What you need to know about the waterproof gadgets that are not so waterproof

Water-resistant, water-resistant, waterproof, waterproof - synonymous with the term "waterproof", which are widely used vendors to attract your attention. Of course, words are the differences in the shades of meaning, but a rare buyer wants to understand the nuances of the ghost, the main thing that the gadget is protected from moisture.

In fact, no one is able to protect your purchase for all ills, there is no guarantee you performance gadget after falling into the water or getting under a strong stream of water. But first things first.

Historically, waterproof device encountered in extreme sports. They were mostly watches for scuba diving and triathlon training. Hours ordinary consumer repelled few drops of water, and that was enough. Today the ubiquity of portable communications equipment and fitness bracelets to change the situation. A clever technique has become persecute a person 24/7, whatever the circumstances may be. Bitty players immediately picked up the trend and began to use the term "water resistant" in their marketing campaigns.

However, how often do you ever read an explanation about how well the device is protected against ingress of liquids? What is really hidden behind that screen?

designations

Mobile phones and cameras, as a rule, marked IP value.

Ingress Protection Rating - system of classification of degrees of protection of electrical equipment against the penetration of the shell of solid objects and water in accordance with the international standard.

Wikipedia

The code consists of two letters and two numbers, eg: IP67. It can be found in the booklet on the box, in the instructions or on the device itself. The international standard is well stands out even in the Chinese artefacts, such as Xiaomi Mi Band.

The first digit in the framework of this article is not important (it stands for protection against foreign objects), while the second speaks of safety in contact with droplets or immersion in water. For a detailed understanding we give a detailed description of the pages of the World mine of information.

»
As you can see, the test run along strict rules established laboratory certified structures. We do not agree with their objectivity? Explore alternative ranked by value atmospheres (ATM), which is often assessed fitness tracker and smartwatch.

Somewhere you will see the value of atmospheres, but somewhere - meters. There is no difference.

»
Unfortunately, in this case, there is no official body that would conduct tests on a single form. Evaluation of different manufacturers can vary. So do not take literally the words "50 m" as the solution to immerse the clock on fifty meters under water.

What is important to understand

Life is full of random events. In the laboratory it is impossible to repeat the unprecedented set of circumstances, which may still occur in the field. Yes, no one is trying to somehow get closer to real life. Judge for yourself: in tests of electronic gadgets are in a static position. During normal operation, we are constantly moving, turns sharply and hit. At such moments, the load on the parts, fasteners, plugs and gaskets greatly increased. And they can not stand.

For example, your smart phone can shoot video out of the water. Cool! But keep in mind the various negative factors:

• It is not necessary to dig in the snow with the gadget immediately after the release of steam. Large temperature difference is able to violate its integrity.
• Swimming in the pool and the lake - not the same thing. Net or chlorinated water is much more preferable than a turbid liquid with unknown impurities.
• Correct technique of swimming breaststroke enjoy your gadget, unlike the clumsy slaps butterfly.
• Gradual immersion can not be compared with a jump into the water.

In the world of consumer electronics is not completely watertight things. Every product, no matter how carefully it is designed and manufactured, has its point of failure.

Each smartphone, each clock, each chamber, each wearing device has a limiting combination of water temperature, depth, duration of exposure or manipulation of the device during a dive, which lead to the penetration of water into the mechanism.

That is why the popular protection IPX7 (8) makes a reservation 'at a certain depth and a given time "and" under the conditions specified by the manufacturer. "

real-world examples

Let's start with the Fitbit. On page issues the company says about the water resistance of all its products. In particular, the model Surge labeled 5 ATM. In good, this should mean that the gadget is suitable for swimming. However, the manufacturer itself stipulates that trackers can not withstand the forces of the swimming strokes and not even have to swim with them.

The opposite situation. Pebble team puts on their smart watches mark "30 meters." Judging by the "Wikipedia", such electronics should be kept away from water. At the same time, the company is actively offers jump from Pebble Time in the pool or take a shower.

It is significant, is not it?

The conclusion is clear: do not believe the dry marking, you must read the manufacturer's explanation in each case.

Take a slightly different angle. Apple Watch have a degree of protection IPX7, that is, they can wash their hands, but not to swim. More interesting is that in addition kupertinovtsy mention of leather straps that are not water-resistant. Owning past worth remembering about this nuance in the shower time, for example.

By the way, the whole range of iPhone is not officially protected from moisture, although sometimes claim otherwise on the Internet.

Continuing the theme of smart phones, not to mention the well-known line of waterproof means of communication from Sony.

Duplicate description of the protection class IP68: «If all ports and covers are firmly closed, the smartphone is dust-tight and protected against the impact of the jets of water under low pressure from all directions according to the standard IP65 and / or may be up to 30 minutes in fresh water at a depth of 1.5 m in accordance with standard IP68. Incorrect or improper use of the device entails the cancellation of the guarantee. "

Note, we are talking about one of the highest levels of protection, but even here the reservation slip "low pressure", "may be", "fresh water."

About guarantee I've read that some companies, such as the Fitbit, free change-device drowned her awkward customers. Hard to imagine something similar in our area, so it's best to be cautious.

Well, really bad things in the event that the seller did not indicate any protection option, but only refers to the water resistance. This may indicate that he is stingy with the conduct of the trial or obviously aware of his poor results.

conclusion

To summarize all of the above. There are clear formal (IPxx) and a bit vague, informal (ATM m) international standards for testing waterproof gadgets. Theoretically, based on them, each of you can understand the advertising husks and try to assess how a device behaves in different situations.

However, inadequate methods and a large number of additional factors, says that before the purchase of a device is necessary to find out more detailed information on the extent of its protection. Precautions during operation time, of course, is also worth keeping in mind. Otherwise, your heat will turn-off of technical experts on the use of the purchase in the "unforeseen circumstances the manufacturer."

How you handle your water-resistant gadget?