IP Ratings for two way radios and body cameras explained

When deciding on body cameras or two-way radios, it’s essential to think about where they’ll be used. Some devices need to withstand the tough, unpredictable conditions of the outdoors, while others will always be used in more controlled and less demanding settings.

What is an IP rating?

Ingress protection (IP) ratings are defined measurements based on International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. They consist of two digits that indicate resistance of outer casings to solid objects and liquids. 

A list of the different IP ratings and what they mean follows, but to interpret these figures and match them to your working environment, you will need examples. We’ll follow up with those since your workplace might present greater or lesser challenges than you expected. 

IP ratings explained

Here’s how the IEC defines IP ratings. Still in the dark? Read on for our examples of workplaces and the right IP ratings to look for when deciding on body cams and two-way radios.

1st Digit: Solids		2nd Digit: Liquids
0	No protection	0	No protection
1	Protected against solid foreign objects of 50mm diameter and greater	1	Protected against vertically falling water drops
2	Protected against solid foreign objects of 12.5mm diameter and greater	2	Protected against vertically falling water drops when enclosure is tilted to 15 degrees of vertical
3	Protected against solid foreign objects of 2,5mm diameter and greater	3	Protected against water sprayed at an angle of up to 60 degrees to vertical
4	Protected against solid foreign objects of 1mm diameter and greater	4	Protected from water splashed on the enclosure from any direction
5	Dust protected	5	Protected against water jets directed at the enclosure from any direction
6	Dust tight	6	Protected against powerful water jets directed at the enclosure from any direction
		7	Protected against temporary immersion in water
		8	Protected against continuous immersion in water
		9	Protected from water at high pressure and high temperature

From the above, people outside of the electronics industry might easily make the mistake of thinking that an IP00 rating is good for indoor use. However, there is dust, even indoors, and water splashes can come from an array of sources. This low protection rating would call for regular device maintenance, even when devices are used in a very controlled environment, and durability would be extremely poor. 

IP ratings: examples by environment

Retail store, office, and light industrial environments

No matter how clean you keep indoor spaces, there’s always dust in the air. It can enter through doorways and air vents, and since human beings constantly shed dead skin cells, and clothing gives off dust as we move, there’s no getting completely away from it. 

Then, there’s water. Apart from employees having a “slip between cup and lip,” cleaning activities could mean that two-way radios and body cams are exposed to splashes of water. 

As a result, an IP54-rated device is suitable for these environments and will be durable, even if employees sometimes step outside in fine weather while using them.

Warehouses, outdoor events, sports arenas

Ratcheting environmental challenges up a notch, there’s a greater chance of low pressure water exposure in these workplaces. It could come from water jets used during cleaning or from rain water splashes. 

In general an IP55 rating would be suitable for use in environments such as these. 

Construction sites, marine environments, emergency services, agriculture

As we move into even harsher environmental conditions, the IP ratings for body cams and two-way radios rise. Devices may experience brief immersion in water or conditions may be very dusty. 

In these rugged contexts, we’d ordinarily recommend an IP67-rated device – but things can get tougher still. 

Mining, military, outdoor adventure sports, underwater exploration

What IP-rating is waterproof or can tolerate the harshest environments? We move on to IP68 and, in certain circumstances, IP69. 

An IP68 body camera or radio can tolerate continuous immersion in water and wind-driven sand. It’s completely dust-tight. But waterproofing can still be taken up a notch. 

IP69-rated equipment is the hardiest of all. It can tolerate high pressure and high temperature water – rarely needed, but it has its applications. 

All the reasons why ip ratings are so important

As every worker will tell you, choosing the right tool for the job is important to the quality of results. IP ratings tell you whether the two way radios and body cameras you’re considering will be fit for purpose. Summing up, IP ratings are important because they:

• Indicate dust and debris resistance.
• Indicate water and moisture resistance.
• Are a strong indicator of devices’ durability in harsh environments.
• Indicate a matching choice for devices that must be exposed to cleaning, disinfection, sea water or other harsh agents.
• Provide an indication of the longevity and cost-effectiveness of devices deployed. 
• Allow for user confidence and trust. Their devices are unlikely to fail at a crucial time.

Choosing two-way radios and body cams with radiocoms

Choosing high-quality video and audio communication devices is an important decision since it impacts worker safety, workplace efficiency, security, and more. As such, it’s an investment in your company and your people. Ensuring that it is a fruitful one requires a no-compromise approach to equipment choice. At the same time, there’s no point in selecting equipment that’s more resilient than working conditions call for.

At Radiocoms, we work to help you find the right solutions from high-quality brand partners like Hytera, Motorola Solutions, and Entel. Organisations like the London Fire Brigade, British Airways, and important players in the oil and gas sector have turned to us to find the best fit for their needs. Consult us about body worn cameras and two-way radios. Book an appointment, join us in live chat or feel free to call us. Keeping your staff connected begins with Radiocoms.

Read more about Body Worn Cameras.