The IP rating for dust and water resistance
The water and dirt resistance of an AED is given in the IP classification. Every AED has an "IP Code" which stands for "International Protection Rating" or "Ingress Protection Rating.
The IP resistance grade is indicated with 2 digits: the first digit indicates protection against foreign objects and dirt, the second digit indicates resistance to water. The code is expressed as IPXX with "X" being numbers. For example, you may find an AED on the AEDexpert website that has an "IP" Rating of 55 (This is the second highest rating). The first numerical digit indicates the level of protection against solid particles such as dust, dirt or other matter. The second numerical digit indicates the level of protection from harmful ingress of water.
The higher the value of each number the higher the resistance to these contaminants. Here's the scale you can refer to as you compare AED models:
| First Digit | Description | IP rate |
| 0 | No protection against contact and ingress of objects | IP0X |
| 1 | Any large surface of the body, such as the back of a hand, but no protection against deliberate contact with a body part | IP1X |
| 2 | Fingers or similar objects | IP2X |
| 3 | Tools, thick wires, etc | IP3X |
| 4 | Most wires, screws, etc | IP4X |
| 5 | Dust-proof - Ingress of dust is not entirely prevented, but it must not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment | IP5X |
| 6 | Dust-tight; complete protection against contact | IP6X |
The second numerical digit indicates the level of protection from harmful ingress of water:
| Second Digit | Description | IP rate |
| 0 | Not protected | IPX0 |
| 1 | Dripping water | IPX1 |
| 2 | Dripping water when tilted up to 15 degrees | IPX2 |
| 3 | Spraying water | IPX3 |
| 4 | Splashing water | IPX4 |
| 5 | Water jets | IPX5 |
| 6 | Powerful water jets | IPX6 |
| 7 | Protected against submersion Up to 1 meter and for 30 minutes | IPX7 |
| 8 | Protected against laying under water | IPX8 |
The most suitable AED for your situation depends on the needed IP rating. See our offer of AEDs with high IP ratings - average IP ratings and low IP ratings.