Few things can boost your motivation and confidence than listening to your favourite music tracks during a workout. Lots of people like to get in their music bubble and double down: but how do sweat and tears affect your headphones?
What is an IP rating?
IP stands for Ingress Protection Marking, which classifies and rates the degree of protection provided by mechanical and electrical casings against dust, water and other intrusions. In other words, the IP rating will tell you how your product is designed to handle moisture, water and dust.
How do I check the IP rating of my device?
You can consult the IP rating in the specifications of each product. You can find the specifications tab on the upper left-hand side of your product page, next to the Product Highlights.
Alternatively, you can consult the specifications in the Help Guide or manual, which is also available on the product page.
If you can’t find any IP rating, your product is not officially resistant to dust or moisture (this includes sweat). Repeated exposure to dust and humidity could potentially damage your product. Always make sure to check the IP rating of your headphones before using them in physical activities that potentially drench you in sweat or expose you to lots of moisture or dust. Sony’s Sports Wireless Headphones such as the WF-SP900 and the WF-SP700N are examples of headphones specifically designed for sports enthusiasts and have an IP rating.
IP rating overview
|
Protection from solid objects and dust
|
Protection from water
|
|
IP0X
|
No special protection
|
IPX0
|
No special protection
|
|
IP1X
|
Protected against solid objects > 50mm in diameter
|
IPX1
|
Protected against dripping water
|
|
IP2X
|
Protected against solid objects > 12.5mm in diameter
|
IPX2
|
Protected against dripping water when tilted up to 15 degrees from the normal position
|
|
IP3X
|
Protected against solid objects > 2.5mm in diameter
|
IPX3
|
Protected against spraying water
|
|
IP4X
|
Protected against solid objects > 1mm in diameter
|
IPX4
|
Protected against splashing water
|
|
IP5X
|
Protected against dust; limited ingress (no harmful deposit)
|
IPX5
|
Protected against low-pressure water jet spray for at least 3 minutes
|
|
IP6X
|
Dust-tight
|
IPX6
|
Protected against heavy jet spray for at least 3 minutes
|
|
|
|
IPX7
|
Protected against the effects of immersion in up to 3.29 feet of water for 30 minutes
|
|
|
|
IPX8
|
Protected against the effects of continued immersion in water depths greater than 3.29 feet. The exact conditions are specified for each device by the manufacturer.
|
