Consumers highly value waterproof electronics. The feature tells if the product is resistant to moisture and dust particles and is submersible.
Since electronics are sensitive to damage from water, this is an important factor to consider. Besides, it is off-putting for customers to find products that lack this quality.
However, simply labeling it as waterproof may not suffice. In such cases, the IP or JIS rating to measure waterproofing and dust resistance capacities for electronics comes to the rescue.
Let’s briefly discuss the systems so that you have a better understanding of them when you choose to buy your next electronics.
Understanding IP Ratings
What are IP Ratings?
Ingress Protection Rating or just IP is a way to measure how well electrical devices resist water, dust, and other objects. We should know that if water or dust gets into electrical equipment, it’s bound to malfunction or deteriorate. Therefore, if you know the IP and understand the rating, you’ll know how vulnerable your electronics are to dust or water damage.
IP rating was developed by the IEC International Electrotechnical Commission. Globally, it is used extensively in the electrical industry.
With a certified IP Rating, manufacturers can firmly claim the degree of protection their products provide. Moreover, it proves the legitimacy of the item. Hence, it enables the customer to determine whether a product meets their needs or not.
Deciphering the IP Rating Code
Now that we have discussed the IP code, let us look at how to decipher it. To start with, this rating code is a two-digit number. The first digit indicates the level of dust protection, while the second digit describes the level of water protection.
When you breakdown a specific IP rating, it includes:
- IP = Ingress Protection
- First Digit = Solids Protection Scale number
- Second Digit = Liquid Protection Scale number
Usually, the higher the number after IP, you may expect more protection from foreign bodies. Besides, sometimes an X will appear instead of a number. In this case, the enclosure has not yet been rated for the specified specification.
For example, if you see IPX5, you will understand that water projected from any direction against the product shall have no damaging effects. In addition, IPX5 denotes excellent protection against dust. Further, you may see several other letters after the IP. They may also describe different levels of defense.
Follow these links to find the IP rating breakdown table with details.
Applications and Importance IP Ratings
When manufacturers register their products with an IP rating, they must test them by a professional and certified company. It lets manufacturers claim confidently about their product’s safety and durability.
Above all, safety is one of the major reasons IP ratings were introduced. For instance, you will know the level of protection from installing a light fixture in an outdoor or wet area if you are aware of IP safety standards. Besides, when purchasing light fixtures or other products, you can compare the sealing levels of different types of electrical enclosures. Additionally, you will understand the way an enclosure will protect the electrical parts inside. When you install a fixture, this also helps you comply with wiring regulations.
Remember that, enclosures or houses that are not properly IP-rated may allow dust and moisture to penetrate easily. This could end up in deterioration of the product as well as cause severe hazards.
Moreover, an IP rating tells you whether a product can be used in hazardous environments. For example, knowing the IP rating of your camera can help you determine whether it is suitable for use in high temperatures or humid conditions or in rain or can be submerged underwater. Furthermore, an IP rating can greatly increase the lifespan of an electrical enclosure and its components.
Finally, it is often a legal requirement to comply with IP ratings. It is one of the essential ratings in highly regulated sectors such as energy, electricity, medical and public utilities.
Demystifying JIS Standards
Introduction to JIS Standards
JIS or The Japanese Industrial Standards, represent a set of industrial standards. The Japanese Standards Association (JSA) developed and published it with representatives from government, industry, and academia. Moreover, they review and update it regularly according to the latest technologies and practices.
This standard covers areas such as electronics, chemicals, construction, and machinery. Furthermore, despite its voluntary nature, it is widely used by various businesses throughout Japan. In fact, it is an essential component of Japanese quality assurance. Lastly, JIS standards are also used by businesses in other countries.
JIS Categories and Codes
The standard starts with the prefix JIS. Then, it is followed by a letter. It may depict the area of division. After that, there will be four digits.
Japanese JIS standards are mostly used around Asia and Pacific areas. Moreover, Korean, Chinese, and Taiwanese steel specifications are often based on JIS specifications.
Besides, as technology and industry practices change, a new edition is published every few years. Lastly, compliance with JIS standards ensures the quality and safety of products and services.
Click here to see different JIS codes,
JIS Adoption Beyond Japan
Internationally, JIS standards are widely adopted. Mostly, you will see the use of JIS standards widely in Asia and the Pacific areas. Moreover, Korean, Chinese, and Taiwanese steel specifications are also based on JIS steel specifications. One such example is the JIS G3445 steel specification. It shows low-carbon tube steel with various percentages of other elements.
Furthermore, JIS is a transparent process. As we all know, the process is guided by the government, scholars, and other stakeholders. Moreover, the standard ensures a high level of technical accuracy.
IP vs. JIS: A Comparative Analysis
The information on IP and JIS ratings till now has given us some ideas about what to expect. As we know, they both evaluate the quality of a product based on factors such as dust, moisture, and more. There are however some prime differences.
IP vs. JIS: Key Differences
To begin with, one of the major differences between IP and JIS standards is how they are used globally. In this regard, IP is more widely used, while JIS is more common in Japan. Nevertheless, it is stretching in the international arena as well. Accordingly, IP ratings are more common and recognized internationally.
Additionally, when we observe the rating patterns we will see, that IP ratings are primarily number-based. Typically, a higher number indicates better protection. In contrast, JIS ratings follow a letter system in the beginning. In this system, A indicates the best. Afterwards, the letter is followed by four digits.
When to Use IP or JIS Ratings
Even though both of the standards are highly reliable, we cannot use both when labeling a product. Hence, we may have to decide between whether to use IP or JIS codes.
The first recommendation we would make is to choose IP standards if your product is marketed internationally. It is because IP is more widely used internationally. In contrast, you may choose JIS standards if your product is based in Japan or other Asian or Pacific countries.
In addition, IP standards are more general in their rating. It covers all types of ingress protection. Meanwhile, use JIS ratings if you require a specific ingress protection rating. This is because JIS is regarded as more specific when compared to IP ratings.
Practical Applications of IP and JIS Ratings
There are various levels of dust-proofing and waterproofing. For example, water-resistant radios may not necessarily be able to be submerged in water. Hence, we will find IP or JIS ratings when we buy equipment such as electric fixtures, cameras, radios, laptops, medical tools, and many more.
For example, a two-way radio with an IP68 rate would allow you to hike in a wet or dusty environment. Similarly, two-way radios with JIS 8 water resistance can be submerged in water or used even underwater.
Conclusion
IP and JIS ratings are two different systems that are used to rate the water and dust ingression of electrical equipment. Both of the standards are designed highly reliable. However, IP ratings are more widely used compared to JIS ratings.
Both of the standards are quite easy to follow. Upon learning how to read and interpret the codings, choosing the right product will be easy. As a result, you will be aware of how much water or dust the product can withstand. Furthermore, you’ll know what kind of environment your product can be used in, ensuring your and your product’s safety.