The Truth About IP68: How Water-Resistant Your Gadgets Really Are

Understanding Smartwatch Water Resistance: The Meaning of IP67 and IP68 Ratings

When shopping for a new smartwatch, you'll inevitably come across technical jargon like "IP67" or "IP68" ratings. These codes are crucial for understanding the level of exposure to dust and water your device can withstand. Far from just marketing hype, these are standardized ratings set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

Here is a breakdown of what these ratings mean for your wearable tech and its real-world applications.

Deciphering the IP Code

The "IP" stands for Ingress Protection. The two digits that follow specify the level of protection against solids and liquids, respectively:

·         First Digit (0-6): Protection Against Solids. A rating of "6" is the highest, indicating that the device is completely dust-tight and offers full protection against dust, dirt, and sand. Both IP67 and IP68 watches share this top-tier dust protection.

·         Second Digit (0-9): Protection Against Liquids. This digit indicates the level of water resistance. The higher the number, the better the protection against water ingress. This is where IP67 and IP68 differ.

·         IP67 vs. IP68: The Key Differences

·         Both IP67 and IP68 offer a high level of protection, but the crucial difference lies in the conditions of water submersion they are designed to withstand.

1. IP67: Built for Accidental, Temporary Submersion

An IP67 rating provides a clear, universally defined standard for water resistance:

·         The device can be submerged in up to 1 meter of fresh, static water for a maximum of 30 minutes without sustaining damage.

This makes an IP67 watch perfectly capable of handling rain, sweat, or a quick accidental drop in the sink or a shallow puddle. It's a robust safety net for everyday mishaps, but not designed for prolonged underwater use or swimming sessions.

2. IP68: Designed for More Demanding Use Cases

The IP68 rating is a step up, but it comes with a catch: the exact conditions are specified by the manufacturer, not a universal standard. The official definition is simply that the device can be continuously submerged in water beyond the 1-meter limit of IP67 under conditions defined by the company that made it.

This means:

·         One IP68 smartwatch might be rated for 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.

·         Another might be rated for 6 meters for 30 minutes, like certain iPhone models.

Devices with this rating are better suited for activities like swimming or showering (check manufacturer details), but you must read the fine print to understand the specific depth and time limits.

Important Caveats: What IP Ratings Don't Cover

It is crucial to remember that "waterproof" is a misnomer; these devices are water-resistant under very specific, controlled laboratory conditions.

·         Freshwater Only: The IEC tests are conducted using fresh water. Saltwater, chlorinated pool water, soap, or other liquids (like coffee or soda) can corrode the seals and are not covered by the warranty. Always rinse your watch with fresh water after exposure to the ocean or a pool.

• Static Pressure: The tests involve static, still water. Movement underwater, like swimming strokes, or high-pressure water jets (such as from a shower or a powerful hose), generate dynamic pressure that can exceed the rating's limits and force water inside the device.
• Degradation Over Time: The rubber seals and adhesives that provide water resistance can weaken and degrade over time due to wear and tear, extreme temperatures, or physical impacts (like dropping the watch). An older watch may no longer meet its original IP rating.
• Warranty: Most manufacturers' warranties do not cover liquid damage, even for IP68-rated devices.

The ratings provide a safeguard against accidental exposure to water, but they are not a guarantee for recreational or prolonged underwater use.

Image of a Watch with IP68 Rating.

Swimming-Ready Sports Watches

For swimming, watches should have at least an IP68 rating and a water resistance rating of at least 5 ATM. The IP rating indicates protection against continuous immersion in still water, while the 5 ATM (atmospheres) rating ensures it can handle the pressure and movement of swimming strokes.

Recommended Ratings

• 5 ATM (or WR50/50m): This is the critical rating for water pressure resistance during actual swimming. A 5 ATM watch can withstand pressure equivalent to a depth of 50 meters and is suitable for shallow-water activities like pool swimming.
• 10 ATM: This rating provides an extra margin of safety and is ideal for more vigorous water activities, including snorkeling and various water sports.

Note: An IP67 rating is only suitable for temporary, accidental submersion in shallow water (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes) and is not recommended for swimming workouts.

Available Models

• Garmin Swim 2: Specifically designed for swimmers, this watch has a 5 ATM water resistance rating and offers detailed swim metrics.
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Carries both an IP68 and 5 ATM rating, ensuring suitability for swimming with automatic swim recognition.
• Fitbit Versa 4: Rated for 5 ATM, it offers basic swim tracking capabilities.
• Huawei Watch GT 3: Also features a 5 ATM water resistance rating for general swim tracking.
• Huawei Watch 5: Offers a high IP69 rating and support for freediving up to 40 meters, making it a highly capable swimming companion.

Always check the specific manufacturer's guidelines for depth and duration limits, and ensure you rinse the watch with fresh water after use in chlorinated or salt water to protect the seals.

In conclusion, both IP67 and IP68 offer excellent protection for everyday smartwatch use. An IP67 watch is sufficient for splashes and brief accidental submersions, while an IP68 watch offers a higher degree of flexibility for activities like swimming, provided you check the manufacturer's specific depth and duration guidelines.