IP68 vs IP67: Key Differences in Electronics Protection Standards

Last Updated May 26, 2025

IP68 offers superior protection compared to IP67 by ensuring complete dust tightness and allowing devices to be submerged in water beyond 1 meter, typically up to 3 meters for 30 minutes or more. IP67 devices are also dust tight and water resistant but can only withstand immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Choosing IP68-rated electronics ensures enhanced durability and reliability for pets in wet or dusty environments.

Table of Comparison

Feature IP68 IP67
Dust Protection Complete dust tight Complete dust tight
Water Resistance Depth Up to 1.5 meters or more (manufacturer specified) Up to 1 meter
Water Resistance Duration Extended immersion (typically 30 minutes or more) Up to 30 minutes
Use Case Continuous underwater use, harsher wet environments Temporary submersion, splash and rain protection
Common Applications Industrial devices, rugged smartphones, underwater cameras Consumer electronics, semi-rugged devices

IP68 vs IP67: Understanding the Difference in Ratings

IP68 and IP67 ratings define the level of protection devices have against dust and water ingress, with IP68 offering superior resistance by allowing continuous immersion in water beyond 1 meter depth, typically up to 3 meters or more. IP67 devices withstand temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, making IP68 more suitable for prolonged underwater use or harsher environments. Manufacturers often select IP68 for advanced electronics like smartphones and wearables requiring enhanced durability for outdoor and underwater conditions.

Key Features of IP68 Rated Electronics

IP68 rated electronics offer superior protection against dust immersion and water submersion up to depths exceeding 1 meter for extended durations, compared to IP67 devices which only withstand immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Key features of IP68 electronics include enhanced sealing technologies, corrosion-resistant materials, and rigorous testing standards that ensure reliable operation in harsh environments such as underwater or dusty industrial sites. These capabilities make IP68 devices ideal for outdoor electronics, smart wearables, and rugged smartphones requiring maximum durability and water resistance.

Key Features of IP67 Rated Electronics

IP67 rated electronics offer robust protection against dust ingress and temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, making them ideal for harsh industrial environments and outdoor use. The key features include a fully dust-tight enclosure and resistance to immersion, ensuring device durability and reliability under adverse conditions. Compared to IP68, which supports continuous immersion beyond 1 meter, IP67 balances strong protection with cost-effectiveness for applications needing occasional water exposure.

Water and Dust Resistance: IP68 vs IP67 Explained

IP68 offers superior water and dust resistance compared to IP67, with IP68 devices able to withstand continuous immersion in water beyond 1 meter depth, typically up to 3 meters or more, for extended periods. IP67 protection ensures dust tightness and immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, making it suitable for everyday exposure but less robust in harsher environments. The key difference lies in IP68's enhanced durability for prolonged submersion and dust ingress, critical for rugged electronics and outdoor applications.

Which Devices Commonly Use IP68 and IP67 Ratings?

IP68 ratings are commonly found on high-end smartphones, smartwatches, and rugged outdoor equipment due to their ability to withstand continuous submersion beyond one meter. IP67 ratings are typically used in mid-range mobile devices, fitness trackers, and consumer electronics, offering protection against immersion up to one meter for 30 minutes. Both ratings ensure strong resistance to dust ingress, but IP68 provides enhanced water resistance preferred for more demanding environments.

IP68 vs IP67: Real-World Performance in Water Exposure

IP68-rated devices provide superior water resistance compared to IP67, as they can withstand continuous submersion typically beyond 1 meter depth for 30 minutes or more, while IP67 devices are limited to immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Real-world performance shows that IP68 devices endure prolonged exposure in swimming pools or heavy rain without damage, whereas IP67 devices may fail under extended or deeper water exposure. Manufacturers often specify exact test conditions for IP68, making it essential to review individual device ratings for accurate water resistance expectations.

Durability and Longevity: IP68 vs IP67 Electronics

IP68-rated electronics offer superior durability and longevity compared to IP67 devices due to their enhanced protection against dust and water immersion up to depths beyond 1 meter for extended periods. IP68 certification ensures resistance to continuous submersion, making devices ideal for harsh environments and prolonged exposure to moisture. In contrast, IP67 devices provide protection against water immersion only up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, limiting their durability under more extreme conditions.

Choosing the Right IP Rating for Your Electronics Needs

IP68 offers superior protection by allowing devices to withstand continuous immersion in water beyond 1 meter depth, making it ideal for electronics exposed to harsh, wet environments. IP67 provides dust-tight sealing and temporary water immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, suitable for everyday use with moderate exposure to water. Selecting between IP68 and IP67 depends on the level of water resistance required for device durability and user safety in specific electronics applications.

Pros and Cons: IP68 vs IP67 Devices

IP68 devices offer superior water resistance, allowing continuous submersion beyond 1 meter for extended periods, making them ideal for underwater use and harsh environments. IP67 devices provide protection against temporary immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, suitable for everyday scenarios with occasional exposure to water. The trade-off with IP68 often involves higher manufacturing costs and slight design complexity compared to the more widely available and cost-effective IP67-rated devices.

Future Trends in IP-Rated Electronics

Future trends in IP-rated electronics emphasize enhanced durability and water resistance beyond the current IP68 standard, with innovations targeting submersion depths greater than 1.5 meters and extended exposure times. Advances in nano-coatings and sealing technologies are driving improvements in dust and moisture protection, enabling more robust devices for harsh environments like industrial IoT and wearable tech. The integration of smart sensors to monitor real-time ingress conditions is expected to become a critical feature for maintaining device reliability and performance in IP67 and IP68 certified electronics.

IP68 vs IP67 Infographic

IP68 vs IP67: Key Differences in Electronics Protection Standards


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The information provided in this document is for general informational purposes only and is not guaranteed to be complete. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the content, we cannot guarantee that the details mentioned are up-to-date or applicable to all scenarios. Topics about IP68 vs IP67 are subject to change from time to time.

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