What does an IP rating mean on marine speakers?
An IP rating describes how well a product is protected against the ingress of solid objects, dust and water.
IP stands for Ingress Protection and is normally followed by two digits.
The first digit describes protection against solid objects and dust, while the second describes protection against water.
What do the most common ratings mean?
IP65
The product is dust-tight and protected against water jets under the standard’s test conditions.
IP67
The product is dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion in water.
IP68
The product is dust-tight and protected during immersion under the conditions specified by the manufacturer.
Do marine speakers need IP68?
No.
The level of protection needed depends on where the speakers will be mounted.
A speaker sheltered under a roof faces different conditions from one mounted in an exposed position on a boat.
It is also important to know that an IP rating does not automatically mean the product is protected against salt water, UV radiation or corrosion.
Therefore, also check whether the speaker is intended for marine use.
Does the IP rating apply to the entire speaker?
Not always.
Some speakers have a protected front but require the rear to be mounted in a dry or sheltered space.
Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.