IPX5IPX6

IPX5 and IPX6 are water ingress protection ratings used for electronic devices, part of the IEC 60529 standard. The “X” in IPX5 or IPX6 means that the rating does not specify protection against solid objects, so no information is provided about dust or mechanical protection. IPX5 indicates protection against water jets from any direction with limited ingress permitted, while IPX6 indicates protection against more powerful water jets from any direction. These ratings address exposure to spray and jets, not immersion.

When a product is labeled with IPX5/IPX6, it typically signals that the device has been tested for both water-jet conditions and may be built to withstand various wet environments. However, IPX5 and IPX6 are separate ratings, and a single device will carry one numeric rating (IPX5 or IPX6) in its official specification. Marketing uses of “IPX5/IPX6” can indicate that the device demonstrates protection comparable to both tests under different circumstances, but the exact applicable rating should be confirmed in the product’s official documentation.

Important limitations include that neither IPX5 nor IPX6 covers immersion in water. They do not guarantee protection against submersion, high humidity over long periods, or exposure to saltwater, soap, or chemicals. The ratings also do not address dust ingress unless a second digit is specified (e.g., IP54, IP68). For activities involving submersion, higher ratings such as IPX7 or IPX8 are required.