IPX4, IPX8, IP68
What do these codes mean?
IPX4 is an IP code, or Ingress Protection Marking. This is a classification standard which rates the degree of protection against intrusion.
The IP code is an IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standard, which is why you can also see IP codes on products like smartphones, cameras etc. The standard gives the consumer a way to see through vague marketing terms and understand the given product’s degree of protection.
An IP code consists of the IP identification and two digits that describes the level of protection.
– The first two letters “IP” indicates that it is an IP code
– The first digit represents the level of protection against solid particles such as dust
– The second digit describes the level of protection against liquids such as water
The S-series headlamps have the IP68 rating which means:
IP = IP identification
6 = The headlamp is dust tight
8 = The headlamp can be submerged in water down to 1 M
First digit (solids)
| Level | Protected against |
|---|---|
| X | Not tested |
| 0 | Not protected |
| 1 | Objects larger than 50 mm |
| 2 | Objects larger than 12.5 mm |
| 3 | Objects larger than 2.5 mm |
| 4 | Object larger than 1 mm |
| 5 | Dust protected |
| 6 | Dust tight |
Second digit (water)
| Level | Protected against |
|---|---|
| X | Not tested |
| 0 | Not protected |
| 1 | Dripping water |
| 2 | Dripping water tilted at 15° |
| 3 | Spraying water |
| 4 | Splashing of water |
| 5 | Water jets |
| 6 | Powerful water jets |
| 7 | Immersion up to 1 M |
| 8 | Continues immersion, 1 M or more |
Why are IP ratings important?
International standards are important
When considering a purchase, it is important to know if a flashlight or a headlamp can be used in the intended environment. Therefore, a standard like the IP code is extremely important for the consumer.
At Suprabeam we test all products according to the IP standard, in order to give the customer, the best possible idea of how our flashlights and headlamps can be used. All our products have an IPX4 rating as a minimum, which means that they are Splash Waterproof. In reality, the IPX4 rating means that you can use the headlamp or flashlight in heavy rain, but you cannot submerge it into water.
Some of our flashlight have a higher IP rating, such as the E1 and Q3classic that has an IPX8 rating. These flashlights can be submerged in water down to 1M.
The Q3defend and the entire S-series have the IP68 rating, meaning that they are both dust and waterproof. The S-series down to 2 M and the Q3defend down to impressive 10 M.
If a product states that it is waterproof but with no clear IP rating, ask the manufacturer.
How is an IPX4 test performed?
IP tests are made according to standards
Our IPX4 tests are performed with specialised equipment in order to fulfil the set standards.
In the IPX4 test the flashlight or headlamp is placed on a griddle and sprayed from all directions with rotating hoop with spray nozzles (see illustration). The product is sprayed continuously for a minimum of 5 minutes. To pass the IPX4 test, the flashlight or headlamp must go through the test without any harm at all.
