What Are IP Ratings? A Plain-English Guide to Dust and Water Protection Codes

If you’ve ever looked at a pair of headphones, spotted IP55 or IP67, and wondered what that means for sweat, rain, or water exposure, you’re asking the right question. An IP rating is a standardized code that describes how well a device enclosure protects against the entry of solids and water under specified test conditions.

For audio gear, that information can help you understand how a product was tested against dust and water. It does not guarantee the same level of protection in every real-world situation, since actual exposure depends on the product and how it is used.

What Is an IP Rating, and How Does the Code Work?

IP stands for Ingress Protection. In plain English, “ingress” means unwanted material getting into a product enclosure, including dust and water.

The code usually appears as IP followed by two digits. The first digit covers protection against solid particles, while the second covers protection against water. The ratings are defined by the IEC 60529 standard and are based on specific test conditions.

Dust exposure, water spray, and immersion are tested in different ways, with defined conditions for each level. An IP code therefore gives you a standardized way to understand a product’s tested ingress protection.

The First Digit: Protection Against Dust and Solids

The first digit runs from 0 to 6. For most consumer products, the higher levels are the ones you’re most likely to encounter.

A 0 means there is no rated protection against the entry of solids. As the number increases, the enclosure provides protection against progressively smaller solid particles under the relevant test conditions.

A 5 indicates protection against dust at a level that prevents dust from interfering with normal operation, although some dust may still enter during testing. A 6 means dust-tight, the highest solid-particle protection level in the IP system.

For running headphones, open-ear headphones, and earbuds used outdoors, this part of the rating describes how the product was tested against dust and other solid particles. It does not measure overall durability, impact resistance, or resistance to wear over time. 

The Second Digit: Protection Against Water

The second digit runs from 0 to 9 and describes protection against different forms of water exposure under specified test conditions.

For consumer audio products, several levels are common. 4 indicates protection against splashing water. 5 indicates protection against water jets. 7 indicates protection against temporary immersion, while 8 indicates protection against continuous immersion under conditions specified for the product.

IP67 and IP68 do not use one universal depth and time for every product. In particular, IP68 does not have a fixed depth or duration that applies across all devices. The specific immersion conditions should be checked in the product’s specifications.

A product tested for splashing is not automatically tested for immersion. Likewise, an immersion rating does not by itself mean a product is designed for every pool, ocean, or underwater environment.

Common IP Ratings, Translated: IPX4, IP55, IP67, IP68

Here’s a plain-English look at four ratings commonly found on consumer audio products:

If you see IPX4 instead of IP44, the X means that a solid-particle protection rating is not specified. It does not indicate a particular level of dust protection.

IPX4 and IP55: Fine for Sweat, Risky in Heavy Rain

IPX4 and IP55 describe protection against specific forms of water exposure, but they should not be treated as direct guarantees for sweat, rain, or workouts. Actual exposure varies with workout intensity, duration, weather, and how the product is used.

The same applies to terms such as “waterproof,” “sweatproof,” and “rainproof.” These terms can describe a product more broadly, while an IP code refers to defined ingress-protection tests.

IP67 and IP68: Built for Rain and Accidental Submersion

IP67 and IP68 are both immersion-related protection levels. IP67 covers temporary immersion under specified test conditions, while IP68 covers continuous immersion under conditions specified by the manufacturer.

An IP rating describes the level of protection demonstrated under defined test conditions. It does not by itself determine whether a product is intended for swimming or underwater use. For these scenarios, the product’s design and stated use conditions also matter.

For people who need headphones for swimming or underwater listening, Shokz OpenSwim Pro has an IP68 rating and is designed for underwater use. It also supports MP3 mode for underwater listening. Its specific protection conditions should be understood according to the product’s stated operating range.

Is an IP Rating the Same as “Waterproof”?

No. An IP rating describes a defined level of protection against ingress under specified test conditions. “Waterproof” is not an IP rating, and the term does not describe how a product will perform in every real-world water exposure.

An IP rating also does not mean a device will remain unaffected by water indefinitely or under all conditions. Products can change with use and age, and manufacturers may provide additional instructions for use, cleaning, and care.

A product may be described as water-resistant or waterproof, but the IP code provides a more specific reference to its tested ingress protection.

In practical terms, an IP rating tells you the level of dust and water protection demonstrated under defined test conditions. It does not guarantee performance in every situation.

Choosing the Right IP Rating for Your Activity

The right IP rating depends on how you use your gear and the type of exposure it may encounter.

Everyday Wear and Light Workouts

For commuting, desk use, walking, and gym sessions, IPX4 or IP55 indicates protection against specific forms of water exposure. Whether that level fits your routine depends on the product and the conditions in which you use it.

For products used regularly during workouts, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and care instructions. Regular care can help reduce residue buildup and keep the product in good condition, but it does not change the device’s IP rating.

Running in Rain or Heavy Sweating

If you regularly run outdoors in wet weather or experience substantial sweat exposure, check the product’s IP rating and stated use conditions rather than assuming a particular rating covers every situation.

For example, IP67 indicates protection against temporary immersion under specified test conditions. It does not mean that an IP67 product is designed for every type of rain exposure or will perform the same way in all weather conditions.

A higher IP rating represents a different level of tested ingress protection. It does not, by itself, describe overall product durability.

Swimming or Full Submersion

For swimming or other underwater use, look for products that are specifically designed and rated for that type of use, and check the stated conditions. IP68 alone is not a swimming certification and does not define a universal underwater depth or duration.

The product’s IP rating and its intended use should be considered together when evaluating it for underwater use.

Quick Answers: What IP Ratings Can’t Tell You

An IP rating does not by itself describe how a device will respond to every type of exposure, including salt water, chlorinated water, soap, steam, hot tubs, or high-pressure water. These conditions can differ from the conditions used for IP testing.

It also does not describe overall product durability or how the device will perform after extended use, impacts, or other changes in condition. An IP rating applies to defined testing conditions, while real-world products can change over time.

Manufacturer instructions and warranty terms can provide additional information about intended use, care, and coverage.

If your routine includes heavy rain, substantial sweat exposure, or water immersion, compare the IP rating with the product’s stated use conditions. The key is to understand what the rating actually measures and how it relates to the way you plan to use the product.