“Rugged” Mobile Computer exactly what does that mean? Beauty might be in the eye of the beholder…but “Rugged” is a little more scientific.
To evaluate “rugged” most manufacturers refer to IP (Ingress Protection) Standards. Water and dust are two of the elements most commonly encountered in harsh environments. Unfortunately, they can also be exceptionally harmful to sensitive computer and electronic equipment. IP standards use numeric ratings to classify the amount of protection provided against water and dust by the products being tested.
Standards use both letters and numbers. In the typical code IP65, for example, the IP identifies the standard, Ingress Protection. The number 6 identifies the highest level of protection from dust and particulates and the number 5 a slightly lower degree of protection from liquids.
IP First number – Protection against solid objects
| 0 | No special protection |
| 1 | Protected against solid objects up to 50 mm, e.g. accidental touch by persons hands. |
| 2 | Protected against solid objects up to 12 mm, e.g. persons fingers. |
| 3 | Protected against solid objects over 2.5 mm (tools and wires). |
| 4 | Protected against solid objects over 1 mm (tools, wires, and small wires). |
| 5 | Protected against dust limited ingress (no harmful deposit). |
| 6 | Totally protected against dust. |
IP Second number – Protection against liquids
| 0 | No protection. |
| 1 | Protection against vertically falling drops of water e.g. condensation. |
| 2 | Protection against direct sprays of water up to 15o from the vertical. |
| 3 | Protected against direct sprays of water up to 60o from the vertical. |
| 4 | Protection against water sprayed from all directions – limited ingress permitted. |
| 5 | Protected against low pressure jets of water from all directions – limited ingress. |
| 6 | Protected against temporary flooding of water, e.g. for use on ship decks – limited ingress permitted. |
| 7 | Protected against the effect of immersion between 15 cm and 1 m. |
| 8 | Protects against long periods of immersion under pressure. |