Waterproof drone ratings – The Complete Guide

Waterproof Drone Ratings – What is an IP Rating?

Waterproof ratings for drones utilise the IP code. The IP Code stands for International Protection Marking and is sometimes interpreted as Ingress Protection Rating.  This is an international standard that defines a products protection level against intrusion, dust, accidental contact, and water.

The code is published by the International Electrotechnical Commission – IEC standard 60529.

An IP Code appears as the letters IP with two digits and an optional letter following. For example, the Poseidon Pro has a dust and water-proof rating of IP67.

Why is an IP Code Important?

Many products and devices these days are advertised using statements such as “water proof” and “water resistant”.  But how do we as a consumer know that these claims are true?   This is where waterproof drone ratings are so important.

The IP rating system allow buyers to make an informed purchasing decision when looking for a product that is specifically dust and water proof especially when looking for a waterproof fishing drone.

This rating system is especially important when looking to purchase products such as fishing drones that will be subjected to wind and water. As you will see there are many levels of “Dust and water resistance” – to merely claim that a product is waterproof can mean very little.

Always look for a manufacturer that is prepared to stand behind their product and note the International Ingress Protection Rating.

Waterproof Drone Ratings – So how do we decipher these codes?

The first number of the IP rating represents how resistant the product is to solid particles.  This number is ranked on a scale of 0 to 6 with 0 indicating no protection at all, and 6 being completely dust proof.

The second number indicates the product’s resistance to liquids.  Essentially measuring how well the housing keeps water away from the electrical components inside the device.  This number is ranked on a scale of 0 to 8 with 0 indicating no protection at all and 8 being completely water proof with the ability to remain under deep water without failing.

IP Code For First Digit – Protection against solids

0 – No protection assured

1 – Protection assured against solid objects that are over 50mm (e.g. hands).

2 – Protection assured against solid objects that are over 12.5mm (e.g. fingers).

Protection assured against solid objects that are over 2.5mm (e.g. wires).

4 – Protection assured against solid objects that are over 1mm (e.g. tools and small wires).

5 – Protected against quantity of dust that could interfere with the normal operation of the product but not fully dust tight. Complete protection against solid objects.

6 – Fully dust tight and complete protection against solid objects.

IP Code for Second Digit – Protection against liquids

0 – No protection assured.

1 – Protection assured against vertical drops of water.

2 – Protection assured against vertical drops of water when the product is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.

3 – Protection assured against direct sprays of water at any angle up to 60°.

4 – Protection assured against water splashing from any angle.

5 – Protection assured against water jets projected by a nozzle (6.3mm) from any angle.

6 – Protection assured against powerful water jets projected by a nozzle (12.5mm) from any angle.

7 – Protection assured against water immersion at a depth between 15 cm and 1 meter for maximum 30 minutes.

8 – Protection assured against long periods of water immersion at a depth of over 1 meter.

So what does the IP Code mean for Fishing Drone purchasers?

Essentially when purchasing a drone for fishing you want to have the highest waterproof drone rating possible to ensure longevity of your drone in all weather conditions. It is also vitally important that waterproof does not mean corrosion proof and all drones need to be maintained, cleaned and protected using a good anti-corrosion product such as Corrosion X.

IP67 is the minimum waterproof rating you should be looking for and remember that IP67 is not fully waterproof, but it does provide the minimum protection rating you should choose.

If you are looking for a drone that is built to not only withstand but perform in windy and wet conditions then look no further than the Cuta Copter and Swellpro Splashdrone 3+.

Waterproof Drones Australia click here