The term waterproof is often used loosely, but in industrial environments it has a specific and measurable meaning. Waterproof tapes must create a barrier that prevents water penetration under defined environmental conditions — whether through splashes, high-pressure cleaning, immersion, or prolonged outdoor exposure.
Understanding the difference between water-resistant and waterproof is essential for selecting the correct tape for an application:
- Water-resistant tapes
Withstand occasional splashes, condensation, or light moisture. Suitable for short-term or indoor environments.
- Waterproof tapes
Form a reliable barrier against continuous water exposure, heavy rain, outdoor humidity cycles, and in some cases even temporary immersion. Waterproof tapes are designed to prevent absorption, swelling, delamination, and adhesive failure.
How IP/IPX ratings help define “waterproof”:
The IEC 60529 standard defines water-ingress protection levels through the IP (Ingress Protection) rating system, which specifies resistance to both solids and liquids. Although waterproof tapes are not formally assigned IP ratings, the IPX scale helps engineers determine the level of protection required for components that are sealed or reinforced with tapes. The IP classification is commonly applied to enclosures, connectors, sensors, control units, and housings — many of which achieve their final water-protection level through sealing tapes, protective films, or acrylic foam systems.
An IP rating consists of two characters:
- The first digit indicates protection against solid objects such as dust or debris.
- The second digit (or “X” if untested) specifies the level of water protection.
For applications involving waterproof tapes, this framework helps define the intended sealing performance — whether the system must withstand splashes, water spray from any direction, high-pressure jets, temporary immersion, or continuous submersion. To explore our range of waterproof IPX8 tapes, click here.
