When choosing electronics, you've likely encountered ratings like IP66, IP67, and IP68, especially for devices meant for outdoor or rugged use. These codes aren't just marketing jargon. They're a standardized measure of a device's resistance to dust and water. Understanding the subtle but crucial differences between them is key to selecting a product that truly meets your needs.

What Is IP Rating?

The IP code, or Ingress Protection rating, is an international standard (IEC 60529) that classifies the degree of protection provided by a mechanical or electrical enclosure against intrusion from foreign bodies (like dust and dirt) and moisture.

The rating consists of the letters "IP" followed by two digits:

First Digit (Solids Protection)

This number, ranging from 0 to 6, indicates the level of protection against solid particles. A '0' means no protection, while a '6' indicates the highest level, meaning the enclosure is completely dust-tight. All three ratings we're discussing—IP66, IP67, and IP68—share this top-tier protection against dust.

Second Digit (Liquids Protection)

This is where the main difference lies. This number, from 0 to 9, specifies the protection against water ingress. The higher the number, the greater the protection.

IP66: Protection Against Powerful Water Jets

An IP66 rating means a device is protected from powerful water jets from any direction. Think of high-pressure water streams, like those from a fire hose or industrial cleaning equipment.

Solids Protection: 6 (Dust-tight)

Water Protection: 6 (Powerful water jets)

The test for this rating involves spraying the enclosure with water from a 12.5 mm nozzle at a rate of 100 liters per minute from a distance of 3 meters for at least 3 minutes. A device with an IP66 rating is ideal for environments where it will be exposed to heavy rain, sea spray, or frequent wash-downs.

You'll often find this rating on outdoor security cameras, industrial control boxes, and marine equipment. However, IP66 does not guarantee protection against submersion.

IP67: Protection Against Temporary Immersion

An IP67 rating steps up the water protection from jets to actual submersion, albeit for a limited time and depth.

Solids Protection: 6 (Dust-tight)

Water Protection: 7 (Temporary immersion)

To achieve an IP67 rating, a device must prevent water from entering when submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. This makes it suitable for devices that might be accidentally dropped in a puddle, a sink, or a shallow pool.

Many modern smartphones, fitness trackers, and portable speakers carry this rating. It provides peace of mind for everyday accidents but isn't designed for prolonged underwater use like swimming or snorkeling.

IP68: Protection Against Continuous Immersion

IP68 represents the highest standard of water protection among these three ratings, designed for continuous submersion.

Solids Protection: 6 (Dust-tight)

Water Protection: 8 (Continuous immersion)

Unlike IP67, the '8' rating isn't rigidly defined by a single standard. Instead, it means the product is protected against long-term immersion under conditions specified by the manufacturer. This typically means the device can withstand depths greater than 1 meter and for durations longer than 30 minutes.

For example, a manufacturer might specify their IP68-rated phone can handle being in 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes, while another might certify their dive computer for depths of 50 meters for hours. It is crucial to check the manufacturer's documentation to understand the exact limits of an IP68-rated device.

 

This rating is common for high-end flagship smartphones, smartwatches designed for swimming, and underwater cameras.

Conclusion

Choosing between these ratings depends entirely on the intended use. For a device that just needs to survive a rainstorm, IP66 is sufficient.

For everyday electronics that might take an accidental tumble into a pool, IP67 offers solid protection.

But for gear you plan to take swimming or use in consistently wet conditions, look for an IP68 rating and be sure to check the manufacturer's specific depth and time limits.