I have thrown our radios in a river, poured water on the speakers, and tossed ‘em in the mud. I can confidently say they are waterproof, in-fact most of our land mobile radios have a high waterproof rating. A lot of products claim they are waterproof, water resistant, but they may not list any statistic on how waterproof/resistant they are. You may have seen a rating like IP67, but not know what it means. Heck, you’ll find that most high-end smartphones have waterproof ratings too. In this blog, we will explore how to breakdown and determine Icom’s radio waterproof rating.
The International Electrotechnical Commission Technical Committee (IECTC) wrote the IEC 60529 standard to define the ratings of protection from outside contamination. These ratings are known as Ingress Protection (IP) ratings and are still used today. Icom self-tests our products by following the criteria set up by the IEC 60529. Below is a tables outlining each digit and grade.
For our first example, we have the V3MR. It is a great and durable radio. However, it is not meant for environmental conditions with significant amounts of rain, dirt, and dust. This radio has an IP54 rating, meaning it will keep dust out and withstand water splashes. When looking at the table, we can breakdown where the IP rating lies.
IP = Ingress Protection
5 = water resistant
4 = dust resistant
As a second example we’ll look at the higher-tiered F3400D radio with an IP68 rating. It is dust-tight and waterproof up to 1-meter underwater up to one hour. So, this is more suited to go toe to toe with you on intense environments.
IP = Ingress Protection
6 = complete protection
8= protected against water submersion
When would I need waterproof radios?
Hobbies
To all of my fellow off-roaders, campers, hikers, you are always prepared for any weather and your communication equipment should be too. When cellular connection is not available, you turn to a two-way radio. With Icom’s two-way radios, withstand any mud splatters from tires, surprise or expected rainstorms on camping trips, or the early morning dew on a mountain excursion. The V3MR’s IP54 rating is best suited for hobbyists alike, but for extra insurance – consider the V10MR with its IP67 rating.
Boating
When out on the open waters kayaking, cruising, or fishing its pretty important to have VHF communications. Naturally, the last thing you would want is your main source of communication succumb to water. Our VHF handheld marine radios are rated for water immersion and some even float above water like the M94D with an IPX7 rating. The radios that don’t float have a higher IP rating to handle accidental drops under water, like the M85 with an IP67 rating.
First Responders
A firefighter’s equipment needs to be durable. Radios are no exception. Water from hoses or other debris are no problem for Icom’s P25 radios. The F7000 series have been a staple for public safety agencies with an IP68 rating on all models.
Construction
Most, if not all, of Icom’s land mobile radios are suitable for construction sites. Our radios have the durability to withstand falls on concrete and metal frames. If you’re expected to work in more wet environments, seek out a radio with at least an IP67 rating. For anything else an IP54 will be the perfect radio for you, even with unexpected water surprises. See a full list of our land mobile radios here.
Conclusion
IEC 60529 standards are written for common operating conditions for communication devices. Though our radios are not made for excursions such as scuba diving or other non-traditional exposures, all radios are exposed to various elements at some point. Mine sit on my desk one day and are being thrown across a field the next. When you’re looking into radios, consider and review the waterproof rating. Even if you don’t think you’ll need it, it can come handy in a pinch.
