Waterproof walkie-talkies offer a lot of convenience and reduce your risk for communication disasters. Certain job sites and events require waterproof radios due to heightened risk of water exposure. Some radios are backed by greater moisture protection than others. To prevent confusion there’s an IP Code, or International Protection Rating, listed for each radio. This code number is used to define how much protection against water and solids a device is equipped with.
How
to Read IP Ratings for Waterproof Walkie-Talkies
IP
stands for Ingress Protection, or the level of protection provided by radio
enclosures. The first number after the
letter P stands for “Solids Protection,” and the second digit stands for
“Liquid Protection.” “Solids” include things like fingers, hands and dust.
While “liquids” define moisture of many kinds. These standards are intended to
provide more clarity than simply deeming every two-way radio waterproof.
Otherwise, devices that can only withstand some water for short periods of time
get lumped together with devices that can be submerged in water for 30 minutes
or more.
Even
electrical sockets get an IP rating. IP22 is the minimum requirement for
interior electrical accessories. This number means outlets will not be damaged
if someone tries to stick a finger inside, and they remain safe even if water
drips over the outlet. Although, IP22 would be considered a low rating for
two-way radios. The most waterproof protection you can get is a number 8. While
the most solid protection you can get is a 6. That means the highest level of
protection against liquids and solids comes from a rating of IP68.
This
specific rating indicates a device is completely protected against dust
ingress, as well as long term immersion up to a certain pressure. Using the
term “waterproof” suggests that no amount of water can damage a two-way radio.
It’s important to note that electronics are more water resistant than
waterproof. Just about any device will eventually incur damages if left
submerged in water for too long or under too great of pressure.
You
may find that waterproof radios are more on the pricey side, which is making
you lean more towards the weatherproof equipment. If working on a tight budget,
it might be an idea to invest in waterproof carry cases or even simple
waterproof bags that your radio can fit into. It might also be an idea to
really think about the environment the radios will be used in.
The
use of waterproof walkie-talkie is becoming more and more
popular due to different working or leisure environments. Whilst some devices
are fully waterproof, there are others which are waterproof or water resistant.
A weatherproof or water-resistant walkie talkie will only be suitable when
there’s a slim chance your walkie talkie will be fully submerged in water. We’d
also recommend you use a brightly coloured radio, or ensure your radio is
visible to you when dropped on the ground or in water so it can be easily
retrieved.
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