What is the IP68 rating?

The IP68 rating is a standard used to indicate the level of protection provided by electronic devices against solids and liquids. This rating system was developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and is widely used in various industries, including consumer electronics, industrial equipment, and automotive.

Understanding the IP Code

The IP code consists of two numbers - the first number represents the level of protection against solid objects, while the second number indicates the level of protection against liquids. In the case of IP68, the "6" indicates the highest level of protection against solids, and the "8" signifies the highest level of protection against liquids. Let's take a closer look at each number:

Level of Protection against Solids

The first digit in the IP code, which represents the level of protection against solids, ranges from 0 to 6. The higher the number, the better the protection. Here's a breakdown of what each digit denotes:

0: No protection against solids

1: Protection against solid objects larger than 50mm in diameter

2: Protection against solid objects larger than 12.5mm in diameter

3: Protection against solid objects larger than 2.5mm in diameter

4: Protection against solid objects larger than 1mm in diameter

5: Limited protection against dust particles (dust may enter, but not in sufficient quantity to interfere with the proper functioning of the device)

6: Complete protection against dust particles

Level of Protection against Liquids

The second digit in the IP code, which represents the level of protection against liquids, ranges from 0 to 9. Similar to the first digit, a higher number indicates better protection. Here's a breakdown of what each digit signifies:

0: No protection against liquids

1: Protection against vertically falling water droplets

2: Protection against vertically falling water droplets when device is tilted up to 15 degrees from its normal position

3: Protection against spraying water at angles up to 60 degrees from vertical

4: Protection against splashing water from any direction

5: Protection against low-pressure jets of water from any direction

6: Protection against high-pressure jets of water or heavy seas

7: Protection against temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes

8: Protection against continuous immersion in water beyond 1 meter (specific conditions defined by the manufacturer)

9: Protection against high-pressure, high-temperature jets and steam cleaning

Examples of IP68-Rated Devices

IP68 rating is commonly found in various devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, cameras, and more. Manufacturers often use the IP68 certification to assure consumers that their products can withstand dust, dirt, sand, and up to 1.5 meters of water immersion for a specific duration. However, it's important to note that the IP68 rating does not cover protection from extreme conditions like high temperatures, chemicals, or impact.

In conclusion, the IP68 rating provides valuable information about the level of protection a device offers against solids and liquids. It allows consumers to make informed decisions when purchasing electronics, ensuring that their devices can withstand challenging environments and potential exposure to water and dust.