Ever Wonder How Rugged your Outdoor Smart Device Is?
February 11, 2025
As Debbie and I get started on our house build project this week, I’m starting to finalize decisions on the technology I’m going to deploy. Part of the overall technology plan is the outdoor devices like cameras and lighting. But choosing outdoor devices is more involved (or should be) than the gear you put inside your home due to exposure to weather — specifically dust and moisture. Read on to find out how to find the best devices for your outdoor needs.
When shopping for outdoor gadgets like Bluetooth speakers, earbuds, or other electronics, you’ll likely encounter the letters IP, often followed by two numbers or a combination of a number and an “X.”
IP stands for Ingress Protection, referring to a device’s ability to keep out dust, sand, or water that might damage it. These ratings, such as IP67 or IPX4, indicate how well a product is protected from environmental factors. This guide will break down what those numbers (and the occasional “X”) mean and how they apply to your gear.
What Does an IP Rating Mean?
The IP code is defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) under standard IEC 60529. While it’s sometimes called “International Protection,” most experts agree “Ingress Protection” is the more accurate term.
An IP rating typically consists of two digits:
The first digit indicates protection against solid objects (like dust or sand).
The second digit shows resistance to liquid ingress (like water).
An “X” means the device hasn’t been tested for that specific protection, or the manufacturer doesn’t make a claim about it. For example, IPX4 indicates water resistance but no claim for dust protection.
The highest IP rating is IP68, which means a device is dustproof and can be submerged in water for a specified depth and duration.
Solid Object (Dust) Protection
Rating — Protection Level
1 — Blocks objects larger than 50 mm (2 inches).
2 — Blocks objects larger than 12.5 mm (0.5 inches).
3 — Blocks objects larger than 2.5 mm (0.1 inches).
4 — Blocks objects larger than 1 mm (0.04 inches).
5 — Dust-resistant; enough protection to prevent failure.
6 — Dustproof; no ingress allowed.
X — Not tested or no claim made for dust protection.
Liquid (Water) Protection
Rating — Protection Level
1 — Protects against vertical water drops (e.g., light rain).
2 — Protects against vertical drops when tilted up to 15 degrees.
3 — Protects against water sprayed at up to 60 degrees.
4 — Protects against water sprayed from any direction.
5 — Protects against low-pressure jets of water (e.g., garden hose).
6 — Protects against high-pressure jets (e.g., pressure washer at safe distance).
7 — Protects against submersion in up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) of water for 30 mins.
8 — Protects against submersion in water deeper than 1 meter for extended periods.
X — Not tested or no claim made for water resistance.
What About Higher Ratings?
Devices with IP67 or IP68 ratings, like the Sonos Move 2 or Speaqua Barnacle Pro, are designed for heavy-duty protection. These devices can withstand dust and water exposure, making them ideal for outdoor or rugged environments. However, even highly rated devices like these can degrade over time, especially after regular use, so durability isn’t guaranteed indefinitely.
Special Notes About IP Ratings
“X” Doesn’t Mean No Protection
An IPX7 device might still resist dust but hasn’t been officially tested for it.
Durability vs. IP Ratings
IP ratings only cover ingress protection — not ruggedness or shock resistance. A high IP rating doesn’t mean a product can survive being dropped or crushed.
Trade-offs with Sound Quality
Achieving high water resistance in speakers can sometimes compromise audio performance. Test devices before buying if sound quality is a priority.
NEMA Ratings
Another rating system, NEMA, covers more scenarios but is less common for consumer electronics.
Bottom Line
When choosing outdoor electronics, a higher IP rating means better protection against dust and water, but it’s important to consider the device’s intended use. Don’t rely solely on the rating — check reviews, listen to speaker sound quality and think about how you’ll use the product in real-world conditions.
For most consumers, an IP67 rating strikes the right balance between ruggedness and functionality. But remember, no IP rating guarantees your device will survive a drop into a lake or a pool-side accident.
For many of you I’d imagine this is new. But it’s certainly worth understanding and considering when purchasing new outdoor smart devices as it’s not just Bluetooth speakers or earbuds. Remember those smart cameras and lights you’re installing outside your garage or in the eaves of your home are also exposed to the elements. The last thing you’d want is to invest the time and money only to find out your expensive devices weren’t rated for the weather around your home. So keep IP rating in mind when purchasing any smart device that’ll be installed or used outside or you anticipate being exposed to dust or water.
Let Debbie and I know what your thoughts are regarding IP rating. Is it worth the hassle? Does smart home technology change fast enough that you’d be replacing devices before the elements made it necessary?
Thanks again to all those following Debbie and I through our home building journey. It’s great to hear your success stories and suggestions as we move through the process of our new smart home build. And if you like the content I’m posting each week, don’t forget to ‘Like’ and ‘Follow.’
