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Rugged Two-Way Radios: IP Ratings and Durability for Dusty, Hot and Wet Sites
Rugged Two-Way Radios: IP Ratings and Durability for Dusty, Hot and Wet Sites
Published by Bravosatcom · Two-Way Radio Series
A radio that works in the office can fail on a construction site. Dust, sand, rain, washdown, drops and heat are what kill radios in the field, and the specification sheet answers them with codes such as IP54, IP67 and MIL-STD-810. Knowing what those codes do and do not promise saves you from buying too little protection, or paying for more than the job needs.
This guide explains the codes in plain terms and shows which level of protection suits different sites.
How to Read an IP Code
The IP (ingress protection) code comes from the IEC 60529 standard. It has two digits. The first rates protection against solid objects and dust, and the second rates protection against water.
| Code | Dust | Water |
|---|---|---|
| IP54 | Dust protected, with limited ingress | Splashing water |
| IP55 | Dust protected, with limited ingress | Water jets |
| IP66 | Dust-tight | Powerful water jets |
| IP67 | Dust-tight | Immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes |
| IP68 | Dust-tight | Continuous immersion, to the depth and time the manufacturer states |
What IP Ratings Do Not Cover
- Drops and shock, which are tested separately.
- Heat and cold. Check the operating and storage temperature range on the datasheet.
- Sun, salt and chemicals, which age plastics, seals and screens.
- Seal wear. The rating applies to a new radio with the right battery and covers fitted. Gaskets age and knocks can damage them.
MIL-STD-810: What It Means
MIL-STD-810 is a US military standard that defines environmental test methods, such as vibration, shock, temperature, humidity, dust and salt fog. A radio that “meets MIL-STD-810” has been tested to some of those methods, not all of them, and not as a simple pass mark for being unbreakable. Look at which methods the manufacturer lists and whether they match your conditions.
Which Protection for Which Site
Practical Tips for Dust, Sand and Heat
- Fit the accessory cover whenever a speaker microphone or earpiece is unplugged. An open audio connector is the usual way dust and water get in, and the IP rating no longer applies.
- Rinse and dry radios after sandy or wet work, and keep connectors and gaskets clean.
- Keep them out of the sun and hot vehicles. Heat shortens battery life, as we explain in our guide to batteries and accessories.
- Use genuine batteries. A poor-fitting third-party pack can compromise the seal.
- Check gaskets and seals during routine maintenance and replace them when they look worn.
To compare radio brands, see our Motorola vs Kenwood vs ICOM guide, and browse the portable radio range.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does IP67 mean on a two-way radio?
It means the radio is dust-tight and has passed a test of temporary immersion in water up to 1 m for 30 minutes, when it is in good condition with the right battery and covers fitted.
Is IP68 better than IP67?
IP68 means continuous immersion, but the depth and time are set by the manufacturer, so the conditions differ between products. Read the stated test conditions rather than assuming one is simply better.
Does MIL-STD-810 mean a radio is unbreakable?
No. It is a set of test methods. A radio is tested to specific methods, such as vibration or dust, and the datasheet should say which ones.
Do I need a rugged radio for a hotel or office?
Usually not. IP54 is generally adequate for indoor use with occasional splashes. Save the extra cost of IP67 for sites that really need it.
Two-Way Radios Built for Your Site
Bravosatcom supplies two-way radios from Motorola, ICOM and Kenwood, with the batteries and accessories to keep them working.