IP65 vs IP66 vs IP67 vs IP68
IP (Ingress Protection) ratings define a case's resistance to dust and water. The first digit (0-6) is dust protection. The second digit (0-9) is water protection. This guide explains the differences between IP65, IP66, IP67, and IP68 to help you choose the right level.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Option A | Option B | Option C | Option D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First digit (dust) | 6 = completely dustproof | 6 = completely dustproof | 6 = completely dustproof | 6 = completely dustproof |
| Second digit (water) | 5 = water jets (low pressure) | 6 = water jets (powerful) | 7 = temporary immersion (1m, 30min) | 8 = continuous immersion (3m+, manufacturer-specified) |
| Test conditions | 12.5 liters/min, 30 kPa, 3min from 3m | 100 liters/min, 100 kPa, 3min from 3m | Immersion 1m, 30min | Continuous immersion, manufacturer-specified depth (typically 3-5m) |
| Suitable for | Rain, splash, brief water exposure | Heavy rain, hose-down, marine deck | Accidental submersion, brief immersion | Continuous submersion, swimming, marine use |
| NOT suitable for | Full submersion, high-pressure washdown | Full submersion | Diving, swimming, long submersion | Diving (use IPx9 for high-pressure washdown) |
| Common applications | Indoor/outdoor electronics, walkie-talkies, cameras | Marine deck, construction, agricultural, industrial | Camera cases, drone cases, medical cases, outdoor equipment | Dive cases, marine survey, ROV, underwater cameras |
| Cost (vs IPx4) | Base | +10-20% | +20-30% | +30-50% |
| Common standards | IEC 60529 | IEC 60529 | IEC 60529 | IEC 60529 |
Our Verdict
Choose IP65 for rain and splash. IP66 for heavy rain and marine deck. IP67 for accidental submersion (most common for B2B cases). IP68 for continuous immersion (dive, marine survey). For high-pressure washdown, choose IP69K.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common IP rating for cases?
IP67 is the most common for B2B protective cases. It handles rain, splash, and accidental submersion. IP65 is also common for lighter-duty applications. IP68 is reserved for marine and dive applications.
Is IP67 the same as waterproof?
IP67 is 'waterproof' for accidental submersion (1m for 30 min). For continuous submersion or diving, IP68 is needed. For high-pressure water jets, IP69K is needed. Marketing 'waterproof' without a specific IP rating is meaningless.
Can a case be IP68 and IPx9K?
Yes. Some cases carry dual ratings. The '8' covers continuous immersion. The '9K' covers high-pressure, high-temperature water jets (80°C, 80-100 bar). Dual-rated cases are common for food processing, dairy, and pharmaceutical washdown.
What is IP69K?
IP69K is the highest IP rating. It protects against high-pressure (80-100 bar), high-temperature (80°C) water jets from 4 angles. Common in food processing, dairy, pharmaceutical, and chemical processing where cases are sanitized with hot water sprays.
How long does IP testing take?
IP6x (dust): 8 hours dust + 1-2 hours inspection = 1-2 days. IPx7 (immersion): 30 min test + 1-2 hours inspection = 1 day. IPx8 (continuous): 1-3 days. IPx9K (high-pressure): 1 day. Full certification: 1-2 weeks including all tests.
Do I need pressure equalization valve?
For IP67/IP68 cases, yes. The valve allows pressure equalization (altitude, temperature) while blocking water. Without it, the case may be hard to open at altitude or may develop gasket stress. We include Gore-Tex valves in all IP67+ cases.
Need a custom quote?
Contact KeXinMaterials for OEM/ODM case manufacturing. 12h quote, 30-day delivery.