How Waterproof Are Push-to-Talk Two-Way Radios?

Push-to-talk two-way radios have IP ratings that let consumers know how resistant to elements they are.

IP stands for ingress protection. The IP rating of a two-way radio consists of two digits.

• The first digit describes a two-way radio’s resistance against solid elements, like sand and rocks.
• The second digit describes the resistance to water.

Different push-to-talk two-way radios will have different IP ratings. This means that some push-to-talk two-way radios will be very waterproof (with an IP water rating of 8), while others might not be waterproof at all (with an IP water rating of 0).

The most common IP water rating for two-way radios is 7. A water resistance rating of 7 indicates that your two-way radio can stand to be submerged in a meter of water for 30 minutes.

How Waterproof Does Your Push-to-Talk Two-Way Radio Need to Be?

If your push-to-talk two-way radio has a water resistance rating of 8, it does not mean that it is necessarily invulnerable to all water. Instead, it means that it can be submerged deeper than one meter in water and it should operate fine, as long as the conditions described by the manufacturer are met. There is actually a higher water resistance rating of 9 that is given to radios that can withstand strong jet currents of water.

However, it is rare that you will need your two-way radio with the highest possible water resistance rating. Depending on the industry in which you use your radio, the usual water resistance rating of 7 should more than suffice. A water resistance rating of 7 will protect your radio from the following instances:

• Rain
• Snow
• Drops in puddles
• Spills
• Wet hands

Your push-to-talk two-way radio should work reliably as soon as you need it. That means you should not have to worry about a rain shower or an accidental spill. Luckily, most two-way radios can handle these kinds of exposures to water and more.

When Push-to-Talk Two-Way Radios Are Necessary

These radios are beneficial in all kinds of industries. Often, they’re necessary because they work much more quickly and reliably than cell phones. At the push of a button, you can get in contact with your job manager or dispatch. Additionally, push-to-talk radios are useful for communicating where typical types of reception fail.

• Construction sites
• Paramedics
• Park rangers
• Utility workers
• Waste Management
• Landscapers

There are plenty of reasons your two-way radio might get wet. Whether it’s a spilled cup of coffee or a malfunctioning sprinkler system, you need to know that your two-way radio can function despite a bit of water. Check your radio’s IP rating and you will find exactly how waterproof your specific model is.

What are the IP ratings of PeakPTT two-way radios?

• The PTT-584G Dedicated Push To Talk Rugged Handset has an impressive IP67 rating. It is waterproof rated to 3.3′ feet immersion for 30 minutes.
• The Peak PTT-84G push to talk over cellular radio, for instance, offers a perfectly solid and respectable IP rating of 54, indicating it is protected from limited dust penetration and from water spray coming from any directions.

Have more questions about the water-resistance and ruggedness of PeakPTT two-way radios? Call us 855-600-6161.