Ingress Protection Rating
What is an IP rating?
Let's face it, there are now very few occasions when you contemplate going out and about without a mobile device.
So if your work or hobbies involve you being outside in all weathers, it is worth considering how well your phone is going to perform. An IP rating allows you to make this assessment about a device. IP stands for Ingress Protection and this certification is your way of quickly identifying how well your device will cope with the elements. 
The rating refers to the equipment's ability to prevent solids and liquids penetrating the device's enclosure. The protection standards are defined by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission). IP Rating is expressed as a two-digit number (for example: IP-54). The first number designates protection from solids, while the second number designates protection from liquids. Take a look at the table below to see the rating scale. If you intend to use your mobile in an environment where dust and moisture are prevalent, then an IP rated device ought to be considered. If an IP rating is not specified, then you can assume the device will NOT be resistant to dust and moisture.
It is important to note that manufacturers have their equipment certified by an outside laboratory to verify the product's IP rating. Genuine IP ratings are accompanied by an approval certificate and certification number (for Example: EN 60 529 or Approved to IEC 529).
The Sonim XP1 has certified IP ratings.
Click here to see the independent test lab IP 53 certificate.
Click here to see the independent test lab IP 54 certificate.
The IP Rating Table
First NumberIP Rating | Definition(Protection Against Solid Objects) | Second NumberIP Rating | Definition(Protection Against Liquids) |
| 0 | No Protection | 0 | No Protection |
| 1 | Protected against objects > 50mm (hands) | 1 | Protection against dripping water or condensation |
| 2 | Protected against objects > 12mm (fingers) | 2 | Protection against water spray 15 degree from vertical |
| 3 | Protected against objects > 2.5mm (tools/wires) | 3 | Protection against water spray 60 degree from vertical |
| 4 | Protected against objects > 1mm (small tools) | 4 | Protection against water spray from all directions |
| 5 | Protected against dust - limited ingress (No harmful deposit) | 5 | Protection against low pressure jets of water |
| 6 | Totally protected against dust | 6 | Protected against heavy seas |
| - | --- | 7 | Protection against the effects of immersion 15cm to 1m for 30mins |
| - | --- | 8 | Protected against immersion under pressure |
