IP Ratings for mobile computers / bar code scanners

IP Ratings (Ingress Protection)

IP Ratings define the level of protection against solid objects and liquids that electronic products comply to in order to allow users to decide what protection they require for their chosen hardware dependent on their application.

Environments

Office Environment - In a office or retail environment a low IP rating would be ideal to cover accidental knocks or drops and light protection against spray.

Warehouse Environment - A high IP rating will guarantee reliable performance in a dusty environment whether indoors or outdoors such as an IP67.

IP Ratings - The numbers explained

First number (Protection against solid objects) / Definition
0 / No Protection
1 / Protected against solids objects over 50mm
2 / Protected against solids objects over 12mm
3 / Protected against solids objects over 2.5mm
4 / Protected against solids objects over 1mm
5 / Protected against dust - limited ingress (no harmful deposit)
6 / Totally protected against dust

Second number (Protection against liquids) / Definition
0 / No Protection
1 / Protected against vertically falling drops of water
2 / Protected against direct sprays up to 15 degrees from the vertical
3 / Protection against direct sprays of water up to 60 degrees from vertical
4 / Protected against sprays from all directions - limited ingress permitted
5 / Protected against low pressure jets if water from all directions - limited ingress permitted
6 / Protected against strong jets of water e.g. for use on shipdecks - limited ingress permitted
7 / Protected against the effects of temporary immersion between 15cm and 1m. Duration of test 30 minutes
8 / Protected against long periods of immersion under pressure


Office /Retail environments require lower IP ratings due to the reduced risk of dust and water contact, products suitable for this environment include:
IP: Symbol MC50 pocket pc handheld computer pda - ideal for mobile managers
IP54: Intermec CN3: pocket pc handheld computer pda - suitable for managers in office/retail

In warehouse environments products should have relevant IP ratings depending on the environmental conditions.
IP64: Symbol MC9000 series is a rugged pocket pc handheld computer
IP64: HHP Dolphin 9500 series is a rugged pocket pc mobile computer
IP65: Symbol LS3408 rugged industrial bar code scanner
IP65: Symbol LS3478 cordless industrial barcode scanner using WLAN