What do security codes for electronic devices mean?

The user can find out whether a smartphone, tablet or e-book reader is protected against water or dust penetration by the symbols in the technical specifications.

The German Goods and Products Testing Authority explained in a report published by the German News Agency that many producing companies test and approve their products according to specific standards, or what is known as types of protection, and in addition to mobile devices, this also applies to surveillance cameras or lamps that are used in outdoor areas or in the fresh air.

The authority explained that the relevant code usually consists of four numbers, and begins with the letters “IB,” referring to the term international protection, and after these two letters there are two other numbers that indicate the following:

The first number indicates protection against the incursion of foreign objects. Starting from the number 5, dust does not affect the device, and starting from the number 6, no dust is allowed to penetrate into the device.

The second number indicates the degree of protection against water penetration, and the number 3 means protection against rain, but starting from the number 5, the device is protected against the stream of water from the tap, and starting from the number 8, the device can be exposed to falling or immersion in water without any harm occurring. Damages.

For example, the code "IP68" means that the device is dust-resistant and waterproof, while the code "IP50" indicates that the device is protected against dust but is not waterproof.

If there is no protection against foreign objects or water entering the device, the code includes the number 0 or X.

The user can often find the type of protection in a prominent position on the packaging, in addition to being found in the operating instructions or on the company's website, and always in the form of a footnote or in the technical specifications.

New devices only

German experts explained that this type of protection applies to new devices only; Since the quality of the devices may deteriorate over time.

This standard also applies to tap water only; Because salty or chlorinated water in swimming pools can damage the insulators in the device.