Waterproof Ratings Explained: IP68 vs 5ATM for Swimmers

Waterproof ratings are essential specifications for many electronic devices, particularly those intended for use in or near water. Manufacturers employ various standards to denote a device’s resistance to water ingress. This article will demystify two common waterproof rating systems, Ingress Protection (IP) codes and ATM (atmospheres) ratings, with a specific focus on their implications for swimmers. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for selecting appropriate devices and ensuring their longevity.

The Ingress Protection (IP) Code, defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard 60529, classifies and rates the degree of protection provided by mechanical casings and electrical enclosures against intrusion from solid objects (dust, etc.) and water. It is a standardized system that provides clear, objective information about a device’s durability in various environments.

The Structure of an IP Code

An IP code consists of the letters “IP” followed by two digits and an optional letter. The first digit indicates protection against solid objects, while the second digit indicates protection against water.

First Digit: Solid Particle Protection

This digit ranges from 0 to 6, with higher numbers indicating greater protection.

• 0: No protection against contact and ingress of solid foreign objects.
• 1: Protection against large solid foreign objects (diameter greater than 50 mm). This usually means accidental contact with the hand.
• 2: Protection against medium-sized solid foreign objects (diameter greater than 12.5 mm). This typically includes fingers.
• 3: Protection against small solid foreign objects (diameter greater than 2.5 mm). Tools or thick wires would fall into this category.
• 4: Protection against very small solid foreign objects (diameter greater than 1 mm). This covers most wires and granular materials.
• 5: Dust protected. Ingress of dust is not entirely prevented, but it must not be in a sufficient quantity to interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment.
• 6: Dust tight. No ingress of dust. This is the highest level of protection against solids.

Second Digit: Liquid Ingress Protection

This digit ranges from 0 to 9K, indicating increasing levels of protection against water. For devices like smartwatches or phones, 8 is the highest common rating.

• 0: No protection against liquids.
• 1: Protection against vertically falling drops of water. Think of a light sprinkle.
• 2: Protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from the normal position.
• 3: Protection against spraying water. Water falling as a spray at any angle up to 60° from the vertical.
• 4: Protection against splashing water from any direction.
• 5: Protection against water jets from any direction. A garden hose would simulate this.
• 6: Protection against powerful water jets from any direction. A more powerful hose or a strong splash.
• 7: Protection against immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. This is a common rating for some smartphones.
• 8: Protection against continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer. This typically means deeper than 1 meter and for longer durations than IPX7. The manufacturer will specify the exact depth and time. For example, “IP68 tested at 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.”
• 9K: Protection against close-range high-pressure, high-temperature water jets. This is less common for consumer electronics and more for industrial cleaning applications.

What IP68 Specifically Means

When a device carries an IP68 rating, it means it offers:

• “6”: Complete protection against dust ingress. No dust can enter the device.
• “8”: Protection against continuous immersion in water. The specific depth and duration are determined by the manufacturer, but it is typically beyond 1 meter and for periods exceeding 30 minutes.

For a swimmer, IP68 is a strong indicator of water resistance. However, it is crucial to remember that “continuous immersion” does not equate to “designed for swimming.” The manufacturer’s specific depth and duration are paramount. A phone rated IP68 for 1.5 meters for 30 minutes may withstand an accidental drop in a pool, but sustained swimming could expose it to pressures and durations beyond its tested limits. Chlorinated or saltwater can also be more corrosive than the fresh water used in testing.

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Decoding ATM (Atmospheres) Ratings

ATM ratings, also known as water resistance or pressure ratings, are primarily used for watches. Unlike IP codes, which focus on ingress prevention, ATM ratings represent the static pressure a device can withstand without water seepage. This is a measure of the device’s structural integrity under pressure rather than its seal against particles and jets.

The Concept of ATM

“ATM” stands for “atmospheres,” a unit of pressure. One atmosphere is roughly equivalent to the pressure exerted by a column of water 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) deep. Therefore, a watch rated 5 ATM indicates it can withstand the pressure equivalent to being 50 meters (165 feet) underwater.

Common ATM Ratings and Their Implications

Understanding these equivalences is vital for gauging a watch’s suitability for water activities.

• 3 ATM (30 meters/100 feet): Generally suitable for daily use, splashes, and rain. Not suitable for showering, bathing, swimming, snorkeling, or diving. This rating is a basic level of water resistance.
• 5 ATM (50 meters/165 feet): Suitable for showering, bathing, and shallow swimming. Not suitable for snorkeling, high-impact water sports, or diving. This is a common rating for many “water-resistant” smartwatches.
• 10 ATM (100 meters/330 feet): Suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports like surfing. Not suitable for diving beyond shallow depths or professional scuba diving. This rating provides a good balance for recreational water enthusiasts.
• 20 ATM (200 meters/660 feet): Suitable for all high-impact water sports and shallow-depth diving. Often found on “diver’s watches.”
• Professional Diver’s Watches (e.g., 30 ATM, 100 ATM, 200 ATM): Designed for professional scuba diving at significant depths. These watches typically adhere to specific ISO standards (e.g., ISO 6425) which include additional tests for condensation, pressure changes, and resistance to thermal shock.

Important Caveats for ATM Ratings

While ATM ratings appear straightforward, several critical points must be considered:

• Static Pressure vs. Dynamic Pressure: ATM ratings are based on static laboratory tests. They describe a device’s ability to withstand pressure in a perfectly still environment. When you swim, dive, or even move your arm through water, you generate dynamic pressure, which can be significantly higher than the static pressure at a given depth. A rapid arm stroke during swimming can momentarily increase the pressure on a watch far beyond what its depth rating implies. Imagine plunging a sealed container into water; the pressure on it is not just from the depth but also from the force of the plunge.
• Chemical Exposure: ATM ratings generally assume fresh water. Exposure to chlorinated pool water, saltwater, or soaps/shampoos can degrade seals and gaskets over time, compromising the watch’s water resistance even if the pressure rating is theoretically sufficient. Rinse devices with fresh water after exposure to these substances.
• Temperature Changes: Rapid changes in temperature (e.g., jumping into cold water after sunbathing, or taking a hot shower with a cold watch) can cause seals to expand and contract, creating micro-gaps that allow water to enter.

IP68 vs. 5ATM: A Swimmer’s Perspective

Comparing IP68 and 5ATM directly is challenging because they are different measurement systems. IP68 describes general water ingress protection, including immersion, while 5ATM describes pressure resistance. However, we can infer their suitability for swimming.

IP68 for Swimming

A device with an IP68 rating is generally considered “waterproof” for everyday use and accidental immersion. However, for active swimming, the IP68 rating alone is often insufficient.

• Manufacturer Specifics are Key: The “conditions specified by the manufacturer” for IP68 (depth and duration) are paramount. If a device is rated IP68 for 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, prolonged swimming or diving to greater depths will exceed its tested limits.
• Dynamic Motion: The IPX8 test typically involves a stationary device in a tank of water. It does not account for the dynamic forces and varying pressures encountered during swimming strokes. The constant movement and jostling can stress the seals in ways not replicated by the static IPX8 test. Think of a ship designed for still waters versus one designed for turbulent seas.
• Chemicals and Temperature: As with ATM ratings, IP68 testing usually occurs in fresh, room-temperature water. Chlorine and salt can degrade seals, and temperature fluctuations can lead to seal failure.

Recommendation: If a device is only advertised as IP68, assume it is suitable for accidental immersion and light splashing, but exercise caution for active swimming unless the manufacturer explicitly states “suitable for swimming” and provides specific depth and duration guidelines relevant to swimming activities.

5ATM for Swimming

A watch rated 5ATM (50 meters) is generally marketed as suitable for “swimming.” While better than 3ATM, it still carries limitations.

• Shallow vs. Deep: 5ATM is appropriate for recreational swimming in a pool or shallow open water. It is not designed for significant depths or prolonged immersion associated with advanced snorkeling or diving.
• Stroke Vigor: Even at 5ATM, vigorous swimming can generate dynamic pressures exceeding the 50-meter static rating. A strong arm pull in freestyle, for instance, creates a localized pressure spike around the watch.
• Duration and Repetition: Continuous swimming for extended periods, day after day, puts constant stress on the seals. Over time, this cumulative stress can lead to water ingress, even within the rated depth.

Recommendation: For regular swimming, a watch rated 10 ATM (100 meters) or higher offers a greater margin of safety. While 5 ATM might suffice for occasional, leisurely swims, it’s operating closer to its functional limit during active use.

Best Practices for Water Resistance

Regardless of the rating, certain practices can help maintain your device’s water resistance and extend its lifespan.

Maintaining Water Resistance

Water resistance is not a permanent feature; it can degrade over time due to various factors. Treat it as a protective layer that needs care.

After Water Exposure

• Rinse with Fresh Water: After exposure to chlorinated pools, saltwater, or soapy water, always rinse your device thoroughly with clean, fresh water. This removes corrosive chemicals and residue that can degrade seals.
• Dry Thoroughly: Pat the device dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Pay special attention to ports, buttons, and crevices where water might collect. Do not use heat (e.g., hairdryer) as this can damage seals.
• Avoid Charging Wet Devices: Ensure all charging ports are completely dry before attempting to charge, especially for devices with exposed ports. Water in a charging port can cause short circuits and corrosion.

General Care

• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Rapid changes from hot to cold (or vice versa) can stress seals. Avoid hot showers, saunas, and leaving devices in direct sunlight on hot days, especially if they might then be submerged.
• Do Not Press Buttons Underwater: For most devices, pressing buttons underwater can create a temporary pathway for water to enter, as it can disrupt the seal. Only press buttons if the manufacturer explicitly states it is safe to do so for that specific device.
• Inspect for Damage: Regularly check the device for any cracks in the housing or screen, which could compromise water resistance.
• Replace Seals (If Applicable): For watches, watchmakers often recommend replacing seals and gaskets every few years, especially if the watch is frequently exposed to water. For consumer electronics, this is generally not a user-serviceable option.

Understanding Degradation

• Age and Wear: Over time, seals and gaskets can degrade due to natural aging, exposure to chemicals, impacts, or pressure variations. A device that was waterproof when new may not be after several years of use.
• Impacts: Dropping a device can create microscopic fractures in the housing or displace seals, compromising its water resistance even if no visible damage is present.
• Disassembly: If a device has been opened for repair by an unauthorized party, its water resistance may be compromised.

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Conclusion: Make an Informed Choice

Choosing a waterproof device for swimming requires careful consideration of its specifications. Do not rely solely on a single rating number without understanding its context.

• For devices with an IP68 rating, confirm the manufacturer’s specific depth and duration for immersion. If actual swimming is intended, look for explicit statements from the manufacturer that greenlight swimming, not just “water resistance.”
• For watches, aim for at least 10 ATM for regular swimming (pool or open water). While 5 ATM is often marketed as “suitable for swimming,” it offers a narrower margin of safety against dynamic pressures and prolonged exposure.

Always consult the manufacturer’s official documentation and user manuals for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding your specific device’s water resistance capabilities and limitations. Remember that “waterproof” is often a spectrum, not an absolute. Treat your devices with care, and they are more likely to perform as expected in aquatic environments.

FAQs

What does IP68 waterproof rating mean for swimmers?

IP68 indicates that a device is dust-tight and can be submerged in water beyond 1 meter depth, typically up to 1.5 meters or more, for a specified duration (usually 30 minutes). For swimmers, this means the device can handle prolonged exposure to water without damage, making it suitable for swimming in pools or shallow water.

How does the 5ATM rating compare to IP68 for water resistance?

A 5ATM rating means the device is water-resistant up to 50 meters under static pressure. This rating is generally considered suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities but not for deep diving. Compared to IP68, 5ATM provides a clear depth rating, which is often more practical for swimmers.

Can I use an IP68 or 5ATM rated device for diving?

Neither IP68 nor 5ATM ratings guarantee suitability for deep or scuba diving. IP68 devices are tested for immersion at shallow depths and limited time, while 5ATM devices are rated for pressures equivalent to 50 meters depth but not dynamic pressures experienced during diving. For diving, specialized dive-rated devices are recommended.

Is there a difference in durability between IP68 and 5ATM devices in swimming pools?

Both IP68 and 5ATM rated devices are generally durable enough for swimming pool use. However, 5ATM devices are specifically tested for water pressure equivalent to 50 meters depth, which may offer better assurance against water ingress during vigorous swimming. IP68 devices focus on dust and water immersion protection but may vary in depth and duration limits.

How should I maintain my waterproof device to ensure its rating remains effective?

To maintain waterproof integrity, rinse the device with fresh water after exposure to chlorinated or salt water, avoid pressing buttons underwater unless specified, and regularly check seals and gaskets for damage. Also, avoid exposing the device to high-velocity water jets or extreme temperatures, as these can compromise waterproof ratings over time.