The IP scale assesses how stable an outdoor speaker is against environmental conditions. The scale distinguishes between the influences of dirt and contact on the one hand and water on the other. "IP" stands for "International Protection" and always consists of "IP" and two digits, for example: IP44. The first digit relates to protection against contact and dirt; the second to protection against water, for example in the rain or in indoor or outdoor pools. Heavy soiling, on the other hand, is not only an issue in outdoor scenarios, but also in riding arenas where you need IP66. We have summarized here exactly what the numbers mean according to ISO 20653:
Digit | Contact and dust | Water |
0 | No protection | No protection |
1 | Protected against large-surface contact, protected against solid foreign objects (Ø ≥ 50 mm) | Protected against vertically dripping waterr |
2 | Protected against hand contact, protected against solid foreign objects (Ø ≥ 12 mm) | Protected against diagonally (up to 15°) dripping water |
3 | Protected against contact with tools and wires (Ø ≥ 2.5 mm) | Protected against spray water up to 60° against to vertical |
Protected against solid foreign objects (Ø ≥ 2.5 mm) |
4 | Protected against contact with tools and wires (Ø ≥ 1 mm) Protected against grainy foreign objects (Ø ≥ 1 mm) | Protected against splashing water from all sides |
4K | / | Protected against spray water from all sides with increased pressure |
5 | / | Protected against jets of water (nozzles) from any angle |
5K | Complete protection against accidental contact, protected from dust in harmful quantities (dust-protected) | / |
6 | / | Protected against powerful water jets |
6K | Complete protection against accidental contact and protection against the ingress of dust (dust-proof) | Protected against powerful jets of water under increased pressure |
7 | / | Protected against intermittent submersion |
8 | / | Protected against constant submersion |
9K | / | Protected against water during high-pressure/steam jet cleaning for road vehicles |
IP20 is completely sufficient in your average sitting room, for example. In an uncovered outdoor area of a restaurant or a beer garden, however, IP44 is advisable.