Check the IP rating for water and dust resistance before buying outdoor electronics.

Things to Consider Before Buying Outdoor Electronics
When purchasing outdoor electronics, such as Outdoor PTZ Cameras or Outdoor LED Displays, it is crucial to consider the IP Rating. The IP rating indicates the level of protection the product has against dust and water ingress, ensuring you choose the right product for your specific needs.

What is the IP rating?
IP stands for "Ingress Protection" It's an international standard that measures how well an electronic device is protected against dust and water. It uses two digits to indicate the level of protection.

First Digit: Dust Protection Level
0: No protection
1: Protection against large objects
2: Protection against medium-sized objects
3: Protection against small objects
4: Protection against small dust particles (prevents dust that may interfere with operation)
5: Protection against small dust particles (prevents dust that may interfere with operation)
6: Protection against all dust particles (dust tight)
 
Second Digit: Water Protection Level
0: No protection
1: Protection against dripping water
2: Protection against water dripping at a 15-degree angle
3: Protection against water spray
4: Protection against water splashing
5: Protection against low-pressure water jets
6: Protection against high-pressure water jets
7: Protection against immersion in water at a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes
8: Protection against immersion in deep water (depth and duration depend on the manufacturer)

Example of reading an IP rating:
IP54: protected against dust and water splashes, but should not be exposed to direct water jets or flooding.
IP67: Protected against dust and temporary submersion in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. Suitable for use near water bodies or in areas with heavy rainfall.
IP68: Protected against dust and continuous submersion in water at a specified depth for a specified time. Suitable for underwater applications.

Example of IP rating usage:
Mobile phones: Waterproof mobile phones usually have an IP67 or IP68 rating.
Smartwatches: Smartwatches that are used for swimming should have an IP68 rating.
Cameras: Cameras that are used for outdoor photography should have an IP54 or IP65 rating.


Importance of IP rating
IP ratings enable users to select the appropriate equipment for their application, considering the environment in which the equipment will be used. For example, equipment used outdoors should have a higher IP rating than equipment used indoors.

Checking IP rating
Users can check the IP rating of a device on the device's label or documentation.

IP rating is important information to consider before purchasing electronic devices for outdoor use. Choose the IP rating suitable for your application to prevent damage from dust and water.