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Most current AEDs share the same IP55 rating. Two brands break from that pattern, one higher, one notably lower.
ZOLL, Cardiac Science, Defibtech, Physio-Control, and the Philips HeartStart FRx all carry an IP55 rating, protected against dust and water jets from any direction.
HeartSine's 350P, 360P, and 450P go higher at IP56. The Philips HeartStart OnSite and Home are notably lower at IP21, protected against dripping water only, not jets.
What the Numbers Actually Mean
IP stands for Ingress Protection. The first digit rates protection against solid objects and dust, on a scale of 0 to 6. The second rates protection against water, on a scale of 0 to 9K.
IP55 means fully dust-protected and resistant to water jets from any direction. IP56 adds resistance to more powerful jets. IP21 means protection against objects larger than 12mm and against dripping water only, not jets or sustained exposure.
Full Comparison
| Brand / Model | IP Rating | What It Withstands |
|---|---|---|
| HeartSine 350P / 360P / 450P | IP56 | Full dust protection, powerful water jets |
| ZOLL AED Plus | IP55 | Full dust protection, water jets |
| ZOLL AED 3 | IP55 | Full dust protection, water jets |
| Cardiac Science Powerheart G5 | IP55 | Full dust protection, water jets |
| Defibtech Lifeline VIEW | IP55 | Full dust protection, water jets |
| Physio-Control LIFEPAK CR2 | IP55 | Full dust protection, water jets |
| Physio-Control LIFEPAK 1000 | IP55 | Full dust protection, water jets |
| Philips HeartStart FRx | IP55 | Full dust protection, water jets |
| Philips HeartStart OnSite / Home | IP21 | Dripping water only, not jets |
See the full HeartSine comparison for detail on its IP56 rating, or the LIFEPAK CR2 vs 1000 comparison for the Physio-Control lineup.
The OnSite and Home Gap Is Worth Knowing Before You Buy
Philips' HeartStart OnSite and Home share identical hardware in every other respect, already established in this hub. Their IP21 rating does not change that, but it is a real, meaningful gap most comparisons don't mention.
IP21 is built for clean, dry, indoor settings: offices, schools, retail spaces. It is not rated for outdoor storage, garages, or anywhere it could face direct water exposure.
If your location isn't a controlled indoor environment, the Philips HeartStart FRx (IP55) is the better fit within the same brand.
See the full HeartStart OnSite and HeartStart Home product pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an AED's IP rating actually protect against?
Dust and water intrusion into the device housing. It says nothing about shock resistance from a drop; that's typically tested and rated separately, often described as a "drop test" rather than part of the IP number.
Which AED has the highest IP rating?
HeartSine's Samaritan PAD 350P, 360P, and 450P, all rated IP56, the highest in this comparison. See the full HeartSine Samaritan PAD 450P.
Is the Philips HeartStart OnSite safe to store outdoors?
No. Its IP21 rating protects against dripping water only, not sustained outdoor exposure or water jets. For an outdoor or semi-outdoor location, the Philips HeartStart FRx (IP55) or another brand in this comparison is the better fit.
Does a higher IP rating mean a better AED overall?
Not necessarily. IP rating measures one thing: resistance to dust and water. A lower-rated device can still be the right choice for a clean, indoor, low-risk location. Match the rating to where the AED will actually live, not to a general sense of "better."
Can any of these AEDs be submerged in water?
No. None of the ratings in this comparison, including IP56, cover submersion. They cover water jets and dust intrusion, not being placed underwater. Treat every AED here as splash- and jet-resistant, not waterproof.
Does dropping an AED void the warranty even if the device still works?
IP and drop ratings describe what a device is built to survive, not a warranty guarantee against damage from misuse. If an AED has been dropped, inspect it and its pads before assuming it's still rescue-ready.
See our guide on when to replace an aging or damaged AED if you're unsure whether a unit is still reliable.
Do IP ratings apply to the pads and battery too, or just the AED unit?
The published IP rating describes the AED housing itself. We did not find separate published IP ratings for pads or batteries specifically in this build's research.
Treat those consumables as needing their own dry, temperature-controlled storage regardless of the main unit's rating.
Not sure what rating your location actually needs?
Kyle Nowack can help you match the AED to your specific storage environment. Call (855) 286-6384 for guidance.
