The IP Rating (or Ingress Protection Rating) classifies and rates the degrees of protection against the intrusion of solid objects, dust, accidental contact, water in mechanical casings and with electrical enclosures.
The code will start out with IP followed by two digits. The first digit indicates the level of protection that the enclosure provides against access to hazardous parts (electrical conductors, moving parts etc.) and the ingress of solid foreign objects. The second digit defines the protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against various forms of moisture (drips, sprays, submersion etc.) The higher each of the numbers in an AED’s IP rating, the more protected it is. AEDs with higher IP ratings are recommended for professional rescuers and devices that will be housed outside or near water, such as a pool or marina. Those with lower IP ratings should be used in controlled environments such as schools, homes, or offices.
AEDs are tested on the following scales:
Solid Particle Protection
0 No protection against contact and ingress of objects.
1 Any large surface of the body, such as the back of the hand, but no protection against deliberate contact with a body part.
2 Fingers or similar objects.
3 Tools, thick wires, etc.
4 Most wires, screws, etc.
5 Dust protected. Ingress of dust is not entirely prevented, but it must not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment.
6 Dust tight. No ingress of dust; complete protection against contact.
Liquid Ingress Protection
0 Not protected
1 Dripping water
2 Dripping water when tilted up to 15 degrees
3 Spraying water
4 Splashing water
5 Water jets
6 Powerful water jets
7 Immersion up to 1 meter
8 Immersion beyond 1 meter
Curious what the IP rating is on your device? Check out the chart below!
AED IP Ratings By Manufacturer:
- ZOLL AED Plus: IP55
- ZOLL AED Pro: IP55
- ZOLL AED 3: IP55
- Cardiac Science Powerheart G3 Pro: IP24
- Cardiac Science Powerheart G3: IP24
- Cardiac Science Powerheart G5: IP55
- Physio-Control LIFEPAK 1000: IP55
- Physio-Control LIFEPAK CR Plus: IP55
- Philips HeartStart OnSite: IP21
- Philips HeartStart FRx: IP55
- HeartSine Samaritan PAD 350: IP56
- HeartSine Samaritan PAD 450: IP56
- Defibtech Lifeline: IP54
- Defibtech Lifeline View: IP55
Our team of experts are happy to help you select the manufacturer and model of AED thats best for you. For further questions and assistance, contact us today at 800-695-1209 or email [email protected].
Written by Blaire Czarniecki
Customer Service Director
Fact checked by Phillip Woods, BA, NREMT-P, FP-C
Blaire attended the University of Tennessee where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology- Child and Family Studies. She has been in the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) industry for over eight years and is the Director of Customer Service for Coro Medical. Blaire is also an American Red Cross-certified CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor, highly trained by each manufacturer on their specific AEDs, and knowledgeable regarding ALL State AED regulations and legislation.
“I know that every day I come to work, I am playing a part in saving someone’s life. I am passionate about these devices and am always looking for new and innovative ways to spread awareness and knowledge about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). I look forward to the day when everywhere I go, I will see an AED—when SCA will no longer take any lives.”
Last updated August 27, 2020