Thanks to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and their “IP” rating system, consumers are provided honest and accurate information regarding the potential for intrusion of water and/or dust into mechanical casings and electrical enclosures. The days of vague “waterproof” claims have been replaced by true ratings obtained through stringent tests that confirm a product’s durability. This development falls right in line with the newest generation of marine and powersports electronics, a category that has rapidly gained popularity.
Providing maximum clarity for a specific piece of equipment's water and dust resistance, IP ratings are extremely helpful for consumers that are planning on purchasing electronics that will be exposed to these elements. These electronics include amplifiers and Bluetooth receivers that are intended for use in boats, jet skis, UTVs, ATVs, and motorcycles.
MHX Amplifiers under a constant stream of water at the 2015 CES Show
For a product to receive an IPX6 rating, one of the many tests that the product must endure is a minimum of three minutes of powerful jets spraying at least 100 liters of water per minute all over the outer casing of the product without the water infiltrating the chassis. There are also various dust tests conducted to ensure the product is sealed and completely dust tight. It is important to remember that an IPX6 rated product is not fully submergible in water. Our MBT-RX Bluetooth Receiver has been awarded an IPX6 rating. The MBT-RX Bluetooth Receiver is capable of being exposed to the elements with no risk of failing.
IP66 and IP67 rated products, such as our MBT-CRXv2 and MediaMaster marine source units are also dust tight which makes them perfect for marine, UTVs, ATVs, motorcycles and other powersports vehicles.
Completely submergible products with absolutely no entry points for water intrusion are awarded an IPX7 rating. IPX7 rated products must be able to withstand full immersion in one meter deep water for up to 30 minutes of exposure time. MX-series amplifiers meet the criteria required to be awarded an IPX7 water resistance rating, making them well suited for an application where the potential for exposure to water is high.