IP Ratings for Mobile Devices in Business
Ingress Protection IP Ratings Explained
Mobile computers, tablets, and barcode scanners, used in indoor and outdoor business environments need to withstand constant use and damaging elements. Their level of protection is measured by an IP Rating. The advent of smart phones as public staple has made us all more aware of the necessity of mobile device protection. We’ve all dropped our phones on the floor, cement or in a puddle.
IP stands for Ingress Protection and is determined by how well it holds up against dirt, dust, and water. Ratings range from 1 to 6 for dust and dirt and 1 to 9 for water, with the first and second digit in the rating indicating how well it withstands exposure to solid particles and liquids, respectively.
The IP rating or IP code classifies the degree of protection provided by an enclosure, for electrical equipment with a rated voltage not exceeding 72.5 kV. IIP Code or Ingress Protection Code is defined in IEC 60529 which classifies and provides a guideline to the degree of protection provided by mechanical casings and electrical enclosures against intrusion dust, accidental contact, and water. It is published in the European Union by CENELEC as EN 60529.
(Please Note: NEMA Ratings are based on electronic enclosures for electricalequipment up to 1,000 Volts)
Please Note: High Impact Resistance is not measured in the devices IP rating.
Drop Testing is done using two different test methods; MIL-STD-810, US Military Standards and Telecommunications Equipment GR-63-CORE Standards. This testing is typically done by the product manufacturer and listed in their specifications. Drop Specifications must be taken into consideration along with IP Ratings, not individually.
IP Ratings only deals with Ingress of Solids (handling and protection against small objects hitting against the device), and Liquids, specifically water. (Dangerous Solvents, Explosion-Proof Electronics are not measured in within IP Ratings).
Location, Location, Location…Where will the device be used?
Computer technology in mobile form offers many advantages. Mobile electronic devices and equipment, on the other hand, are more vulnerable to damage from people, property, rain, dust, and a variety of other factors. When choosing a mobile device’s IP rating for your business, keep this in mind:
1. Environment- Is the device indoors or outdoors? Is it used in warehousing, manufacturing or a retail store?
(If outdoors, are their different job locations? If indoors are there freezer locations? Is the warehouse heated?
Are severe temperature shifts likely?)
2. Users- How many people will be using the device? What is their skill level?
3. Will peripherals be connected to the device? Opening port connector covers can automatically change the IP rating of the device in use, e.g. Adding a scanner to a vehicle mount computer and scanning barcodes outside in the rain.
Factors affecting IP rating
Protective covers and sleeves can also affect the IP rating to a degree, but will mostly increase the drop specification rating. For the protection of your investment, going with a higher IP rating is always advised and just like your own cell phone a protective case won’t hurt.
