We are seeing an influx of vaping systems that’re
demonstrating an “IP68 rating”, highlighted when you read through the
description of a new starter
kit that you’re looking to buy at The Vape Mall. But, what does this rating actually entail,
and why is it becoming a new standard in vape hardware construction?
What Does an IP68 Rating Actually Mean?
IP, or Ingress Protection, is a code that is officially
given to products that have been tested by the International
Electrotechnical Commission to determine how electrical devices operate
when exposed to moisture and environmental matter like dust and other
solids. The system of IP rating exists
to determine what kind of exposures an electronic device can handle without
malfunctioning or getting damaged, and thus, is critical for many industries
that produce products that may be exposed to the environment.
IP ratings aren’t just given to vaping products, but are very
common with smartphones, Bluetooth speakers and other types of portable devices
that may be used outdoors.
Naturally, the higher the rating, the more resilient a mod
or pod system is to these factors. And,
standards have continuously changed over the years with the developments of new
construction techniques and materials.
So, What Does an IP Rating of 68 Represent Then?
Well, the “6” indicates that the product is dustproof,
meaning no dust can enter the internals of the device and cause damage. The “8” means that no moisture or liquids can
enter the internals of the device to cause damage. An “8” is awarded after immersing the product
in water, and spraying it with jets of water, along with dropping it into a puddle
of rain. An “8” reflects a rating
between 0-9, and as you can imagine, means that its waterproof construction is
near perfect. Basically, an IP68 rating
means that the device can be submerged in a liquid for 30 minutes with no
damage.
Now, if you see an “X” instead of a digit, it means that one
factor showed inconclusive results when tested – an example would be an IPX8
rating, meaning that whether or not the product is dustproof could not be
proven due to insufficient testing.
This also displays the difference between an IP67 and an IP68
rating, as IP67 is another common one you’ll find on vaping devices. IP67 means that the product can withstand
lots of water exposure but cannot withstand 30 minutes immersed under water.
Also, sometimes you will see letters at the end of the
rating code, which could mean the following:
- C (tool access protection)
- D (wire protection)
- F (oil protection)
- H (high voltage protection)
- M (moving water protection)
- W (weather protection)
- S (still water protection)
You’re not going to frequently see these letters, as IP68 is
usually sufficient. Plus, the safety
features advertised by the company separate from the IP rating. Besides that, these secondary tests aren’t as
common with vaping products as they are with other types of devices that are
more strictly associated with outdoor use.
How Come IP Ratings are Finding Their Way into Sub-Ohm Mods and Open Pod
Systems?
Perhaps you’re wondering what the point is for an IP-rated
vaping device? But truthfully, it’s more
important than you think. Vaping devices
have gotten more high-tech over the years, and a top-quality vaping system
isn’t necessarily cheap. You don’t want
to have to throw out your device because dust damaged the circuitry when you
stuck it in your pocket, or because you were vaping out in the rain and the
internals got fried.
Not only that, but a lot of vapers vape outdoors, where all
kinds of elements are harder to control.
For example, if you’re a camping enthusiast, you don’t want to have a
device that’s vulnerable to things like dirt exposure and rain, so an IP68
rating can give you a lot of assurance.
Are IP68 Vaping Systems Worth It?
Overall, we think that an IP68 rating is something that
should become standard throughout the vaping hardware industry. After all, more durability is never a bad
thing, and accidents happen. Sometimes,
we drop our device into a pile of dirt, or leave it out in the rain. It also indicates that companies are taking
the construction side of things more seriously, doing what they can to ensure
that their vaping setups are built to last.
Note: Usage and conventional wear n’ tear during the
mod’s or pod system’s lifespan can undermine the IP rating. Why?
Because falls and drops can loosen and damage parts or potentially
jeopardize seals and connections, especially within these vape systems. Something that’s sold as “dust” and “waterproof”
can be deprived of that rating from extended use, which in turn, results in
failure if the device is vulnerable to moisture and dust.
Ultimately, an IP68 rating is a sign that a hardware brand
is producing top-quality, durable, and reliable hardware. And, it’s becoming increasingly common to see
this rating attached to newly released vaping systems. If you can, consider opting for an IP68
starter kit, since you know that you have a lot more protection so that your unit
can withstand as much as possible.
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