Water resistant and waterproof are different terms that refer to the amount of water that can enter or leave an item. Waterproof products can withstand being fully immersed in water, while water resistant products can only withstand wet weather. Each product is assigned a rating level from the IP rating system, which rates the product’s ingress protection. Water resistant materials prevent water from entering when exposed to weather conditions such as rain and snow, while water repellent items are more durable than water resistant items but less durable than waterproof items.
Water resistant and waterproof refer to the amount of water that is prevented from entering or leaving an item. While serving the same purpose, these terms are different and should not be used interchangeably. The main difference between water resistant and waterproof is that water resistant products can withstand wet weather but cannot withstand being fully immersed in water; waterproof products can.
The levels of protection that a product resists against the ingress of water can vary. Each water resistant and waterproof product is assigned a rating level from the IP rating system, which rates the product’s ingress protection. This is an important factor that consumers need to pay attention to when purchasing water resistant and waterproof products, especially an electronic device, such as a watch. Ratings range from level 0, which means not a single drop of water should touch the item, to level 8, which means the item could go to the bottom of a large body of water and still function properly .
Due to investigations into the accuracy of product marketing and labeling, only a small percentage of products are now considered waterproof. Many electronic devices receive a water resistance label, with a depth level rating. For example, a watch may have a water resistance label of up to 100 feet (30m); this means that the product can only be guaranteed waterproof for that depth range. Clothing and other materials accepted as waterproof must have the fabric sealed or the seams taped to prevent water from entering through small openings made with sewing needles.
Water resistant materials are made to prevent water from entering when exposed to weather conditions such as rain and snow. Many raincoats, umbrellas, and boots are water resistant, made from fabrics that have a coating that allows them to repel water. The purpose is to prevent a person from getting wet while wearing or using the product for its intended function; beyond that, the product will not be water resistant. For example, a waterproof raincoat would not fare well in a flood.
Another term similar to water resistant and waterproof is “water repellent”. Items with this label tend to be more durable than water resistant items but less durable than waterproof items. If a product is water repellent, the water forms droplets when you touch it. These fabrics are sewn tighter or coated better than water-resistant fabrics, although the coating can wear off over time. The silicone spray can help coat the fabric. Water repellent sprays are available to treat a variety of products and some surfaces, such as wood.
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