Is IP67 Really Shower Safe? A Deep Dive into Waterproof Ratings

Hey friend! If you‘re thinking about using your new Bluetooth speaker or fitness band in the shower, you‘ve probably wondered – is IP67 waterproof rating good enough? I‘ve tested tons of gear over the years, so let me nerd out over IP ratings and help you answer that question!

Breaking Down the IP Code

IP stands for International Protection Marking (also known as Ingress Protection). It‘s a standardized system created by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for classifying sealed enclosures based on their level of protection against solids and liquids.

The IP marking consists of two digits – the first indicates dust protection and the second is for water. Let‘s decode what the numbers mean:

First Digit – Solid Particle Protection

0. No protection
1. Protected against solid objects over 50mm
2. Protected against solid objects over 12mm
3. Protected against solid objects over 2.5mm
4. Protected against solid objects over 1mm
5. Protected against dust (limited ingress, no harmful deposit)
6. Totally protected against dust

Second Digit – Liquid Ingress Protection

0. No protection
1. Protected against vertically falling water drops
2. Protected against direct sprays up to 15° from vertical
3. Protected against direct sprays up to 60° from vertical
4. Protected against water splashes from all directions
5. Protected against low pressure jets of water from all directions
6. Protected against high pressure jets of water from all directions
7. Protected against temporary immersion between 15cm and 1m depth
8. Protected against long term immersion exceeding 1m depth (as specified by the manufacturer)

Now let‘s apply this to IP67 – the 6 indicates complete dust protection, while the 7 means the device is resistant to immersion in water with specific limits.

But how does this translate when it comes to using IP67 gadgets in the shower? Let‘s dive deeper!

IP67 – Built For Splashes But Not Waterfalls!

IP67 means complete protection against dust and dirt. But when it comes to water, devices are only tested for temporary immersion, not continuous waterfall-like conditions!

According to the IEC standards, an IP67 device should withstand being submerged in room temperature water, depth between 15cm and 1 meter, for 30 minutes.

That doesn‘t sound like your typical shower scenario! Here are some key differences between IP67 test conditions and real-world shower use:

Water Pressure

IP67 tests use still water. But your showerhead sprays water with intense force! Depending on your water pressure, showerheads can output between 2 to 8 gallons of water per minute. The high-velocity jets can more easily bypass seals.

Water Temperature

IP testing only uses room temperature water. Hot showers generate steam which can accelerate moisture ingress. Some materials like adhesives and sealants become less effective above 80°C.

Exposure Duration

30 minutes of testing cannot replicate months or years of repeated use. Long term exposure to hot steam and chemicals can degrade protective coatings.

Chemicals

Shower water contains shampoo, soap and other products which can affect certain materials. These harsh chemicals are not present in the IP67 test.

User Behavior

It‘s easy to mishandle a wet device and compromise its water seals accidentally. IP testing assumes proper operation, but we‘re all guilty of using electronics carelessly around water!

While IP67 gadgets may survive splashy environments, using them daily in the shower is beyond what the rating is designed to protect against. Manufacturers don‘t recommend it either!

But I get the appeal. Listening to music while you bathe is sweet! So here are some tips to reduce risks when using IP67 stuff in the shower:

• Avoid direct exposure to high-pressure shower jets

• Angle the device to drain water off instead of pooling

• Use quick bursts rather than continuous runtime

• Rinse in clean water after exposure to soap/shampoo

• Allow to fully air-dry before charging or storage

How Deep Can You Go: IPX7 vs IP67 Ratings

You may also come across IPX7 waterproof ratings on some devices like smartwatches and wireless earbuds. So what‘s the difference between IPX7 and IP67?

The "X" means the IPX7 test does not assess protection against solid particles like dust. It only certifies performance against ingress of liquids like water.

Both IPX7 and IP67 indicate the device withstands temporary immersion at depths between 15cm to 1 meter. However, IP67 also guarantees complete dust protection with its first digit rating of 6.

So IP67 is more comprehensive. But for water resistance alone, IPX7 and IP67 are nearly equal.

Here are the published waterproof limits for popular IPX7 devices:

• Apple AirPods Pro: Up to 30 minutes at 3 feet depth

• Samsung Galaxy Watch: Up to 30 minutes at 3 feet depth

• Fitbit Sense: Withstands splashes, shower, and swimming up to 50 meters

While the numbers sound impressive, fine print from the makers still warns against soaking these IPX7 gadgets for prolonged periods or using them underwater!

Again, what the IP rating covers versus real-world results differs. I‘d suggest being extra careful with IPX7 gear around continuous, high-pressure water.

IP68 And Beyond: Taking Protection To The Next Level

Okay, so IP67 or IPX7 may not fully protect your device in the shower. What about higher IP ratings? Here are some options:

IP68

This indicates complete dust-tightness (6) plus protection from continuous immersion in water (8). IP68 devices must survive being submerged beyond 1 meter depth, with exact details varying by manufacturer.

IPX8

Like IPX7, IPX8 certifies protection from water only, with no dust rating. It offers better waterproofing than IPX7, guarding against long term immersion at depths greater than 1 meter as specified by the maker. Apple Watch is rated IPX8 up to 50 meters.

IP6X

Want ultimate dust and sand protection without the liquid testing? IP6X ensures complete sealing against particle ingress with no second digit. It‘s the highest rating for dry particulate protection.

IP69K

This is the most badass IP code, signifying total dust protection (6) and high-pressure hot water resistance (9K). We‘re talking 80°C water blasting from powerful jets! Overkill for the shower, but essential for industrial pressure washers.

So when looking for electronics you can safely use in wet environments like the pool, ocean or shower, go with gadgets rated at least IP68 or IPX8 by the manufacturer. They offer better guarantees against water damage than IP67/IPX7 stuff.

And don‘t forget, despite the ratings, nothing is 100% waterproof forever! Proper maintenance and care is still required.

Should You Actually Take Your Phone Into The Shower?

Okay, enough specs – let‘s talk about the gadget you likely use the most around water – your smartphone!

Many of the latest high-end phones are rated IP67 or IP68 for water and dust resistance. But should you really be taking your iPhone to the shower?

The Manufacturers Say No!

Buried in the disclaimers, Apple warns that warranty does not cover "liquid damage to iPhone." Samsung also notes that IP68 rating does not guarantee damage-free operation in water or dust.

While the IP rating provides some protection, the phones are not intended to be used underwater continuously!

Heat and Steam Can Still Get In

Hot showers generate steam which can potentially enter openings not designed to be waterproof, like speakers or mics. Adhesives can fail over time too.

Chemicals from Soap and Shampoo

The IP test uses clean water. But soap scum sticking to seals or chemical ingestion through speakers can reduce life expectancy of the phone.

It Only Takes One Slip

You stumble once, and your drops your soapy iPhone onto hard tiles. One bad accident can negate any protective IP rating!

Better Safe Than Sorry

Do you want to risk a thousand dollar phone by intentionally exposing it to shower conditions daily? I‘d rather not gamble!

While current top-tier phones likely can survive a quick shower session unscathed, long term steam/chemical exposure is best avoided. Use a purpose-built rugged speaker or other IP68 accessory instead!

But if you absolutely need your phone in the bathroom, here are some safer options:

• Enclose it in a waterproof case or dry bag pouch

• Install a fixed or suction-cup holder outside the shower

• Use a Bluetooth remote or smartwatch to control your phone safely from a distance

• Stick to just listening to the radio – no touchscreen required!

The Bottom Line: Take IP Ratings With a Grain of Salt!

So in closing, here‘s my verdict on using IP-rated electronics in the shower:

The IP system is helpful for standardizing dust and water protection. But there‘s a big gap between controlled lab tests and unpredictable real-world conditions.

Treat IP ratings as a rough gauge of liquid resistance, not an absolute guarantee of waterproofing (especially long term). IP67 means your device will likely survive a quick dip with care, but I‘d avoid pushing those limits daily. For more rugged water performance, seek out IP68/IPX8 or specialized waterproof gear designed for marine use.

And definitely don‘t risk your expensive smartphone as a shower companion! With some common sense precautions, you can safely enjoy tunes or fitness tracking while maintaining the expected lifespan of your gadgets.

So in summary:

✅ IP67 – Good splash resistance

❌ IP67 – Questionable for sustained shower use

✅ Higher IP ratings – Provide improved water protection

❌ Smartphones – Best kept away from shower steam and chemicals

Hope this nerdy IP rating analysis was helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions about using electronics around water. Stay safe and dry out there!