Weatherproof Outdoor Speakers - IP Ratings Explained

What is an IP rating?

IP stands for Ingress Protection. It’s actually a test of the enclosure or casing of a product rather than its contents, so is not just limited to electronic goods. Products are tested and evaluated, and the given ratings are the global standard for measuring a device’s resistance to dust, dirt, and water. Created by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), these ratings help consumers understand how durable a product is in specific environments.

An IP rating comprises two numbers (and occasionally an “X” for the solids):

• First Digit: Solids Protection

  This number ranges from 0 to 6 and indicates how well the device blocks out solid materials, such as dirt, sand, and dust. Higher numbers mean tighter seals and better protection.

  0: No protection against solids.

  6: Completely dust-tight.

  X: Untested.

• Second Digit: Liquids Protection

  This number runs from 0 to 9 and measures resistance to moisture. The higher the number, the more water it can handle, whether it’s from rain, accidental splashes, or total immersion. A speaker rated 9, for example, can withstand high-pressure, high-temperature water jets from all directions, or complete submersion.

  0: No water resistance.

  9: Withstands high-pressure, high-temperature water jets.

For example, an IP67 speaker is dust-tight (6) and water-resistant enough to survive submersion in 1 metre of water for up to 30 minutes (7)

What Does "X" Mean in IP Ratings?

Sometimes, you’ll see an "X" instead of the first digit (e.g., IPX6). This indicates that the device hasn’t been tested for solid ingress. However, this doesn’t mean it lacks dust protection—it simply hasn’t been officially rated for it.

Manufacturers often do this for cost-saving reasons, focusing testing on the liquid protection that’s most relevant to outdoor use. For example, a wall-mounted patio speaker at 2 metres in height doesn’t face much risk from dirt but needs to withstand rain.

Also, it's a given that if an enclosure is sealed securely enough to withstand a jetwash, it will stop a bit of dirt without much trouble.

Common IP Ratings for Speakers

Let’s take a closer look at some common IP ratings found in outdoor speakers and what they mean in practical terms:

• IP44: Protection against solid objects larger than 1mm and splashing water. Suitable for sheltered outdoor use, such as under eaves or on patios. This is the most common rating found on the average consumer products for ‘normal’ use. Most outdoor lighting is IP44 and it’s generally fine dealing with rain and dirt.

• IP56: This rating provides protection against dust and strong water jets, making it ideal for exposed outdoor environments. Bulkhead lights, driveway lighting, marine speakers, etc., will often have an IP56 rating. This rating is a good guarantee that they will be fine in all weather conditions and deal with the daily muck and grime in higher-use areas.

• IPX5: Resistant to water jets from any direction but untested for solids. Great for areas where rain or hosing down is expected. This has become a common rating on weatherproof wall speakers, and it lets you know these units can keep even a direct water jet from getting in. While they may not have an official rating for solids, the level of sealing required for a “5” rating of liquid means not much else will be getting in.

• IPX7: Safe for full submersion in up to 1 metre of water for 30 minutes. Perfect for poolside use or environments with heavy rain exposure. A more extreme version of X5. Again, the fact that it can be submerged and not leak means that it won't let much else in either, which is why the manufacturers don't bother paying out for the solids testing. You could jetwash IPX7 speakers and they will be totally fine.

As you will see on the chart, the current ratings go as high as IP69k which is extreme. The addition of the letter “k” indicates there was additional high-pressure water testing, such as equipment suitable for a commercial car wash or manufacturing facility that requires regular deep cleaning.

The chart below is the standard Ingress Protection 2-digit numbering system. It shows the levels of protection offered against solids and liquids. The higher the number, the higher the protection offered.

Is Waterproof the same as Moisture-Resistant?

Not at all! The terms “moisture-resistant” and “waterproof” describe vastly different capabilities:

• Moisture Resistant

  Offers light protection against occasional splashes or humidity but won’t survive heavy rain or submersion. Typical for bathroom or kitchen ceiling speakers where humidity changes can leave condensation or dampness at certain times, they will feature polypropylene woofers rather than the traditional paper, but the units aren't receiving a direct or consistent spray so arent put through testing as it keeps the cost down.

  Sometimes a speaker may even list a moisture-resistant grille, while the driver and enclosure have no rating of any kind. This basically tells you that the grille is aluminium or plastic so will not rust, but the speaker itself has no resistance to moisture in any form, so it’s important to understand what you are reading when looking at specifications.

• Waterproof

  Designed to handle direct exposure to water, from heavy rain to full submersion (IPX7 or higher). For any device containing electrical or electronic components that claims to be waterproof, you should have an IP rating available. If not, it hasn't been tested and is likely unsuitable for outdoor installation.

• Weatherproof

  Be cautious too with waterproof and weatherproof, as again they are not the same thing. Weatherproof can mean all sorts of things, from basic moisture resistance to simply being supplied with rustproof fixings. Sales jargon often confuses the actual capability of a product, which is why the IP system was created in the first place.

Do IP ratings include Temperature Resistance?

IP ratings are purely for ingress, so don’t account for thermal effects, even though environmental temperatures can significantly affect a speaker’s performance. This is because, as previously mentioned, the IP rating is for the enclosure sealing properties, not what's inside.

However, many manufacturers do now specify operational temperature ranges in their product documentation, such as “-20°C to 60°C.” This is especially important for outdoor installations of loudspeakers in extreme climates, as it lets you know that the speaker's mechanical components are as durable as the box they are housed in.

Additionally, some outdoor speakers include UV protection to guard against sun damage and prevent discolouration or material degradation over time. This protection is a coating or chemical additive to the ABS resin enclosure and is well worth seeking out, especially if you are looking at white-coloured outdoor speakers, as it will prevent any yellowing of the plastic from sunlight.

Extras like this have no official testing or rating system but are definitely worth having when you are considering speakers that are to be permanently installed outside.

How are IP ratings tested?

It’s worth noting that IP ratings are not arbitrary numbers. Devices are subjected to rigorous testing to earn these certifications. Here’s how it works:

• Solid Ingress Testing

  For the first digit, the device is exposed to objects of specific sizes (e.g., dust particles or test probes). For example, to earn a "6", the device must be completely sealed against fine particles like dust, whereas a low rating such as a “2” only protects from objects 12mm and larger, so anything finger-sized or smaller can get in no problem.

  As a basic visual example of this, think of a dog crate or cage. The crossed wire is large enough for your hand, but nothing larger, such as the dog. If it was ever to be tested for ingress, it would be extremely low for solids, and zero for water, so would be IP10, with the “1” for solids showing you that it offers protection from objects of 50mm or larger.

• Water Ingress Testing

  For the second digit, the device undergoes water exposure under controlled conditions:

  Lower ratings involve light sprays or splashes while higher ratings simulate more extreme conditions, such as immersion in water or exposure to high-pressure jets.

  It's a logically progressive scale (as is the solids test), with zero being it was tested but has no protection, while the midpoint of “3” offers protection from water sprays or rainfall up to a quite aggressive 60-degree angle (heavy rain in the wind for instance). Once you get to 5 and above, you are into serious waterproofing, with guaranteed protection from some quite extreme conditions that include high-pressure water spray and total submersion.

• Combination Tests

  In some cases, devices are tested for both solid and liquid ingress under real-world conditions, such as rain combined with dusty environments. This obviously depends on the product's intended applications, and of course, if the manufacturer has submitted it to both the solids and liquids testing.

Common Misconceptions About IP Ratings

Understanding IP ratings isn’t just about numbers; it’s also about context. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• IPX Doesn't Mean No Dust Protection: If you see an "X" (e.g., IPX5), it simply means the device hasn’t been officially tested for solid ingress. However, it may still offer protection against dust and dirt. If a device has been tested and offers no protection it will have a “0” rating.

• A Higher IP Rating Doesn't Equal Indestructible: An IPX7 speaker might be tested to survive submersion, but repeated exposure to extreme conditions (e.g., saltwater or prolonged immersion) can degrade its seals over time. An IP rating doesn't remove the need for general equipment cleaning and maintenance.

If you buy IP44-rated speakers for your garden and they fail due to being jetwashed, this is no fault of the speaker or its rating, it simply means it wasn't designed for that level of protection and you should have spent more money on a higher-rated model.

Also, an IP rating is only good if the unit is in its original state. So if you drop a wall speaker during installation and crack the enclosure, you have just negated your IP protection.

Choosing the right IP rating for your Outdoor Speakers

• Sheltered Spaces (Patios, Covered Decks): For semi-protected areas, an IP44-rated speaker is often sufficient. IP44 is the standard rating for outdoor lighting, so is a tried and tested specification. It can handle light splashes and dust but won’t survive prolonged exposure to rain or dirt. These are great for mounting under eaves or inside gazebos.

• Exposed Outdoor Areas (Gardens, Poolside): In spaces exposed to the elements, consider IP56 or IP66 speakers. These offer robust protection against dust and water jets, making them ideal for areas prone to sudden downpours or occasional hosing down for cleaning. IPX5 is also fine for garden wall speakers, just that you don't get that ‘tested’ dirt protection.

  For the average home or business (patio, pub garden etc) you just won't need anything higher, and even IP66 is overkill unless you insist on jetwashing your speakers daily.

• High-Exposure Environments (Beach, Boats, Harsh Weather): For locations with constant moisture, such as poolside lounges, marine environments, or near the sea (where salt can corrode materials), opt for IP66, 67, or IPX7 ratings. These speakers are built to withstand immersion and heavy exposure to water, and you will generally find that once you are up to this level of rating, extras such as UV and even impact protection are also present as standard.

• Commercial or Industrial Settings: Commercial outdoor speakers often need even more durability. Look for models with combined solid and liquid protection (IP65 or higher) and additional features like UV resistance to prevent sun damage.

Materials Matter Too

The IP rating is crucial, but the materials used in the speaker’s construction play an equally important role in durability.

• Enclosure Outdoor speakers often use weather-resistant materials like UV-stabilised plastics or powder-coated aluminium. These resist fading, cracking, or corroding under harsh sunlight or salty air. The majority of outdoor speakers will be some form of ABS or nylon resin as it is lightweight and has a no-porous surface. It also allows the enclosure to be a near-seamless moulding which greatly reduces any possible ingress points.

• Grilles Look for rust-proof grilles, especially for coastal installations. Stainless steel or aluminium are common choices and are usually powder-coated both for additional protection and for colour matching to the enclosure. Non-IP-rated wall speakers often use cheap punched steel grilles which will rust quickly when exposed to moisture regularly. It won't affect the sound obviously, but looks awful, and also serves as a good indication of the corrosion that is likely occurring inside the speaker too.

• Seals and Coatings Waterproof models often feature silicone gaskets and hydrophobic coatings to enhance their resistance to water and dust. Pay attention to the cable entry design on outdoor speakers, as this can be a weak point. A speaker over IP56 will usually have a sealed cable grommet instead of visible terminals, and many come pre-wired with the intention for you to join that feed in a weatherproof junction box.