Can I Charge in the Rain? IP Ratings: Explained

When buying a new EV charging cable or portable charger in the UK, you will frequently see a technical spec called an IP Rating (e.g., IP55 or IP67).

This rating simply tells you how dust-proof and waterproof the equipment is. Given our classic British downpours, choosing the right rating ensures you can charge outside safely, rain or shine.

Here is the simple, jargon-free guide to reading IP ratings before you buy.

How to Read an IP Rating

"IP" stands for Ingress Protection. It always contains two numbers:

- The First Number (0–6): Protection against solid objects (like dust, dirt, and grit). 6 is a perfect score (completely dust-tight).

- The Second Number (0–9): Protection against liquids (moisture and water). The higher the number, the more waterproof it is.

The Three Ratings You Need to Know

When browsing EV hardware, you will generally run into these three standard variations:

1. IP54 (Splash-proof)

What it means: Protects against dust and light water splashes from any direction.

Best for: Indoor garage charging or quick outdoor plug-ins during light drizzle.

2. IP55 & IP65 (Weatherproof — The Sweet Spot)

What it means: Drastically reduces dust entry and stands up completely to low-pressure water jets (like wind-blown, torrential British rainstorms).

Best for: Daily outdoor charging. This is the recommended benchmark for standard home wallboxes and reliable portable charging kits.

3. IP67 (Heavy Duty & Submersible)

What it means: Completely dust-tight and can handle being dropped into a deep puddle or briefly submerged in water up to 1 metre deep.

Best for: Premium EV cable plug heads that regularly sit exposed on wet driveways or muddy ground.

Quick Buying Checklist: Which Do You Need?

• For standard Type 2 to Type 2 Cables: Look for an overall rating of IP54 or higher. Most premium cable heads feature IP67 internal seals when plugged into the car to guarantee a bone-dry electrical connection.
• For Portable "Granny" Chargers: Ensure the heavy control box sitting on the ground is at least IP65 rated to handle standing surface water and heavy winter storms safely.

⚠️ Safety Reminder: While high-quality cables are built to be incredibly resilient against wet weather, never leave a portable charger control box permanently submerged at the bottom of a deep puddle.

Ready to Charge with Absolute Confidence?

At Third Rock Energy, all of our products are designed specifically for the UK market and carry full UKCA and CE safety certifications.

- If you need a heavy-duty, weatherproof lead for daily fast-charging, explore our 32A EV Charging Cables.

- For flexible, everyday top-ups, browse our standard Type 2 Portable EV chargers.

- Need a robust, backup charging option for standard UK mains plug sockets? Check out our rugged, weather-sealed 13A Portable EV Chargers.