Every rugged laptop spec sheet lists an IP rating and a MIL-STD-810 test standard. They're the quickest way to tell a fully rugged Toughbook from a semi-rugged one, but only if you know what the numbers mean. Here's a plain-English guide, with the ratings of the models we sell.
IP ratings: dust and water
An IP (Ingress Protection) rating comes from the international standard IEC 60529. It has two digits: the first is protection against solids such as dust, and the second is protection against water. Higher is better.
| First digit | Dust and solids |
|---|---|
| 5 | Dust-protected: some dust can get in, but not enough to stop the computer working |
| 6 | Dust-tight: no dust gets in |
| Second digit | Water |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dripping water falling straight down |
| 2 | Dripping water with the unit tilted up to 15° |
| 3 | Spraying water, up to 60° from vertical (rain) |
| 5 | Water jets from any direction |
| 6 | Powerful water jets from any direction |
So an IP53 laptop handles dust and rain, an IP65 laptop is dust-tight and survives water jets, and an IP66 laptop is dust-tight and survives powerful water jets. None of these ratings means the computer can be submerged.
An IP rating only holds while the seals do. Port covers must be closed, and the case, battery door and covers must be intact. That's why every refurbished Toughbook we sell is Grade A, with no cracks, loose parts or missing covers. See buying a refurbished Toughbook.
MIL-STD-810: drops, shock, vibration and weather
MIL-STD-810 is a US Department of Defense standard that describes how to test equipment against the conditions it will meet in the field: drops, shock, vibration, rain, dust, sand, humidity, altitude and temperature extremes. It's a set of test methods, not a single pass/fail certificate. A manufacturer chooses which tests to run, and how hard, so "MIL-STD-810" on a spec sheet tells you the computer was tested, while the details (such as the drop height) tell you how tough it is.
The letter is the version of the standard: 810G dates from 2008 and 810H from 2019. Older Toughbooks such as the CF-31 and CF-19 were tested to 810G; current models such as the TOUGHBOOK 40, 34, 55 and G3 are tested to 810H.
Two more labels you'll see:
- MIL-STD-461 covers electromagnetic interference: the computer doesn't disrupt nearby radios and equipment, and keeps working near them.
- Class 1 Division 2 (C1D2) is a certification for use in hazardous locations where flammable gases or vapors may be present. It's a separate model option on some Toughbooks, such as the 33, 34, G2 and G3.
Our help center has more on MIL-STD certifications and IP codes.
Fully rugged vs. semi-rugged
In practice, the IP rating and drop height are what separate the two:
- Fully rugged Toughbooks are sealed to IP65 or IP66 and drop-tested, typically to 4 to 6 feet on current models. They're built for rain, washdowns, dust and work outdoors all day. See fully rugged models.
- Semi-rugged Toughbooks are rated IP53 or lower (IP53 handles rain; IP51 and IP52 only dripping water) and drop-tested to about 3 feet (the Dell Latitude 5420 Rugged to 4 feet). They're lighter and cost less, and suit work in vehicles, warehouses and shops more than in the rain. See semi-rugged models.
Ratings of popular models we sell
| Model | Type | IP rating | Standard | Drop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOUGHBOOK 40 | Fully rugged laptop | IP66 | MIL-STD-810H, 461G | 6 ft |
| TOUGHBOOK 34 | Fully rugged 2-in-1 | IP66 | MIL-STD-810H, 461G | 6 ft |
| TOUGHBOOK G3 | Fully rugged tablet | IP66 | MIL-STD-810H, 461G | 6 ft |
| TOUGHBOOK G2 | Fully rugged tablet | IP65 | Designed to meet MIL-STD-810H, 461G | 6 ft |
| Toughbook CF-33 | Fully rugged 2-in-1 | IP65 | MIL-STD-810G, 461F | 4 ft (laptop), 5 ft (tablet) |
| Toughpad FZ-G1 | Fully rugged tablet | IP65 | MIL-STD-810G | 4 ft |
| Toughbook CF-31 | Fully rugged laptop | IP65 | MIL-STD-810G, 461F | Drop tested |
| Toughbook CF-20 | Fully rugged 2-in-1 | IP65 | MIL-STD-810G, 461F | Drop tested |
| Toughbook CF-19 | Fully rugged convertible | IP65 (mk4–mk8) | MIL-STD-810G, 461F (mk4–mk8) | Drop tested |
| TOUGHBOOK 56 | Semi-rugged laptop | IP53 | MIL-STD-810H | 3 ft |
| Toughbook FZ-55 | Semi-rugged laptop | IP53 | MIL-STD-810H | 3 ft |
| Toughbook CF-54 | Semi-rugged laptop | IP51 (mk2–mk3) | MIL-STD-810G | 3 ft |
| Dell Pro Rugged 14 | Semi-rugged laptop | IP53 | MIL-STD-810H | 3 ft |
| Dell Latitude 5430 Rugged | Semi-rugged laptop | IP53 | MIL-STD-810H | Drop tested |
| Dell Latitude 5420 Rugged | Semi-rugged laptop | IP52 | MIL-STD-810G | 4 ft |
Ratings are the manufacturer's and apply to the computer as built, with its covers closed. Each model's spec sheet, in our help center, has the full list of tests.
Which do you need?
If the computer will be used in the rain, washed down, carried on foot all day or dropped onto concrete from standing height, choose fully rugged (IP65 or IP66, with drop ratings of up to 6 feet on current models). If it lives in a vehicle dock, a shop or a warehouse and only sees the odd splash or bump, a semi-rugged model does the job for less money and weight. Not sure? Ask our technicians, or request a quick quote and tell us how the computers will be used.