Waterproof walkie-talkies offer a lot of convenience and reduce your risk for communication disasters. Certain job sites and events require waterproof radios due to heightened risk of water exposure. Some radios are backed by greater moisture protection than others. To prevent confusion there’s an IP Code, or International Protection Rating, listed for each radio. This code number is used to define how much protection against water and solids a device is equipped with.
How to Read IP Ratings for Waterproof Walkie-Talkies
IP stands for Ingress Protection, or the level of protection provided by radio enclosures. The first number after the letter P stands for “Solids Protection,” and the second digit stands for “Liquid Protection.” “Solids” include things like fingers, hands and dust. While “liquids” define moisture of many kinds. These standards are intended to provide more clarity than simply deeming every two-way radio waterproof. Otherwise, devices that can only withstand some water for short periods of time get lumped together with devices that can be submerged in water for 30 minutes or more.
Even electrical sockets get an IP rating. IP22 is the minimum requirement for interior electrical accessories. This number means outlets will not be damaged if someone tries to stick a finger inside, and they remain safe even if water drips over the outlet. Although, IP22 would be considered a low rating for two-way radios.
The most waterproof protection you can get is a number 8. While the most solid protection you can get is a 6. That means the highest level of protection against liquids and solids comes from a rating of IP68. This specific rating indicates a device is completely protected against dust ingress, as well as long term immersion up to a certain pressure.
Using the term “waterproof” suggests that no amount of water can damage a two-way radio. It’s important to note that electronics are more water resistant than waterproof. Just about any device will eventually incur damages if left submerged in water for too long or under too great of pressure.
3 Great Water Resistant Walkie-Talkies by Motorola & Kenwood
The Motorola XPR-7550
https://www.highlandwireless.com/portfolio/xpr-7550/
This rugged two-way radio offers just about everything you could ever want or need, starting with the fact it is Submersible (IP57). That means this device is protected against most dust and would have to encounter severe quantities to provoke issue. The second number represents liquid protection and a number 7 is the second to highest available level of water protection, offering immersion up to 1 m.
The Motorola SL 300
https://www.highlandwireless.com/portfolio/sl-300/#1499958900047-d13b59ed-73de6bca-26e3
This multi-purpose waterproof walkie-talkie offers a compact radio with a lot of power for an affordable price. This conveniently svelte two-way radio measures less than one-inch in thickness. It is rated IP54, making it slightly less tolerant to water than the Motorola XPR-7550, but just as hardy in terms of protection against solids.
The Kenwood NX-300 UHG NexEdge Radio
https://www.highlandwireless.com/portfolio/nx-300/#1499958900133-e6812103-0d0a
This Kenwood water resistant two-way radio has a nice screen, offers the option to add programmable features, and comes with substantial internal memory that can handle many frequencies and channels.
It is rated IP54/55, which means it can handle splashing water. It might survive a quick dip, but it’s not guaranteed to survive too much water exposure. Yet, for certain industries or purposes all you need is enough moisture protection for rain or some water splash-back.