IP Protection Rating: First Digit Dust, Second Water
IP65 means dust-tight and protected against water jets from a nozzle. IP66 increases protection to strong water jets, while IP67 adds temporary immersion. For outdoor use in rain, IP65 is sufficient; those working with high-pressure cleaning or moisture in vehicles should choose IP66 or higher.
MIL-STD-810: A Collection of Test Procedures
MIL-STD-810G/H is not a single certification, but a catalog of test methods – drop, vibration, temperature, altitude, humidity, sand. Therefore, it's crucial which methods were tested and with what parameters. Specifically, pay attention to drop height (e.g., 90 cm vs. 180 cm), operating temperature range, and vibration profile for vehicle use.
Semi-Rugged or Fully-Rugged?
Semi-rugged devices like the TOUGHBOOK FZ-55 are lighter and more affordable, capable of withstanding drops from desk height and splashes – ideal for field service, workshops, and service technicians. Fully-rugged devices such as the FZ-40 or Getac B360 are built for continuous operation in vehicles, in wet conditions, dust, and extreme temperatures.
- Indoor office, workshop, client meetings: semi-rugged is sufficient
- Vehicle mounting, construction site, fire brigade, railway: fully-rugged
- Handheld operation with gloves: tablet with glove-compatible touch
Don't Forget Display Brightness
For outdoor use, brightness is often more important than drop height. Below 500 cd/m², the display becomes unreadable in sunlight; outdoor variants typically range from 1,000 to 1,200 cd/m². Also, check if the touch screen remains operable in rain and with gloves.
FAQ
- What is the difference between IP65 and IP66?
- Both are dust-tight. IP65 protects against water jets, while IP66 protects against strong water jets – relevant for high-pressure cleaning or continuous rain.
- Is MIL-STD-810H a certification?
- No, it is a catalog of test procedures. It is important which tests were performed with which parameters.
- What drop height do I need?
- For office desk and transport drops, 76–90 cm is sufficient. For vehicle and outdoor use, we recommend devices with 120–180 cm.