SUBMERSIBLE Two-way Radios

In the world of two-way radios and similar communications devices often the specifications mention either 'waterproof' or 'submersible' and it could be easy for many customers to assume that what they are buying would or could meet every meaning of those words! However, often what's in the marketing information customers understanding of those terms might be very different to that of the radio makers. While some two-way radios are basically 'splash proof', looking deeper in to the specifications of particular brands can show massive differences where water ingress is concerned.

IP Ratings

There is a standard for measurement of water and dust ingress that defines just how resilient the radios are - and its called an IP rating. This is a standard that makers use and they specify particular products to successfully withstand water and/or dust ingress to certain levels. For example, an rating of IP65 means that there is inbuilt protection from dust ingress and low pressure water. But that standard does not give any 'submersible' measurement. IP ratings are usually applied depending on the use of the radio or other equipment (its not just limited to radios) and there is a useful IP rating table is available from the link that can explain almost every IP rating you will find.

In the case of two-way radios there is currently a trend of makers towards the 'submersible' levels of protection for water and dust materials. For example Entel wireless two-way radios offer an exceptional IP standard on their radios particularly for the price, typically using an IP rating of IP68 for Submersible in water at 2 metres for up to 4 hours as you will see in this Entel example.

But the IP ratings can be critical and understanding exactly what they mean is so important, especially for example in a marine environment or other area where there could be water and/or dust ingress that is highly likely. The IP68 standard shown here is really a good starting point for this type of working environment, but careful checking of the IP in the table link above offers everything you need to choose the correct equipment for your needs. Many of the lower IP standards and ratings hardly offer protection from different levels of water coverage and some only specify 'splash proof' that in reality is a minimal standard.

You will notice that from the menu on the left that Radio Shopper mentions Entel, Motorola and Hytera as three major brands when considering 2 way radios or walkie talkies and while there are many other brands available, from our own extensive experience we have chosen those brands to be the most cost effective for a high level of waterproof/submersible and dust protection.

Our staff are trained in specifying IP rated wireless radios for customer use particularly for business customer operations and are here to help, will give no-cost advice without any obligation to help customers benefit from the correctly IP rated equipment that matches the use of a customer. Please do contact us via our contact page on this site or call the number on the left.