IP Rating
Ingress Protection rating indicating device resistance to dust and water, expressed as two digits (e.g., IP65, IP67). First digit rates solid particle protection (0-6), second rates liquid protection (0-9). Industrial RTLS tags typically require IP65 or IP67 for harsh environments.
International Protection rating indicating degree of protection provided by equipment enclosure against solid objects and liquids. IP ratings use format IPXY where X is solid protection (0-6) and Y is liquid protection (0-9).
Common industrial RTLS ratings: IP40 (basic indoor, protected against objects >1mm, no liquid protection), IP54 (protected against dust and water splashes from any direction), IP65 (dust-tight, protected against water jets - typical minimum for industrial floor), IP66 (dust-tight, protected against heavy seas or powerful water jets), IP67 (dust-tight, protected against temporary immersion up to 1m depth), IP68 (dust-tight, protected against continuous immersion - depth specified by manufacturer), and IP69K (dust-tight, protected against high-pressure high-temperature washdown - food processing, chemical plants). Industrial RTLS tags require IP54 minimum for general manufacturing, IP65-66 for harsh environments (foundries, outdoor areas, washdown areas), IP67-68 for potential immersion (chemical baths, outdoor exposure to heavy rain). RTLS infrastructure (anchors, gateways) mounted in protected locations typically IP40-54 adequate, though outdoor or exposed installations require IP65-67. Higher IP ratings increase cost 15-40% and size/weight 20-50% due to sealing requirements. Rating selection based on: environmental assessment (typical exposure conditions), reliability requirements (more critical applications justify higher ratings), maintenance considerations (failed devices in harsh environments difficult to replace), and cost constraints (avoiding over-specification). Note: IP ratings address environmental protection only, not RF performance - sealed enclosures can degrade antenna performance requiring design optimization. IP rating testing by third-party labs provides certification, though many vendors claim ratings without certification - verify testing documentation for critical applications.