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You’ve probably noticed manufacturers touting the toughness and durability of their hardware with Ingres Protection (IP) ratings. IP52, IP54, IP65 and IP67 are the most common ratings you’ll see when searching for data capture hardware for your company. So what do these numbers mean, and how do different manufacturers rank in this category? Read on to find out more.
Ingress Protection (IP) Ratings
The term ingress means the action of going in or entering. In the context of your mobile hardware, ingress refers to unwanted solid particulates or liquid that may intrude in the nooks and crannies of the device. The first digit refers to solids (like dust, dirt or other debris) and the second digit refers to liquids. A higher number means more protection in this rating system.
Rather than listing all the specifications out, let’s look at the most common IP ratings you might come across when searching for data collection hardware.
Rugged Tablets
Tablet computers have come a long way in terms of durability over the past few years, especially in the industrial space. For AbeTech featured products, we see a consistent IP65 rating for rugged tablets from top manufacturers. IP65 is described as a dust-tight design that can handle being hosed-down with water.
Zebra ET50/ET55 – IP65
GETAC F110 – IP65
MobileDemand xTablet T1600 – IP65
Panasonic Toughpad FZ-M1 - IP65
Mobile Computers (Handheld)
Most top-of-the-line mobile computers with a handheld form factor are designed to be used in harsh environments. In this category, you may see multiple IP ratings for certain devices. We have included both ratings so you get the full picture of what is presented by the manufacturer. Since most handheld mobile computers have a small footprint, they are easier to enclose and therefore we see higher IP ratings in this category.
Panasonic Toughpad FZ-N1 – IP66 and IP68
Zebra TC75 – IP65 and IP67
Honeywell CN75 – IP67
Mobile Computers (Pistol Grip)
The tried and true form factor for industrial scanning for years has been the pistol grip form factor. These devices often come with physical keypads, so you will notice a lower average IP rating in this category. You will have to decide if a lower durability rating is worth the compromise of this form factor and the option of a physical keypad. AbeTech can help you decide if your work environment is right for the device you are considering.
Honeywell CK75 – IP67
Zebra MC9200 - IP64
Zebra MC3300 - IP54
Custom cases and enclosures are available
We hope this gives you a ballpark of what’s out there for IP ratings and industrial data capture hardware. It is worth mentioning that AbeTech can provide protective cases, bumpers or mounted enclosures that can increase the durability of your device beyond the manufacturers’ listed IP ratings.
Interested in a device not listed here?
If you’re interested in a device that’s not listed in this blog post or on the featured products of our website, we are more than happy to set you up with the device you need. Reach out to an AbeTech representative today to get started.
