What is IP certification and what it means for CHIGEE users
Introduction – why do we need IP ratings?
If you’re buying a device that will work in tough conditions—rain, mud, high-pressure water, or a dusty environment—you’ll likely see an IP marking in the technical specs. For motorcyclists using CHIGEE products this matters a lot, because they need confidence that their device will handle any conditions on long-distance rides.
IP stands for Ingress Protection—it’s a standard that, through a precisely defined set of procedures and requirements, makes it easy to compare products for resistance to ingress.
How to read IP markings – what do the digits mean?
An IP rating consists of the letters “IP” plus two digits. The first digit defines protection against solids, the second against water. The certification may also include one or two supplementary letters.
First digit – degree of protection against solids (e.g., dust or sand)
| Digit | Size of solid object | Description |
|---|---|---|
| X | No data | No specification of protection against solids |
| 0 | No protection | No protection |
| 1 | ≥ 50 mm | Protection against access to hazardous parts with the back of the hand. Protection against solid objects with a diameter ≥ 50 mm. |
| 2 | ≥ 12.5 mm | Protection against access to hazardous parts with a finger. Protection against solid objects with a diameter ≥ 12.5 mm. |
| 3 | ≥ 2.5 mm | Protection against access to hazardous parts with a tool. Protection against solid objects with a diameter ≥ 2.5 mm. |
| 4 | ≥ 1 mm | Protection against access to hazardous parts with a wire. Protection against solid objects with a diameter ≥ 1 mm. |
| 5 | Dust – limited ingress | Protection against access to hazardous parts with a wire. Protection against dust; limited ingress permitted that does not interfere with operation. |
| 6 | Dust – no ingress | Protection against access to hazardous parts with a wire. Completely dust-tight. |
Second digit – degree of protection against liquids (e.g., water)
| Digit | Type of liquid exposure | Description |
|---|---|---|
| X | No data | No specification of protection against water |
| 0 | No protection | No protection |
| 1 | Dripping water | Protection against vertically falling drops of water. |
| 2 | Dripping water at an angle | Protection against drops when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from vertical. |
| 3 | Spraying water | Protection against water sprayed up to 60° from vertical. |
| 4 | Splashing water | Protection against splashing water from any direction. |
| 5 | Water jet 12.5 l/min | Protection against water jets (12.5 l/min) from any direction. |
| 6 | Powerful water jet 100 l/min | Protection against powerful water jets (100 l/min) from any direction. |
| 7 | Short-term immersion | Protection against short-term immersion in water (30 min, depth 0.15–1 m depending on the enclosure). |
| 8 | Continuous immersion | Protection against continuous immersion in water (conditions agreed with the manufacturer). |
| 9 | High-pressure jet +80°C |
Protection against flooding by a high-pressure water jet (8–10 MPa, +80°C), DIN 40050. |
What does the letter “K” mean in IP69K?
The letter K means the device meets the highest standard of protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water, compliant with DIN 40050-9. In practice—IP69K is used, for example, in military equipment, special-purpose vehicles, and industrial devices that need to be cleaned with a pressure washer.
CHIGEE products compared in practice:
AIO-6 – IP69K
The highest possible rating, fully dust-tight and waterproof. Can be washed with a pressure washer, e.g., at a touchless car wash.
AIO-5 Play – IP68
Dust-tight, withstands prolonged immersion in water. Fully resistant to heavy rain and splashes.
AIO-5 Lite – IP67
Dust-tight, resistant to short-term immersion. Fully resistant to heavy rain and splashes.
XR-2 - IP68
Dust-tight, withstands prolonged immersion in water. Fully resistant to heavy rain and splashes.
TR100 – IP66
Fully dust-tight charger, resistant to powerful water jets from any direction (riding in heavy rain, splashes). Not intended for immersion or close-range pressure-washing; to maintain the IP rating, keep the port covers closed.
How to use AIO-5 vs AIO-6 in practice?
- AIO-6 (IP69K): Use confidently in extreme conditions—mud, sand, downpours, and even a pressure washer after off-road rides. An ideal choice for ADV, off-road, and year-round riders.
- AIO-5 Play (IP68): Very strong protection—no problem in rain or on long highway stretches in a downpour. Immersion won’t hurt it either, but I’d avoid pressure-washing at close range.
- AIO-5 Lite (IP67): Sufficient for city and touring in normal conditions. Downpour? OK. Puddle? OK. But there’s no guarantee under prolonged immersion or high-pressure cleaning.
Summary
The IP rating isn’t a marketing slogan—it’s a real indicator of a device’s resistance to dust and water. If you ride in demanding conditions and want maximum toughness—choose AIO-6. If you value water resistance and durability but don’t plan to pressure-wash the device—AIO-5 Play is ideal. For city and touring rides where conditions are moderate—AIO-5 Lite is more than enough.