This is where ATM ratings come in.
Basic care
While many manufacturers tend to follow IP ratings, some independently test their products to determine how much static pressure they can withstand when submerged. These pressure tests are measured in ATMs — which stands for atmospheres — and are converted to water depth to make the measurements easier to comprehend. One ATM is equivalent to the static pressure exerted by static submersion in 10 meters of water.
The higher the ATM rating, the deeper the product can go without being affected, as deeper water exerts more pressure. The basic ATM water-resistance levels are described below. Again, these ratings are for static pressure, meaning that if the device is resting still in a test chamber, it can tolerate pressure up to the rated value and will function properly upon its removal.
Water and dust resistance – all you need to know
Conversely, any application of dynamic pressure caused by movement of the wearer such as diving into the water, for example increases the pressure of water exposure. So, while a 3 ATM-rated fitness band could easily withstand rain, it might be damaged if sprayed with a powerful hose.
Products are independently tested by the manufacturer under ISO test specifications. Those that meet the ISO This, along with the Speedo On swim tracking app , 5 make the two new wearables ideal companions for any swim, whether tackling laps or going for a relaxing dip in the pool. This is why a device with a 1 ATM rating offers no submersion protection or general water resistance. This means if the device is sitting perfectly still in a test chamber it can endure pressure up to the rated value and then, upon removal from the test chamber it will function.
Any application of dynamic pressure caused by movement of the wearer such as swimming, diving into a pool, falling off a jet ski, etc. This is why a watch that is rated for 3 ATM and would survive a rainstorm just fine will end up damaged if it is sprayed with a high-pressure water hose. Not all water exposure is equal!
The ATM rating is unofficial in the sense that there is not an official body that conducts ATM tests and enforces adherence to guidelines. Watches or wearables rated from ATM are labeled as such by the manufacturer and not always labeled in a way that adheres with the common conventions used by other manufacturers.
If the IP rating is not provided by a manufacturer you should take their claims with a grain of salt and certainly read the manual very carefully to see what water resistance, if any, the device is supposed to have. The device in question might be water resistant but you have no real way of knowing how water resistant it is.
The rating number given for each category indicates that the device in question has met the requirements for each previous rating e. Although this article is focused on understanding water resistance, smartphone and wearable manufacturers do reference the physical ingress rating too when talking about protection from sand and dust.
The IP rating table for protection against physical ingress is as follows. Table courtesy of Wikipedia. Practically speaking, the IP protection levels largely are irrelevant to the gadget market.
The very design of smartphones and portable electronics practically guarantees at least IP4 rating as the openings on these devices are never big enough for someone to stick a finger or a screwdriver in. There is a similar, albeit more detailed, table for liquid ingress. So, looking at these charts, we can determine the ingress protection of a gadget. You can see how things get more complicated, though.
The physical ingress chart is pretty simple. With the liquids chart there are many additional parameters including length of exposure, water pressure, water depth and so on.
What Makes a Device Waterproof or Water-Resistant?
To further complicate things, the manufacturer specifies the operational conditions for the test. Read More has a rating of IP In those two digits, the first digit refers to dust protection, in which 6 is the highest rating and most smartphones achieve this today. The second digit refers to water protection, in which 9 is the highest rating but most phones top off at 7 or 8. Generally, any device that is rated as 5, 6, 7, or 8 will protect against the first four as well, i.
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant
What all of this means is that when you look at any water-resistant phone, you should check the last number in the IPxx rating. The higher the number, the better the protection. And before you ask, no, there is no external case that makes a device completely waterproof either. Well, there's a case for that! Read More , but they also have a similar IP68 or so rating. If your device has any flaps, close them.
Leaving a flap unfastened or pressing a button will break the rubberized seal formed inside the device, thus letting water enter. However, some phones and case makers do let you press buttons underwater, so make sure you read whether yours allows it. Can you take your phone into the sea? Should you take it into the sea? All of the IP tests are performed with fresh water, not with sea water. In case you do take it in, rinse it completely with fresh water before using it again.
All the IP tests only protect against water, not coffee spills and dunks in muddy water. Any emergency requires us to take a moment or two and assess the situation.
- ATM: Used Mostly for Wearables.
- Can You Swim with Your Wearable? These Water Resistance Ratings Will Help You Find Out.
- Water and dust resistance – all you need to know – Sony support (English)?
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