IP Ratings Explained: Waterproof, Dustproof & Shockproof Vape Devices

Ingress Protection, or sometimes incorrectly understood as International Protection rating, is a code given to tested products by the International Electrotechnical Commission, in regards to internal electrical enclosures and electronic devices to see how they perform against moisture and solid matter such as fingers, dust, and even insects. Meant to standardize claims made by manufacturers, IP ratings are useful in understanding the abilities and limitations of products. A higher rating means more protection against solid matter and moisture, which signifies a higher degree of quality construction. These ratings are always evolving with additional tests and conditions being made at the discretion of the rating agency.

Just like smartphones and portable speakers, many vape devices today are starting to take this protection rating into account, constructing box mods and other vape devices to fit within and meet the accepted standards. IP ratings fall within the range of 0-9, with higher numbers signaling tighter restrictions and parameters and lower numbers meaning that the device has less protection against solid matter and moisture. A common rating found for vaping devices is IP67. Let's break down this rating and see what it means as a whole and how it applies to or can change your lifestyle.

The first digit is the intrusion rating against particulate matter and solid objects like fingers, particulate dust, and even ants. The higher the rating, the more things it is protected against. An IP rating of 6 means that the product is dust-tight, preventing any ingress or intrusion of dust into the working parts of the device.

The second digit is the rating of intrusion of moisture and liquids. The increasing levels of waterproofing are against dropping or falling rain, powerful sprays and jets of water, and finally immersion within a body of water. An IP rating of 7 on the second digit of the rating number means the product can be fully immersed in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes with no adverse effects to the operation of the device. Any number higher has better water resistance qualities, culminating in full continuous submersion with no effect to the device. Lower numbers have less protection against moisture or water and liquids.

One example of the IP67 rating implemented on vaping devices is the Aegis Box Mod Series from Geek Vape, with its ability to function under running water. This does not mean you can vape underwater - rather, it is completely protected to withstand water submersion and intrusion for 30 minutes to a depth of 1 meter. Check out the functionality of the Geek Vape Aegis X in the gif below!

Sometimes you will see a rating that includes an “X”, such as IP5X or IP7X. The usage of the X is placed due to insufficient data or lack of tests. Although the rating is not an accepted valid rating for international standards, it should be accepted as a placeholder for 0, or no protection rating in that category. Since these ratings are for electrical enclosures and devices, it is best to be safe, as the intrusion of dust or moisture can be catastrophic for electronic devices.

As the protection rating extends to include more situational and conditional tests, some products will have a letter added to the end and they all denote aspects about the tests performed on the device. Please reference the chart at the bottom to see what the addition of certain letters can mean.

Please take into consideration that IP ratings are for given on the final construction of the device, before it is used by the customer as testing is undertaken by the manufacturer with new products. Usage and conventional wear and tear during the lifespan of the device can compromise the IP rating as falls and drops can loosen and damage parts or potentially jeopardize seals and connections, especially within vapes. Something that is sold as dust and waterproof can lose that rating from prolonged use and result in failure if exposed to moisture and dust.

We hope this post has been helpful in deciphering and understanding more about vaping and the devices used in them. If you have a question about IP Ratings and how they pertain to your vape device, please contact our helpful customer service team. Check out our website for a full range of vaping devices and our blog covering all things vape-related. Thanks for reading and please remember to wash your hands and stay safe during these times.