Waterproof Weighing Scales and IP Ratings Explained
Waterproof scales are vital if your business intends to weigh liquids, operate in damp or dusty environments or weigh outdoors.
This helpful guide aims to explain what IP ratings are, and how they’re used, so that buying your new washdown scale will be as easy as using it. Don't forget to download our free IP ratings chart PDF at the end of the article.
What is an IP Rating?
IP ratings may be confusing, especially when referred to as ‘Ingress Protection’ or ‘International Protection marking’. But it doesn’t have to be difficult. Put simply, IP ratings are used to measure an item’s resistance to liquids and particles.
An IP rating typically appears as the letters ‘IP’' followed by two numbers, such as IP44, IP65 and IP67. The digits in the IP rating refer to a different type of protection. The first digit refers to how protected the instrument is to dust, and the second digit is how protected the scale is to water and other liquids.
Gore Vents also created an ingenious video that explains IP rating with some great visuals. You can watch that below too.
IP68 Rating
What separates IP68 rated scales from other Marsden IP scales is that these scales are fully waterproof. These scales can be submerged in water and survive - a feature not shared by IP67 and IP66 scales.
These scales can be used in the most punishing environments; their durable nature means they can be easily kept clean and hygienic as they can be hosed down.
The Marsden B-100 bench scale is one of our IP68-rated scales. To prove its durability, we soaked the B-100 in a bucket of water in this video – and it remained in perfect working order.
IP67 Rating
IP67 rated weighing scales are almost as waterproof as their IP68 rated scales.
The IP67 casing means these scales are protected against moisture; therefore, they can be kept hygienic by being washed down. The main difference between IP68 and IP67 scales is that IP68 devices can be submerged in over 1m of water for a duration of time, whereas IP67 devices can be submerged in under 1m of water for a maximum of 30 minutes.
As an example, the our Trade Approved JIK indicator is IP67 rated. It can be paired with the HSS stainless steel bench scale to make a scale is suitable for water-based processes, including liquid filling applications.
IP65 Rating
IP65 rated scales have protection from moisture and can be washed down using hoses.
These scales are ideal for environments which are humid, or have some water vapour present – like bakeries.
IP65 devices can be washed down, however they can not be submerged in a body of water for any duration of time.
The I-100SS indicator is IP65 weighing scales. This can also be paired with the HSS and its IP65 rating has contributed to the scale finding use in supermarkets, food factories and farms.
We created a useful IP Ratings Chart to explain this in more depth.
Download your free IP Ratings Chart
It is recommended that you consider your business and choose a rating that adequately covers your needs. Marsden offers a range of waterproof scales, ranging from IP68, IP67 and IP65.
If you have any questions about IP rating and the waterproof scales that we offer, get in touch with us on 01709 364296 or contact us.
Related Products
Further reading
Are you still confused about which washdown scale to purchase? Check out our Buyers’ Guide: Waterproof Scales.
Do you work in the food and drinks industry? Find out about the 6 benefits of washdown scales for food and drink weighing.
Not sure if you need waterproof retail scales? We explain the key benefits of waterproof retail scales here.