Flying A Drone In The Rain: A Guide To IP Ratings

• Find out which DJI drones you can fly in the rain;

• A guide to IP Ratings and how they relate to flying a drone;

• Learn what each digit in an IP code represents;

• Understanding IP ratings is important to knowing how your drone can handle difficult weather and operating conditions. 

So, can you fly your drone in the rain? It’s a frequently asked question within the UAS community.

Generally, we advise you don’t, unless your aircraft has an IP rating.

This standard, denoted by a combination of digits, indicates the drone’s resistance to moisture, as well as its ability to handle other foreign objects, such as dust.

Therefore, understanding IP ratings is essential to ensure your drone can withstand the environmental challenges it may encounter during operation.

And it's important to note that only a selection of DJI drones have an IP rating, making them more adept at handling tricky conditions compared to their non-IP-rated counterparts.

This blog will explore IP ratings, highlight which DJI drones are IP rated, and what you should do to ensure the aircraft performs effectively and safely in harsh weather.

What Is An IP Rating?

IP ratings - known as Ingress Protection or International Protection ratings - are defined to the international standard of EN 60529 (British BS EN 60529:1992).

An IP Rating consists of the letters IP followed by two digits and an optional letter. It classifies the degrees of protection provided against the intrusion of solid objects (including body parts like hands and fingers), dust, accidental contact, and water in electrical enclosures.

The aim of an IP Rating is to provide users with more detailed information than vague marketing terms, such as waterproof.

What Do The Two Digits In An IP Rating Represent?

The first digit (such as IP65) indicates the level of protection that the enclosure provides against access to hazardous parts (electrical conductors, moving parts etc) and the ingress of solid foreign objects. The first digit will be a number between 0-6.

The second digit (such as IP65) defines the protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against various forms of moisture (drips, sprays, submersion etc). The second digit in an IP rating will be a number between 0-9.

In certain cases, an IP rating might be given as IPX7, IP5X, or similar. The X means the product has not been tested in that category.

In some cases, an additional letter may be at the end of an IP rating, e.g. IP67M. This is done to indicate either certified resistance to specific materials/hazards, such as oil or high voltages, or a particular scenario in which the IP testing was conducted (for example in moving water).

'K' as seen in some IP ratings mean that the enclosure must provide protection against ingress of directed water jets of high temperature and pressure.

IP Ratings And Drones

So, what does this all mean when you are operating a drone?

Firstly, checking the IP Rating on your drone is a good way to identify the weather tolerance of your aircraft.

A sleek design and high IP rating ensure that your motors and fully enclosed components are protected against dust and rain.

An IP rating is especially important if you’re looking to fly your drone in rain, near construction sites where could be large quantities of dust, or in any situation where weather conditions might change quickly and bring upon adverse conditions.

Which DJI Drones Have An IP Rating?

The following DJI drones have an IP rating:

• M350 RTK: IP55

• M300 RTK: IP45

• DJI M30 Series (including Dock version): IP55

• DJI Dock: IP55, internal components IP67 

• DJI Agras T10: IP67

• DJI Agras T16: IP67

• DJI Agras T30: IP67

• DJI Agras T40: Core modules IPX6K (aircraft body can be washed with water). T4-0/T20P batteries, IP54 + board level protection.

• DJI FlyCart 30: IP55

• DJI M200 V2 Series: IP43

The IP rating is not permanently effective and may decrease due to product wear and tear.

Other DJI aircraft, such as the Mini, Air, Mavic and the Phantom series, do not have an IP Rating. It is therefore advised not to fly them in the rain.

A range of DJI payloads have their own IP rating, enabling them to be used alongside their compatible aircraft in the event of wet weather or dusty conditions. The DJI RC Plus is also weatherproof. 

• H20T: IP44. 

• H20: IP44

• H20N: IP44. 

• L2: IP54

• L1: IP54

• P1: IP4X

• RC Plus: IP54.

Are DJI Drones Waterproof?

So, are DJI drones waterproof? In the main, not completely.

While some DJI drones have an IP rating, it doesn’t make them totally waterproof. Rather, they are water resistant. 

For instance, DJI states that for IP-rated drones such as the M350 RTK, M300 RTK, and M30 Series, flights should not be conducted when the amount of rainfall exceeds 100mm in 24 hours. 

However, drones such as the DJI Agras T40 are considered waterproof, as they can be directly washed down with water.

Meanwhile, the RC Plus should not be used when precipitation exceeds 50mm in 24 hours.

As mentioned before, drones without an IP rating should not be flown in the rain as they are not considered water-resistant. 

Hints and Tips For Flying DJI Drones In Wet Weather

There are certain tips to follow to ensure a drone performs well in the rain and snow.

These include:

• Do not fold the frame arms in the rain.

• Ensure the battery ports, battery compartment ports, battery surfaces, and battery compartment surfaces are dry before inserting the batteries.

• Firmly attached the microSD card slot cover.

• Check that the waterproofing top shell plug is firmly attached to the top shell.

• Use the specific DJI batteries which are recommended for and compatible with the aircraft.

• Ensure the aircraft shell is not cracked or the waterproof adhesive is not aged or damaged.

• When it comes to payloads, ensure the gimbal port and gimbal surface are free from any liquid before installation.

• When using DJI Dock, ensure the electrical cabinet door and the dock cover are firmly closed and its waterproof adhesive is in tact.

To talk about any of the drones mentioned in this article, or to see how heliguy™ can support your drone needs, contact us.