Understanding Water Resistant IP Ratings

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At OEM Audio, we aim to provide affordable, quality products that enhance your driving experience. Our premium EV Power charging products have earned the trust of over 100 car dealers in New Zealand for their reliability.

Since 2016, we’ve been at the forefront of practical design, delivering durable products that often exceed current safety standards. We’ve also guided customers in choosing the right EV charging products for their needs, addressing common misunderstandings about their capabilities and maintenance. Paul O’Connor, Owner/Director of OEM Audio, will answer some of the most frequently asked questions in straightforward terms.

HOW DOES AN EV POWER PRODUCT ACHIEVE A WATER-RESISTANT RATING?

Paul O’Connor – Making an EV charger water-resistant involves more than just materials—it requires careful design, manufacturing, and maintenance. At OEM Audio, we focus on all aspects of water ingress protection. The hard case, membrane, and internal components of EV Power EVSE are key to long-term durability. With proper care, our products often last well beyond the two-year warranty, reflecting our commitment to sustainability.

IS EV POWER EVSE TESTED TO A STANDARD BY AN ACCREDITED LAB?

Paul O’Connor – Yes, we’re a small business committed to doing things legally and correctly. While it’s common sense that water and electricity don’t mix, EV charging connectors must meet international Standard IEC 60529 for water and dust ingress protection. Certified labs issue an IP rating if the enclosure passes the required tests.

Our EV Power products are tested independently in a certified laboratory to IEC 62196 and IEC 60529 standards.

IEC 62196 refers to general safety requirements of EV charging. IEC 60529 includes an IP test.

WHAT IS AN INGRESS PROTECTION (IP) RATING?

Paul O’Connor – This high-pressure test involves spraying water from a specific nozzle at the product for a set time and distance. The product passes if no harmful effects are observed. The test is done under controlled conditions—not with the equipment in use, warm, or exposed to wind over time.

Simply, an IP rating indicates how well a product resists water and dust.

Ingress Protection (IP) ratings have two digits:

The first states the level of solid/dust resistance the device has been certified for. It has a maximum rating of 6.
The second digit relates to water resistance.

In reality, even the highest immersion rating of “8” has a maximum depth and duration, meaning the IP scale has no true “waterproof” rating.

PRODUCT COMPARISON

IP rating assessment has limits

IP ratings are assessed in a lab, with products immersed in still, clean water.
The test doesn’t account for real-life situations.
The devices don’t have to be on during testing – if an electronic device is powered on underwater and is running programs, its internal temperature and pressure will increase, negatively affecting the depth of water the product can withstand. Heat can cause the case to expand which may allow water to enter the IC-CPD box. See Fig. 1

HOW WATER RESISTANT IS EV POWER EVSE? HOW DO I MAKE SENSE OF THE IP RATING NUMBERS?

Paul O’Connor –

Relying on a single lab-tested IP rating is a common mistake when buying EV charging equipment. IP ratings, like IP54 or IP66, are based on controlled tests and don’t guarantee real-world performance.

IP54 means cables resist dust and splashes when connected but aren’t fully sealed—so they shouldn’t be submerged or used in persistent rain. IP66 allows outdoor use, but prolonged exposure to heavy rain still requires extra protection.

“Water-resistant” simply means the device is better protected against water ingress, not waterproof.

WHAT CARE SHOULD I TAKE WITH EV CHARGING EQUIPMENT?

This doesn’t mean your EV charging equipment has not met its IP rating or has reached the end of its life.

It can be put in a protective box, kept out of puddles and persistent rain.
Use the protective caps.
Don’t drag the product along the ground.
Drying the cable before storage is also going to extend the life of the product.
Don’t store outside without shelter when not in use
Don’t allow mud or insects to enter the control box.

The take-away

Choosing the right EV charging equipment involves more than just price. We recommend selecting a WorkSafe-compliant product that meets international standards, comes with a strong warranty, and is sold by a trusted company. Understanding how your charger works and caring for it properly is key to safety and long-term performance.

Getting the maximum life out of your EVSE requires a bit of care. During use the product will heat up. This can affect the protection the enclosure provides the internal space from water. Seals can warm up and expand. So just like a waterproof rating given to a sports watch, care must be taken to ensure that the portable charging cable is offered some shelter.

Paul O'Connor

OEM AUDIO LTD CUSTOMER SERVICE

What we will do:

Provide a product which is fit for purpose.
Ensure products meet all safety standards as set by New Zealand law.
Provide written instructions outlining safe care and use of EV Power EVSE.
Provide information relating to safe use and care of EV Power products online.
Provide a warranty consistent with industry standards.
Provide customer assistance Monday -Friday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm.
Meet our obligations under the Fair-Trading Act 1986
Meet our obligations under the Consumers Guarantees Act 1993, and offer a remedy where the EVSE becomes faulty after an activity that should be covered by its IP rating.

You can’t claim under the Consumer Guarantees Act if:

You used the product in a way that a reasonable consumer would not.
You used the product so much that it is reasonable that it broke.
You broke or lost the product.
You modified the product, and this is what caused the issue.
The product is second-hand.

You’ve chosen EV Power because we’ve tested our products for New Zealand conditions—and we stand behind them. Used as intended, they’re built to last.

Our warranty covers proper use, but it’s void if the product is misused, stored incorrectly, or used outside its intended purpose. EV Power products are durable, not indestructible—mud, water, and rough handling can exceed design limits. Please use your gear as intended to ensure long-lasting performance.

If your EV Power product has a defect please call us.