The IP (Ingress Protection) rating system is commonly used to define how well a device is protected against liquids and solids. While many people are familiar with higher IP ratings such as IPX7 or IPX8, which offer strong protection against water, the IPX0 rating is at the opposite end of the spectrum. Understanding the significance of IPX0 helps clarify what it means for devices that offer no water resistance.
Meaning
IPX0 is the lowest possible rating on the water ingress protection scale. In the IP rating system, the “X” refers to the fact that the device hasn’t been tested for solid particle protection, such as dust. The "0" indicates that the device offers no protection against water ingress. This means that if exposed to any form of water, such as rain, splashes, or immersion, the device will likely suffer damage.
Devices with an IPX0 rating are typically intended for dry environments and should not be used in areas where they may come into contact with moisture. Examples include certain indoor electronics, basic appliances, or older equipment that was not designed with water resistance in mind.
IPX Rating Chart
| IPX Rating | Protection Level | Description |
| IPX0 | No protection | No protection against water ingress |
| IPX1 | Drip-proof | Protection against vertical water drops |
| IPX2 | Drip-proof (15-degree tilt) | Protection against water drops when tilted up to 15 degrees |
| IPX3 | Spray-proof | Protection against water spray up to 60 degrees from vertical |
| IPX4 | Splash-proof | Protection against water splashes from any direction |
| IPX5 | Water-jet resistant | Protection against water jets from a 6.3mm nozzle from any direction |
| IPX6 | Powerful water-jet resistant | Protection against more powerful water jets |
| IPX7 | Immersion up to 1 meter | Protection against temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes |
| IPX8 | Immersion beyond 1 meter | Protection against continuous immersion in water beyond 1 meter, under conditions set by the manufacturer |
| IPX9 | High-pressure, high-temperature water resistant | Protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets |
IPX0 Test for Water Resistance
For a device to be rated IPX0, it means that during testing, it did not meet the criteria for any level of water resistance. The IPX0 test involves subjecting the device to water exposure, but since it offers no protection, the result typically shows that water easily enters the device, potentially causing malfunction or damage.
The test for water resistance includes the following steps:
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Exposure to Water: The device is exposed to water in various forms, such as light splashes or direct water jets, depending on the testing standard. For IPX0, the device fails these tests.
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Examination of Damage: After exposure, the device is examined for water ingress. In IPX0-rated devices, water is likely to penetrate into sensitive areas like internal circuits, causing malfunction or irreversible damage.
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No Protection Verification: IPX0 confirms that the device has no design features—such as gaskets, waterproof seals, or coatings—to prevent water from entering and damaging its internal components.
An IPX0 rating signifies that a device has no water resistance and should be handled with care in dry, indoor environments. These devices are not built to withstand any contact with water, and exposure to moisture could lead to malfunction or complete failure. Devices with this rating are generally low-cost, basic electronics or older models without waterproof features. If water protection is important for your usage, it’s essential to look for devices with higher IPX ratings that offer the level of protection needed for your environment.
