash-off with a hosepipe or even jetwash unit.

The higher ratings of IP67, IP68 or IPX7 are serious bits of kit, offering substantial protection against water immersion and debris. However, if the speaker is going to be exposed to constant rain, splashing from a pool, or placed near the sea where saltwater might come into play, you may want to opt for an IPX8 rating.

Examples of the common speaker IP ratings:

• IP44: Protection from object incursion of 1mm and above and general water ingress, so is a perfectly acceptable rating for most users. Many outdoor lights for example are IP44.

• IP56: Good dust and dirt protection and water from any direction up to jet pressure. This is a great all-round rating for outdoor speakers in both private and commercial environments.

• IPX5: Protection against jets of water from a hose at any angle will not cause damage to the workings of the unit. Rainfall is not an issue. Though not officially tested, a reasonable amount of dust and general dirt protection will come as standard.

• IPX7: Speakers with this rating can survive being submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes. This more extreme test reassures of their ability to keep out standard and harsh weather conditions with no problem.

If your outdoor speakers are going into a particularly grubby environment then ideally you will look at ones with both ratings present and at levels over 4. As mentioned, speakers with the X rating for solids will still offer a certain amount of dust and dirt protection, but it’s just not guaranteed.

Is moisture resistant the same as waterproof?

'Moisture resistant' and 'waterproof' might sound similar, but they signify very different levels of protection. Understanding the distinction is crucial when choosing a speaker, as these terms can affect how and where you can safely use your device.

• Moisture Resistant

  A speaker labelled as moisture resistant can handle light exposure to moisture, such as a few drops of rain or the occasional splash from a sink. However, it won’t survive being submerged in water or exposed to heavy rain for extended periods.

  Ceiling speakers intended for bathrooms or kitchens will often state they are moistureproof, and what this means usually is the grills are protected with paint or powder-coat so as not to rust, and that the main speaker driver will be polypropylene rather than traditional paper to avoid any unwanted absorption. They can sometimes have an IP rating, though generally they won't do as this tends to be reserved for outdoor equipment.

• Waterproof

  A waterproof speaker, on the other hand, is designed to withstand anything up to and including full water immersion. Ratings like IPX7 and above fall into this category, meaning the speaker can be submerged in water for a specific period without sustaining damage. This makes waterproof speakers suitable for more extreme environments, like poolsides or marine settings.

While moisture-resistant speakers can handle occasional dampness, waterproof speakers are built to survive more severe water exposure. If you’re planning to use your speakers in areas where it might get soaked or even fully submerged, it’s crucial to opt for a waterproof model to avoid damage and ensure longevity.

What IP rating is fully waterproof?

When we talk about a speaker being "fully waterproof," we're generally referring to IP ratings that offer the highest level of protection against water ingress. Specifically, an IPX7 or IPX8 rating qualifies as fully waterproof.

• IPX7: This rating indicates that the speaker can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes without damage. It’s a common rating for waterproof speakers, ensuring they can handle drops into pools, exposure to constant heavy rain, or use in a constantly wet environment.

• IPX8: Speakers with an IPX8 rating offer even more protection, allowing for continuous immersion in water deeper than 1 meter. The specifics of depth and time vary, so it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s details, but generally, these speakers are built to endure harsher conditions than IPX7 rated ones.

However, it's important to note that while these ratings ensure water won’t get into the speaker's internal components, they don't guarantee the same durability against other environmental factors like dust, unless combined with a high first digit in the IP rating (like IP67 or IP68). Fully waterproof speakers with a high IP rating are your best bet if you need a device that can endure extreme conditions without failing.

These ratings are quite extreme though, and you certainly don't need total waterproofing for protection against standard levels of rainfall or even a weekly wash to keep them looking smart. An IPX9 rating for example means you can use it while submerged in deep water, which is a tad overkill for the average patio.

You may notice the addition of the letter 'k' to some liquid ratings, (eg IPX9k), and this letter is a specific addition to the rating to signify protection against high-pressure jets of water. This is important for devices in areas that require a high level of regular cleaning to occur

For reference, the highest IP rating currently in use is IP69k, and this basically gives full protection from pretty much everything

As before, the chart below is a simplified version of the higher Ingress Protection ratings you may see on a product. It shows the levels of protection offered, eg 'LIMITED TIME WATER IMMERSION' means the device will be ok in water for short periods, such as a watch in the shower.