IP Rating Explained.
What is an IP rating?
Life can get a little wet sometimes so it is important to know how protected your prosthesis is from exposure to the elements.
What is weatherproof? What is waterproof?
For microprocessor knees, such as the C-Leg 4, Kenevo, and Genium X4, it all comes down to what is called the IP Rating – and it's important know the difference!
IP (or Ingress Protection) ratings are used to define to what degree a device's electronic components are protected against intrusions, contact, corrosion, dust, moisture and water. The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) developed IP ratings to help users better understand their devices resilience against liquid and dust beyond vague descriptions such as "waterproof" "water-resistant" and "weather-proof". IP Ratings are not used to define the device's resilience against liquid of it's mechanical elements.
What do the numbers in an IP rating mean?
The numbers that follow IP each have a specific meaning.
The first number indicates the protection against solid objects like dust, dirt and sand and is rated on a scale from 0 (no protection) to 6 (no ingress of dust).
The second number rates the devices protection against liquids and uses a scale from 0 (no protection) to 9 (protection against high-pressure water from different angles).
What are the IP ratings of Ottobock's MPKs?
Kenevo - IP22
The Kenevo has an IP rating of IP22 meaning it's electronics are protected from dripping water but the mechanical components are not corrosion resistant.
