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Mobile computers are rated according to international standards for ingress protection (IP). IP Codes classify the degrees of protection provided by electrical enclosures from dust, water and impact.
As part of MIL-STD-810F particle resistance and liquid resistance testing, fully-rugged and ultra-mobile-rugged computers achieve an IP65 rating.
The first digit of IP65 indicates resistance to dust. The computer is not completely impervious to dust but any dust which does enter will not have any harmful effect on the equipment. The second digit describes the level of protection from liquids. Water sprayed on the computer from all directions will have no harmful effect.
Higher numbers indicate a higher tolerance to dust and water. For example, a unit with an IP65 certification will withstand exposure to dust and water better than a unit with an IP54 certification.
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Particle Resistance
Dust and dirt are ubiquitous in the field and have a way of invading the exposed areas of mobile computers, potentially slowing key functions and damaging components. Laptop manufacturers test the ability of laptops to withstand dust, sand and other airborne particles.
The Dust Resistance test for fully-rugged and ultra-mobile-rugged computers is performed in accordance with MIL-STD-810F, Method 510.4, Procedure I (Dust). An operating temperature of 140°F is used for this test. The upper non-operating temperature of 140°F is incorporated into the test as this is the “default” temperature given by the MIL-STD-810F guidelines.
To conduct the most stringent tests, Laptop manufacturers use silica flour, the smallest particle available for particle resistance testing.
To pass the test, a laptop must continue to operate with no binding or blockage of moving parts and no malfunctioning contacts or relays. In addition, fully-rugged and ultra-mobile-rugged computers comply with IP54 standards for dust ingress and are also subjected to rigorous factory testing for dust resistance.
Liquid Resistance
Mobile computers are inevitably exposed to spills and splashes—not just from water, juice and coffee, but also from oils and certain chemicals. Testing measures the ability of mobile computers to survive such spills as well as rainfall.
Laptop manufacturers technicians perform water resistance tests in accordance with MIL-STD-810F, Method 506.4 (Spray). The test items are subjected to this test with the LCD open and the unit operating, but with ports closed. Rugged computers are then tested and inspected for water intrusion.
Unlike some computer manufacturers, Laptop manufacturers does not shorten the duration of liquid resistance tests. Fully-rugged computers are tested for a full 40 minutes.
Different models have different levels of water resistance. Some computers can survive six ounces poured on a keyboard. In addition to IP54 compliance, fully-rugged and ultra-mobile-rugged models can keep running even when subjected to 12 hours of continuous spraying—the equivalent of half a day in pouring rain.
Ingress Protection (IP65)
Fully-rugged and ultra-mobile-rugged laptops are rated IP65 according to the IP code defined in the international standard IEC 60529. The products are tested in Laptop manufacturers R&D; facilities and certified by independent lab testing.
Rather than vaguely describing equipment as “waterproof” or “dustproof“, the IP Code uniformly quantifies various levels of resistance to liquids, particulates and solid objects.
The numbers following the letters “IP” represent the specific degree of protection provided by electrical enclosures. The first digit indicates the ingress of dust at a level that will not have a harmful effect on the operation of the unit. The second digit indicates that water sprayed from all directions will not compromise the computer’s functioning. Higher numbers indicate a higher tolerance to dust and water.
For example, a unit with an IP65 certification will withstand both elements better than a unit with an IP54 certification. While IP65-certified computers are not completely impervious to the ingress of water or dust, the rating does indicate neither element will cause operational complications while used under conditions commonly encountered by a laptop with an IP54 certificate.