IP code, also known as "Ingress Protection" or "International Protection" code, is a standardized rating system for the protection of electrical enclosures against intrusion from solid objects and liquids. Many wireless communication tools, whether walkie-talkies or mobile radios, require IP certification if they are exposed to conditions that could affect their performance and cause harm to people or the environment, sometimes with irreversible consequences. IP protection levels are defined by the international standard IEC 60529, which we'll discuss later. It measures how well an electrical enclosure is protected from dust, water, or other external factors (including body parts like hands and fingers) that could damage the system. This standard is the European equivalent of EN 60529.

The IP code consists of two digits:

The first digit indicates the level of protection the enclosure provides against access to hazardous parts (e.g., electrical conductors, moving parts) and the ingress of solid foreign objects.

The second digit indicates the level of protection that the enclosure provides against harmful ingress of water.

Protection against solid objects

Protection against liquids

For example the device with IP54 is BF-TD 588UV is equipped with IP54, which means it is protected from dust (not completely sealed) and against water splashes from any direction. Although the IP rating is not very high, it still meets daily communication or outdoor communication use, providing ham radio operators with stable and efficient communication support for its user friendly design, VFO/ MR mode, and multimode positioning (Beidou, GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo), etc.

And IP68 is fully protected from dust and against prolonged immersion in water. By way of example, BF-SCP860 is adopted IP68 protection that can withstand a 1.5m drop without damage and endures operating environments ranging from -30℃-60℃. It provides stable and seamless communications even in complex environments such as rain, snow, heat, and humidity.