IP & IK Ratings Explained

When choosing a GPS tracker for vehicles or assets exposed to Australia’s tough environments, it's important to understand how well the device can withstand dust, water, and physical impact. This is where IP and IK ratings come into play.

IP ratings (Ingress Protection) measure how effectively a device is sealed against solids and liquids, while IK ratings assess its resistance to mechanical impact. Our range of GPS trackers includes models rated IP41, IP68, and IP69K, as well as IK06 and IK07, offering different levels of protection depending on your needs.

Each IP rating consists of two digits — the first indicates protection against dust and solid objects, the second against water. Similarly, IK ratings use a number scale to show how much impact force the device can endure. Understanding these ratings ensures you select the right GPS tracker for your environment, with the confidence that it will continue to perform, no matter where the journey takes you.

BASIC PROTECTION

IP41

  • Protects against solid objects larger than 1mm (e.g. wires, small tools)
  • Protects against vertical water drops/dripping water
  • Ideal for indoor or shielded environments

GPS trackers with an IP41 rating:

Hardwired (pictured)

OBD2

Dust cloud, white background

DUST AND WATER PROTECTION

IP68

  • Completely dust tight, no ingress
  • Protection from continuous immersion in water
  • Usually tested beyond 1m depth
  • Suitable for externally mounted GPS trackers exposed to harsh weather and marine environments

GPS trackers with a rugged IP68 rated housing:

Portable (Small)

Portable (Large)

Steam jet grey background

MAXIMUM PROTECTION

IP69K

  • Highest level of ingress protection available
  • Protection from close-range, high-pressure, high-temperature jets
  • Dust, water and steam resistant
  • The 'K' is derived from a German standard (DIN 40050-9), which focuses on heavy-duty cleaning, such as in industrial environments

GPS tracker that features an IP69K rating:

Battery Mounted

IMPACT RESISTANCE

IK06

  • This indicates the level of impact resistance the housing can withstand.
  • An IK06 rating signifies that the housing is safeguarded against impacts of 1 joules, which is akin to a 0.250kg mass dropped from a height of 400mm onto the surface.

GPS tracker that features an IK06 rating:

Portable (Small)

Large Portable GPS Tracker Falling Rocks

IMPACT RESISTANCE

IK07

  • This indicates the level of impact resistance the housing can withstand.
  • An IK07 rating signifies that the housing is safeguarded against impacts of 2 joules, which is akin to a 0.500kg mass dropped from a height of 400mm onto the surface.

GPS tracker that features an IK07 rating:

Portable (Large)

GPS Tracker IP Ratings Explained – BlackOwl