What is Flashlight IPX Water Resistance Rating? | How to Choose for Safe Use in Rain, by Water, and Outdoors
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What is IPX Waterproof Rating?
IPX (Ingress Protection) is an international standard (IEC 60529) that indicates the waterproof and dustproof performance of electronic devices. A higher number after "IPX" indicates a higher waterproof performance. When choosing a flashlight, it is important to check the IPX rating suitable for your intended use.
IPX Waterproof Rating List
Splash-proof
Protected against splashing water from any direction
Jet-proof
Protected against water jets from any direction
Powerful Jet-proof
Protected against powerful water jets from any direction
Submersible
Protected against immersion in 1m of water for 30 minutes
Submersible (Deep)
Protected against continuous immersion in 1m+ of water
Detailed Comparison by IPX Rating
| Rating | Waterproof Level | Test Conditions | Suitable Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPX4 | Splash-proof | Splashing water from all directions | Daily use, light rain, indoors |
| IPX5 | Jet-proof | 12.5L/min water jet for 3 minutes | Rainy weather, light outdoor activities |
| IPX6 | Powerful Jet-proof | 100L/min powerful water jet for 3 minutes | Hiking, night fishing, disaster preparedness, heavy rain |
| IPX7 | 1m submersible for 30 min | Submerged in 1m of water for 30 minutes | Waterside, river play, heavy splashes |
| IPX8 | 1m+ submersible | Manufacturer-specified conditions | Diving, underwater work |
IPX6 is protected against "powerful water jets" but not against immersion in water (submersion). When using near water, use a strap to prevent accidental drops. IPX7 or higher is required for submersion protection.
Recommended IPX Ratings by Use
☔ Rainy weather/Daily use
Recommended: IPX4-IPX5 For normal rainy weather use, splash-proof (IPX4) or jet-proof (IPX5) is sufficient. Suitable for daily use and light outdoor activities.
🏔️ Hiking/Trekking
Recommended: IPX6 or higher Mountain weather can change suddenly. IPX6 or higher is essential to cope with heavy rain, fog, and condensation. The risk of dropping is also high, so check the impact resistance as well.
🎣 Night fishing/Waterside
Recommended: IPX6-IPX7 IPX6 or higher is required for use with splashes, rain, and near water. If there is a risk of dropping into water, an IPX7 compliant model is safer.
🚨 Disaster preparedness/Emergency
Recommended: IPX6 or higher IPX6 or higher is required for use during typhoons, heavy rains, and floods. High waterproof performance is important as use in the rain is expected during emergencies.
⛺ Camping/BBQ
Recommended: IPX5-IPX6 IPX5-IPX6 is suitable for sudden rain and use near water. For campsites near water, IPX6 or higher is safer.
🤿 Diving/Underwater work
Recommended: IPX8 For underwater use, a dedicated underwater light compliant with IPX8 is required. General flashlights are not IPX8 compliant, so avoid using them underwater.
Proper Use and Maintenance of Waterproof Flashlights
Precautions for Use
- Close the charging port cover: Always close the cover when not charging to maintain waterproof performance.
- Use a strap near water: IPX6 is not submersible, so fall prevention is important.
- Beware of dropping into water: Models below IPX7 may malfunction if dropped into water.
- Beware of seawater/saltwater: Seawater is more corrosive than fresh water. Rinse with fresh water after use.
Maintenance after Use
- Wipe off moisture with a soft cloth after use near water or in rain.
- If exposed to seawater/saltwater, rinse with fresh water and then dry.
- Pay particular attention to wiping off moisture from the charging port and around the lens.
- Store after complete drying.
Aging of Waterproof Performance
Waterproof gaskets (O-rings) deteriorate over time. Models used for a long time may have reduced waterproof performance. Regularly check the gasket of the charging port cover and contact the manufacturer if deterioration is observed.
💧 IPX6 Waterproof Performance of Aestiquo M39・M550
- IPX6 waterproof compliant: Protected against powerful water jets (100L/min for 3 minutes)
- Suitable for rain, hiking, and night fishing: Reliable even in harsh outdoor environments
- Suitable for disaster preparedness/emergency: Can be used during typhoons, heavy rains, and floods
- Aluminum alloy material: High corrosion resistance maintains long-term waterproof performance
- Impact resistant 3M (M39): Waterproof + impact resistant for complete reliability in harsh environments
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between IPX6 and IPX7?
Can I use an IPX6 flashlight in the rain?
Can I use a waterproof flashlight in seawater?
Is the charging port of a waterproof flashlight waterproof?
Which is better for night fishing, IPX6 or IPX7?
Summary
- IPX4: Splash-proof. For daily use, light rain.
- IPX5: Jet-proof. For rainy weather, light outdoor activities.
- IPX6: Powerful jet-proof. For hiking, night fishing, disaster preparedness (not submersible).
- IPX7: 1m submersible for 30 minutes. For waterside, river play.
- IPX8: 1m+ submersible. For diving, underwater work.
- Caution: IPX6 is not submersible. Use a strap to prevent accidental drops near water.
