The main difference between IP67 and IP68 enclosures is the depth and duration of water submersion they can withstand.
IP67 enclosures can be submerged up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
IP68 enclosures can be submerged at least 1 meter deep for 30 minutes, plus additional depth and time specified by the manufacturer.
Understanding these differences helps you select the appropriate protection level for your devices.
Understanding the IP Rating System
The first digit in an IP rating indicates protection against solid objects and ranges from 1 to 6.
A rating of 1 provides minimal protection, whereas 6 indicates complete protection against dust and other solid particles.
The second digit indicates protection against liquids and ranges from 0 to 8.
A rating of 0 means no protection against water, whereas 8 indicates the highest level of water protection available under the standard system.
IP Degree of Protection Chart
Understanding the complete IP rating system helps put IP67 and IP68 in context. The full IP degree of protection chart outlines all possible levels of protection against both solids and liquids.
| First Digit (Solids) | Protection Level | Second Digit (Liquids) | Protection Level |
| 0 | No protection | 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Protected against solid objects >50mm | 1 | Protected against vertically falling drops of water |
| 2 | Protected against solid objects >12.5mm | 2 | Protected against direct sprays up to 15° from vertical |
| 3 | Protected against solid objects >2.5mm | 3 | Protected against direct sprays up to 60° from vertical |
| 4 | Protected against solid objects >1mm | 4 | Protected against sprays from all directions |
| 5 | Dust protected | 5 | Protected against low-pressure jets from all directions |
| 6 | Dust tight | 6 | Protected against powerful jets from all directions |
| – | – | 7 | Protected against temporary immersion (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| – | – | 8 | Protected against continuous immersion (beyond 1m, manufacturer specified) |
This chart illustrates how IP67 and IP68 enclosures share the highest level of solid protection (6) but differ in their liquid protection capabilities (7 vs 8).
Water Submersion Capabilities
The specific water submersion capabilities represent the most important distinction between these two ratings:
- An IP67 enclosure can be submerged up to 1 meter for 30 minutes maximum
- An IP68 enclosure can be submerged at least 1 meter deep for at least 30 minutes, with additional depth and time limits specified by the manufacturer
For example, IP68-rated smartphones typically withstand submersion at 1.5 meters, while specialized marine enclosures might handle depths of 3 meters or more.
Always check manufacturer specifications for exact capabilities.
Choosing Between IP67 and IP68
Selecting the appropriate enclosure rating depends on your specific environmental conditions. Consider these key factors:
- Exposure frequency – How often will the device encounter water?
- Immersion depth – Will it be briefly splashed or fully submerged?
- Duration – How long will water exposure last?
For standard outdoor applications with occasional rain or splashing, an IP67 enclosure provides sufficient protection at a lower cost while still offering excellent environmental resistance.
If your equipment may be submerged for extended periods or at depths greater than 1 meter, an IP68 enclosure becomes necessary. Always verify the manufacturer’s specific depth and duration ratings match your requirements.
Beyond Water Protection: Additional Considerations
While water protection is crucial, other environmental factors may also impact your enclosure selection:
Temperature Fluctuations
Extreme temperatures can affect sealing properties and material integrity. Very hot or cold environments may require specialized materials beyond standard IP ratings.
UV Exposure
Sunlight degrades many plastics over time. For outdoor applications, select enclosures with UV-resistant materials to maintain long-term protection.
Chemical Exposure
Industrial processes or saltwater environments may corrode standard enclosures. In these cases, look for additional ratings like NEMA 4X that specifically address chemical resistance.
Common Applications for IP67 and IP68 Enclosures
Different applications require different levels of ingress protection. Understanding typical use cases helps determine whether IP67 or IP68 is more appropriate for your needs.
IP67 enclosures commonly protect:
- Outdoor electrical junction boxes
- Industrial control panels
- Agricultural equipment electronics
- Outdoor lighting systems
- Weather monitoring equipment
IP68 enclosures are typically used for:
- Marine electronics and navigation systems
- Underground junction boxes in flood-prone areas
- Water treatment facility controls
- Oceanographic research equipment
- Deep water sensors and cameras
Common Misconceptions About IP Ratings
Many people misunderstand that an IP68 rating means a device is completely “waterproof” under all conditions. In reality, these ratings apply to freshwater testing under controlled laboratory conditions with specific depth and time limitations.
The IP rating system doesn’t account for water pressure from activities like swimming, diving, or water sports. High-pressure water can overcome seals that work perfectly under static submersion conditions.
Another misconception is that saltwater and freshwater pose the same risks. IP ratings are tested with freshwater, but saltwater is more corrosive and conductive, potentially causing damage even to IP68-rated devices through long-term exposure.
Combining IP Ratings with Other Standards
For comprehensive protection, many manufacturers combine IP ratings with other environmental protection standards:
- NEMA ratings (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) address factors beyond water, including corrosion resistance and operation in hazardous locations
- MIL-STD-810G covers military-grade durability including shock, vibration, and extreme temperatures
- IK ratings measure impact resistance, complementing IP ratings for environments where physical damage is possible
These combined certifications provide a more complete picture of an enclosure’s protective capabilities across multiple environmental challenges.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between IP67 and IP68 ratings is essential when selecting protective enclosures.
IP67 handles temporary submersion whereas IP68 provides extended underwater protection at manufacturer-specified depths.At Aoxiang, we offer both IP67 and IP68-rated electric actuators, including our water-proof quarter-turn AOX-R series. Contact us to learn more.
