Class 1 – Water resistant for light rain or light splash applications.

The product could be permeated by water in any of the following situations: prolonged water exposure, heavy top-down watering, forceful water pressure applications, or submersion.

Class 2 – Waterproof in top-down watering applications.

The product could be permeated by water in any of the following applications: forceful water pressure, water injected from odd angles, or submersion.

Class 3 – Waterproof so tight it floats or can handle quick submersions.

The product could be permeated by water in any of the following applications: prolonged submersion, submersions greater than 3 feet in depth, high water pressure applications. 

Class 4 – Waterproof and submersible to at least 3 feet, but no more than 12 feet

(maximum depth varies by manufacturer). This is the first class we refer to as truly submersible. Suitable for underwater sports such as swimming and snorkeling, where great depths are not common. The product could be permeated by water in any of the following applications: submersion greater than manufacturers recommended depth rating, constant submersion longer than 24 hours, extremely high water pressure applications where seals could be damaged.

Class 5 – Waterproof and submersible to depths greater than 12 feet

(often as much as 100 feet – but varies by product and manufacturer). Suitable for any underwater sport of less depth than the manufacturer’s maximum depth rating. Common applications include scuba diving, snorkeling, search & rescue, and white water rafting. The product could be permeated by water in any of the following applications: depths greater than the manufacturer’s maximum depth rating or any physical force that could jeopardize the water-tight seal.