IPX7IPX8

IPX7IPX8 is not a formal single rating in the IP code system. It is a marketing shorthand used by some manufacturers to indicate that a device or product line can meet water-resistance tests associated with IPX7 and/or IPX8. The official IEC 60529 standard uses two digits after the letters IP to describe protection against solids and liquids; when a device is tested only for water, the solid-letter is replaced with an X (for example, IPX7 or IPX8).

IPX7 means the device can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes under controlled testing conditions. IPX8 refers to immersion beyond 1 meter, with the exact depth and duration specified by the manufacturer. There is no universal fixed depth or time for IPX8; specifications vary between products and test protocols. In practice, IPX8 signifies a higher level of immersion protection than IPX7, but the precise limits should be checked in the product documentation.

Because IPX ratings address only water ingress and not dust, a device labeled IPX7 or IPX8 typically has no specified rating for solids unless another designation (such as IP6X) is provided. Some devices may report IPX7/IPX8 to indicate compatibility with multiple test levels or to reflect different production variants.

Users should note that water-resistance does not guarantee protection under all conditions, such as saltwater, chlorinated water, hot water, soap, prolonged exposure, or physical damage. Proper care includes avoiding extreme conditions, drying openings after exposure, and consulting manufacturer guidelines for rated depths and durations.

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