IP65, IP66, IP67, IP 68 ratings: what’s the difference?

IP(Ingress protection) stands for the level of water protection for equipment enclosures.

The first number offers a scale of 0–6 and relates to the protection levels against solids like dirt, sand, dust, and debris. A “6” means the enclosures are dust-tight. It is the highest of the solid particle protection standards. While the second number (0–8) represents protection against liquids like moisture and water. The higher the number, the greater the protection against solids and liquids. Summarized, each rating is as follows:

• IP65: protect against multi-directional, low-pressure water jets and must withstand water projected by a 0.25-inch nozzle
• IP66: protect against multi-directional, high-pressure water jets and must withstand water projected from 0.50-inch nozzle
• IP67: protect from water immersion between 5.9 inches and 39.37 inches and water in harmful quantity shall not be possible
• IP68: resist submersion of at least 1 meter and up to 30 minutes