How to know if a USB-C cable is waterproof

Always check the IP rating when purchasing a waterproof USB-C cable

By Jonny Evans Nov. 1, 2026 3:00 pm EST Panadesign/Shutterstock Add Engadget on Google: Google Discover

Some USB-C cables are waterproof, but you need to learn to recognize which ones. Widely available from online retailers, including Amazon, they're likely to feature seals to protect the connection and ship in a variety of types, including male, female, and angled cables. But do the seals work? The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has developed the IEC 60529 standard, a globally accepted Ingress Protection code that shows how well an enclosure (such as a USB-C plug) resists solids and liquids.