Aerial photography and cinematography with drones have grown in popularity. As the leading producer of drones, DJI is a name that often comes up when discussing these remarkable devices. “Are DJI drones waterproof?” is a question that comes up often.
In this article, we’ll explore DJI drones’ water resistance, waterproof vs. water-resistant, and what happens when they get wet. So, let’s dive in and uncover the truth about DJI drones and water resistance.
Are DJI Drones Waterproof?
Video Credit: AJ Alvarez
No, most DJI drones are not waterproof. While DJI drones are designed to withstand some moisture, they are not specifically built to be fully waterproof. DJI drones typically have a level of water resistance, meaning they can handle light rain or splashes to some extent, but they are not designed to be submerged in water or operated in heavy rainstorms.
Understanding Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant:
Before discussing DJI drones, it’s important to distinguish between waterproof and water-resistant. Merriam-Webster defines waterproof as “impervious to water,” indicating that water cannot penetrate or leak through the surface of the material.
Water-resistant means an item can withstand water but not completely. Water-resistant products can withstand brief splashes and light rain, but extended exposure or submersion might cause water to seep in.
The Importance of Ingress Protection (IP) Ratings:
To determine the water resistance of electronic devices like drones, we rely on the Ingress Protection (IP) rating system. The IP rating has two numbers: one for solid particle protection and one for water protection. Higher digits indicate greater protection.
For instance, an IP67 rating means the device is dustproof and can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Understanding IP ratings is essential when assessing the water resistance capabilities of DJI drones.
Which DJI Drones are Waterproof?
DJI drones are not waterproof but some DJI drone series are water-resistant which are given below:
DJI Matrice Series: Enhanced Water Resistance:
Among the DJI drone models, the Matrice series stands out for its enhanced water resistance. While no DJI drone is fully waterproof or submersible, the Matrice series offers a higher level of protection against water compared to consumer drones.
For example, the DJI Matrice 300 RTK has an IP45 rating, meaning it is protected against dust and low-pressure water jets from any direction. This level of water resistance makes the Matrice 300 RTK suitable for operation in light rain or moist environments.
DJI Agras: Spray-Proof Drone:
Another DJI drone with water resistance capabilities is the DJI Agras series. Designed for agricultural applications, the DJI Agras drones are spray-proof, allowing them to withstand exposure to water during crop spraying operations.
While not fully waterproof, the spray-proof feature ensures that the drones can operate effectively even in moist conditions.
DJI Consumer Drones: Limited Water Resistance:
While the Matrice and Agras series offer enhanced water resistance, DJI’s consumer drones, such as the popular Mavic and Phantom series, do not have official IP ratings indicating water resistance.
As a result, these consumer drones are not designed or recommended for use in wet weather or near bodies of water. While anecdotal evidence suggests that some consumer drones can withstand light rain, it is important to note that any contact with moisture may cause irreparable damage to the internal components.
Also read: Where Are DJI Drones Made?
The Risks of Water Exposure for DJI Drones:
When it comes to water exposure, DJI drones face several risks. The batteries, circuit boards, and motors of the drone’s electronic parts are all susceptible to contact with water.
Even a small amount of water entering through small openings or vents can lead to short circuits and damage to the drone’s functionality. Additionally, water exposure can cause corrosion over time, leading to irreversible damage to the electronic components.
Drone Saltwater Damage:
Corrosion from saltwater is worse. Why? Saltwater contains NaCl or salt. When separated by water, NaCl functions like charged ions, attracting electrons that the original electronic component needs to conduct electricity.
This mineral in saltwater has enough charge to fry your drone’s electronic components. Be careful—this interaction can start an electrical fire!
How do you fix a saltwater-damaged drone? Wash your drone with deionized or filtered water, even though it seems contradictory. After drying, salt chloride on the drone will cause corrosion, so remove it.
Deionized water won’t short-circuit your electronics if they haven’t been fried by saltwater because it’s the minerals or chemicals in the water that corrode them. However, tap water is not deionized, so leave the cleaning to the pros.
Rainwater is not saltwater, but it can harm my gadgets. How come? Rainwater is untreated. It contains impurities and minerals that cause corrosion since it is not deionized. If you want to keep your drone from corroding, stay away from any water.
Mitigating Risks and Protecting Your DJI Drone:
To safeguard your DJI drone from water damage, it is essential to take preventive measures. Monitoring weather conditions before flying is crucial, as it allows you to avoid flying in inclement weather or near bodies of water.
In the event that your drone does come into contact with water, it is important to disconnect the battery immediately and dry the components thoroughly. The use of a moisture-absorbing material, like rice, can help remove any residual moisture.
However, caution must be exercised to ensure that rice or other materials do not get stuck in small components or openings.
The Future of Waterproof Drones:
As drone technology continues to advance, the possibility of fully waterproof drones becomes more feasible. While DJI currently does not offer fully waterproof drones, advancements in materials science and engineering may pave the way for drones with improved resistance to water, corrosion, and environmental factors.
These waterproof drones could open up new possibilities for underwater exploration, search and rescue missions, and monitoring marine ecosystems.
FAQs: Are DJI Drones Waterproof?
Can I fly a DJI drone in the Rain?
In general, you shouldn’t fly drones in the rain, fog, high humidity, or over water when the wind is strong. Many drones have vents that can let water get into the electronics inside. If water gets inside, it can cause short circuits that could damage your drone.
What to Do if a DJI Drone Falls into Water?
If your drone gets wet, immediately turn off the power supply. Then, either use a hair dryer to dry the drone or place it in a bucket of raw rice wrapped with a piece of fabric. When you’re certain it’s totally dry, turn on the power and test whether it works.
Are DJI Mini Drones Waterproof?
There is no water resistance on the DJI Mini 2 SE. When using the device, avoid getting wet because this could harm it. If it starts to rain while you are in the air, kindly land as soon as you can and wait for the aircraft to thoroughly dry up before using it again.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, DJI drones are not waterproof, but certain models offer varying levels of water resistance. The Matrice series and Agras series provide enhanced protection against water, making them suitable for operation in light rain or moist environments.
However, DJI’s consumer drones lack official IP ratings for water resistance and are not intended for use in wet weather or near bodies of water.
To protect your DJI drone from water damage, it is important to follow preventive measures and conduct regular maintenance. As technology evolves, the future may bring fully waterproof drones with expanded capabilities.