All the electronic devices come with an IP rating that tells the level of protection that the device offers against dust and water. IP rating comes in various numbers, and each number reflects the level up to which a particular device can bear the effect of water and dust.
Several people get confused between similar-looking IP ratings such as IP67 and IP67. But not to worry because, in this article, we will share everything that you need to know about these two IP ratings, after which you can make out which one is better than the other.
So, if you also want to choose the suitable device that comes with the proper level of protection, read the article ahead.
IP Ratings
Before moving forward, you must know how IP ratings are read. IP ratings usually come with two numbers or letters; however, there are also three letters in some of the devices, A device with more than two numbers or letters will always come in alphabets.
The first number after IP is designated to the protection level against dust, and the second number or letter is dedicated to the protection level against water. If you ever see X return in the first or second place, it means the device you are using has not been tested for that particular category’s protection level.
So this is the basics of IP ratings which will help you understand the comparison between IPX7 and IP67, so without wasting any more time, let’s hop onto the comparison.
IPX7 Rating
Firstly we will be starting with the basic meaning of IPX7 and IP67. So now, with the basic information that we have provided above, you know that the first number in the IP rating is for dust protection, and the second number is for the water resistance level.
Now, in IPX7, you can see that there is X in the place of the first number, which means that the devices that are rated with this particular rating are not tested for the resistance level of dust.
In the second place, there is the number 7, which shows the level of protection the device has against water. It is essential to know that there is a maximum number assigned for both dustproof and waterproof levels.
The maximum level of dustproof rate is 6, and the top rating for a waterproof device is 8. In IPX7, the waterproof rating is seven, which means the level of protection the device has against water is slightly less than the rated IPX8.
IP67 Rating
We are going to discuss this article with the next rating, which is IP67. In IP67, both the rating places have a number assigned which is 6 for the dustproof level, and the 7 is for the waterproof letter.
6 is the maximum number given to the utterly dustproof device, so the devices with this rating will work the best if exposed to dust.
On the other hand, just like IPX7, IP67 also has seven as the waterproof resistance level, which means that the level will be slightly less than the IP68 rating.
Related: IPX7 Waterproof Rating
Which IP Rating is Better than Other: IPX7 or IP67?
We all want to have a device that is not only waterproof but also dustproof, but most people sometimes avoid or don’t take the dust resistance too seriously, which is a huge mistake.
In comparing IP67 and IP67, we will have to give a thumbs up to IP67 because the devices rated with IP67 rating have good resistance to dust and water.
However, in the products with an IPX7 rating, you only get resistance against water which can be risky if you use the device in the exterior area too much. Even though the level of protection against water is one number less in IP67, the overall protection you get in these devices is better than IPX7.
Even if you are considering buying a product that comes with an IPX7 rating, it can work outstanding when it comes to water resistance, but what if you have to take your devices such as a speaker or Bluetooth for hiking, camping, or a trip to a sandy area?
In such cases, even if your device is completely waterproof, you will not be able to protect it from dust, and dust is one of the major factors that create minor issues in the circuit or other hardware of the device.
More Information About IPX7 and IP67 Rating
Undoubtedly in the comparison between IPX7 and IP67, The upper hand lies with IP67. But, there is still the primary thing that you must keep in mind with the devices of both the IP ratings.
In the matter of dust, there is no issue with IP67 because it provides full-on resistance to the dust and other solid objects, but when it comes to water, there is a minor drawback that comes with both IPX7 and IP67 ratings.
The drawback is that even if your completely waterproof device falls into the water, it can only survive up to 1-meter depth. If the depth is more than 1 meter, the device with either rating will not survive.
Moreover, you must retrieve the fallen device from the water within 30 minutes. Because after half an hour, it will indeed get ruined due to the issues in a device because of water.
Indeed it can be a major bummer for the users because every IP rating, whether 5, 6, 7, or even the maximum number 8, has few drawbacks due to which users must handle each device with extreme care.
Summing it Up
So here, this comparison guide comes to an end, and we hope that by the end of this article, you have a piece of complete knowledge about the difference between IPX7 and IP67.
Now we hope that after reading this article, you will know which IP rating is better than the other whenever you go to purchase a new electronic device. Users should always go for IP ratings that offer resistance against both solid objects and fluids, which is IP67.
You can buy a device that comes with an IPX7 rating with them, but you will have to keep it safe outside because it does not have dust resistance. But, what is the point of buying a device that only gives resistance against water, anyway?