Waterproof
We are often asked if a radio is "Waterproof " .. Just to add confusion the terms Weatherproof, Splashproof, Weather resistant and Showerproof are all terms often used by manufacturers.

They are all relatively meaningless because put anything in water for long enough and at high enough pressure and water will get in. Even if a radio is not submerged in water it can be damaged by water ingress from condensation which will find its way into electrical equipment that is fairly well sealed.

UK Rain
All the radios we sell will at the very least be usable in light rain typical of the UK weather without additional protection.

Mountain Rain
In heavy rain of the type found in the UK mountains something to shed water is advisable or carry the radio under your clothing. It should be bought into a dry environment after use.

High Humidity
In continually humid environments found in equatorial regions or in manufacturing or marine environments the radio is best protected with a watertight cover such as an Aquapac. The Aquapac will effectively make the radio waterproof for most purposes.

Condensation
In high condensation situations (Warm humid air condensing onto cold surfaces) such as might be found after returning indoors or in-car after a days winter sports. The dry radio should be sealed in a dry plastic bag while cold and allowed to reach room temperature before removal from the bag, or it should be kept in the cold environment overnight. An Aquapac is also ideal for these applications.

The Standard IP protection rating
There are several international standards for the resistance of equipment to water but most of the nonprofessional radios are not tested.

The IP system is the easiest to understand and further detail can be found here:

http://www.protectingpeople.co.uk/fire_tech/ip_explained.htm

IPx5 involves subjecting a transceiver to a shower of rain for three minutes from all directions.

The water is delivered through holes of 6.3mm diameter at a rate of 12.5 l/minute and from a distance of 2.5m. This equates to water hitting the transceiver at a speed of 24km/hour - sufficient for it to be pushed away were it not anchored.