IP RATING: DUST AND WATER RESISTANCE FOR RUGGED DEVICES
Understand IP65, IP67, and IP68 ratings and how Getac devices resist dust and water for reliable use in tough field environments.
WHAT IS AN IP RATING?
IP (Ingress Protection) ratings define how well device enclosures protect against dust and water intrusion. Established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in standard IEC 60529, IP ratings use a two-digit system: the first digit (0-6) indicates solid particle protection, while the second digit (0-9) indicates liquid ingress protection. For example, IP67 means complete dust protection (6) and temporary water immersion resistance up to 1 meter for 30 minutes (7).
UNDERSTANDING IP RATING NUMBERS
First Digit: Dust and Solid Particle Protection
0 = No protection
1 = Protection against objects >50mm
2 = Protection against objects >12.5mm
3 = Protection against objects >2.5mm
4 = Protection against objects >1.0mm
5 = Dust protected (limited ingress permitted)
6 = Dust-tight (no dust ingress)
Second Digit: Water and Liquid Protection
0 = No protection
1 = Protection against vertical dripping water
2 = Protection against dripping water (15° tilt)
3 = Protection against spraying water (60° angle)
4 = Protection against splashing water from any direction
5 = Protection against water jets (6.3mm nozzle)
6 = Protection against powerful water jets (12.5mm nozzle)
7 = Protection against temporary immersion (up to 1m for 30 minutes)
8 = Protection against continuous immersion (depth/duration specified by manufacturer)
9 = Protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets
X = If dust or water resistance is unknown or not important
IP RATING TABLE
| First Digit | Symbol | Solid Protection* | Second Digit | Symbol | Liquid Protection* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | N/A | Not Protected | 0 | N/A | Not Protected |
| 1 |  | Protected against solid objects greater than 50mm | 1 |  | Protected against vertically dripping water when the product is upright |
| 2 |  | Protected against solid objects greater than 12.5mm | 2 |  | Protected against dripping water when tilted up to 15 degrees |
| 3 |  | Protected against solid objects greater than 2.5mm | 3 |  | Protected against spraying water with the device tilted up to 60 degrees from its upright position |
| 4 |  | Protected against solid objects greater than 1.0mm | 4 |  | Protected against splashing water from any direction |
| 5 |  | Dust cannot ingress in an amount sufficient to affect the normal operation of the device | 5 |  | Protected against jetting water projected from a 6.3mm nozzle at 12.5 litres per minute |
| 6 |  | Dust tight; dust cannot ingress | 6 |  | Protected against powerful jetting water (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 litres per minute) |
 | 7 |  | Protected against the effects of immersion in water up to 1m for 30 minutes | ||
COMMON IP RATINGS EXPLAINED
IP65
Dust-tight protection prevents all dust ingress
Resists water jets from any direction
Ideal for dusty industrial environments and light rain exposure
Common in manufacturing, warehouses, and field service applications
IP67
Complete dust protection
Survives temporary water immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes
Suitable for outdoor work in rain, mud, and wet conditions
Widely used in utilities, public safety, defense, and construction
IP68
Highest level of dust protection
Withstands continuous submersion beyond 1 meter
Specific depth and duration vary by manufacturer testing
Designed for marine environments, underwater operations, and extreme wet conditions
HOW IP RATINGS ARE TESTED
Independent testing laboratories certify IP ratings through controlled environmental testing per IEC 60529 standards. Dust resistance tests place devices in enclosed chambers with circulating talcum powder or specific dust types for 8 hours. Water resistance testing uses calibrated nozzles delivering specific water volumes and pressures, or submersion tanks for immersion testing. Devices must maintain full functionality after testing to receive certification.
Dust testing: 8-hour exposure in dust circulation chamber
Water jet testing: 12.5 liters per minute at specified pressure
Immersion testing: Controlled depth and duration per IEC 60529
Post-test inspection: Device must remain fully operational
REAL WORLD APPLICATIONS
Utilities & Energy
Field technicians work in rain, mud, and dusty substations
IP67 devices survive storm restoration and emergency response conditions
Sealed ports and connectors protect against moisture damage
Extended battery life supports long shifts in remote utility operations
Public Safety & Defense
Law enforcement operates in all weather conditions
Military operations require dust-tight devices in desert and maritime environments
First responders need reliable devices during fire suppression and water rescue
IP67 protection ensures communication continuity in critical situations
Construction & Manufacturing
Job sites expose devices to cement dust, sawdust, and metal particles
IP65 protection prevents dust infiltration in grinding and cutting operations
Water resistance protects against cleaning procedures and weather exposure
Durable enclosures survive drops and impacts common in industrial settings
Transportation & Logistics
Warehouse operations involve moisture from loading docks and outdoor areas
Port and rail operations expose devices to rain and salt spray
Delivery drivers need devices that function in extreme heat and cold
IP-rated tablets integrate with vehicle mounts in challenging conditions
GETAC IP-CERTIFIED RUGGED DEVICES
Getac manufactures rugged laptops and tablets with IP65 to IP67 certification, combining dust and water protection with MIL-STD-810H drop resistance, extreme temperature tolerance, and vibration resistance. These certifications ensure devices perform reliably in the harshest field environments.
MIL-STD-810H environmental testing for drops, vibration, temperature extremes
Sealed I/O ports prevent dust and water intrusion
Sunlight-readable displays with glove and rain touch capability
Hot-swappable batteries for extended field operations
3-year bumper-to-bumper warranty covering accidental damage
Key Getac Products by IP Rating
| Device model | IP Rating | Form Factor |
|---|---|---|
| F110 | IP66 | Tablet |
| V110 | IP65 | Laptop |
| S410 | IP53 | Laptop |
| UX10 | IP66 | Tablet |
| ZX10 | IP66 | Tablet |
| B360 | IP66 | Laptop |
Getac also offers specialized solutions, including vehicle-mounted computers with IP-rated protection designed for in-vehicle applications.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
IP ratings provide standardized measurement of dust and water protection
First digit (0-6) indicates solid particle protection; second digit (0-9) indicates liquid protection
IP65 offers dust-tight protection with water jet resistance for industrial environments
IP67 provides dust-tight protection plus temporary immersion resistance for field operations
Independent testing laboratories certify IP ratings per IEC 60529 standards
Getac devices combine IP certification with MIL-STD-810H durability for extreme conditions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IP67 indicates complete protection against dust (6) and temporary water immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes (7). Devices with IP67 rating can operate in dusty environments and survive accidental drops in water or exposure to heavy rain.
IP65 provides dust-tight protection and water jet resistance but not immersion protection. IP68 offers dust-tight protection plus continuous submersion protection beyond 1 meter, with specific depth and duration determined by manufacturer testing. IP69 represents the highest level of water protection*.
*Based on the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard IEC 60529
Getac devices with IP67 ratings are water-resistant, meaning they can withstand temporary immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes and operate in heavy rain. While highly water-resistant, they are designed for temporary exposure rather than continuous underwater use. IP68-rated accessories offer even greater immersion protection.
Note: While highly water-resistant, these products are designed for temporary exposure rather than continuous underwater use. The level of water resistance may degrade over time during normal usage, or if the device is damaged, serviced, or disassembled.
Getac tablets rated IP65 and higher are dustproof, including the F110, UX10, ZX10, and ZX70. The "6" rating indicates complete dust-tight protection, meaning no dust can enter the device enclosure even during prolonged exposure to fine particles.
Note: Although the product demonstrates a high level of dust resistance under laboratory test conditions, such resistance may degrade over time during normal usage, or if the device is damaged, serviced, or disassembled.
Yes, IP67 provides excellent protection for outdoor fieldwork. It protects against rain, mud, dust, and temporary water immersion, making it suitable for utilities, public safety, construction, and defense operations. For continuous submersion or extreme underwater work, IP68 may be preferred.
IP67 offers the best balance for most harsh field environments, providing complete dust protection and water immersion resistance. For environments with extreme water exposure or submersion requirements, IP68 provides additional protection. The choice depends on specific environmental hazards and operational requirements.
Most Getac rugged tablets have IP65 or IP67 certification. Specific ratings vary by model. Check individual product specifications to confirm IP rating. All Getac rugged devices undergo rigorous environmental testing to ensure reliable performance in challenging field conditions.
IP ratings provide an objective, standardized measurement of environmental protection. They indicate whether a device can withstand specific dust and water conditions, helping organizations select appropriate equipment for field environments. IP certification ensures devices meet tested performance standards rather than marketing claims.
Yes, IP67 devices can operate in rain without damage. The "7" water rating indicates protection against temporary immersion, which far exceeds rain exposure. IP67 devices can handle heavy downpours, splashing, and wet working conditions common in outdoor fieldwork.
Note: The level of water resistance may degrade over time during normal usage, or if the device is damaged, serviced, or disassembled.
An "X" in an IP rating (such as IPX7) means that particular protection level has not been tested or is not applicable. For example, IPX7 indicates water immersion protection has been tested but dust protection has not been certified. It does not mean the device lacks that protection, only that it has not been formally tested.