In industrial production, outdoor electronic equipment applications and other scenarios, IP67 enclosure provides a safe and stable operating environment for electrical equipment. When external dust, moisture and other impurities intrude into the equipment, it is easy to cause short-circuit, component damage and other faults, so the protection ability of the electrical enclosure has become a key indicator to measure the reliability of the equipment. The IP protection class system is a global standard for classifying the protection capability of electrical enclosures, which provides a scientific basis for the selection of electrical enclosures in different scenarios. Among them, IP67 and IP68 enclosures have become the mainstream choice for harsh environments due to their excellent dust and water resistance.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at IP67 and IP68 enclosures and discuss the differences and similarities between the two to determine which rating is best suited for your specific needs and to protect your electronic equipment from the elements. We’ll help you make the right choice for the protection of your electrical equipment!
General Standard for Classification of Protection Capability of Electrical Enclosures
The IP rating is a general standard for the classification of protection capability of electrical enclosures established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Each IP rating consists of two digits, each of which has a different meaning.
Structure of the IP rating: IP XY.
The first digit (X): represents the level of protection of an IP rated electrical enclosure against solid foreign matter (including dust). The ratings range from 0 to 6.
0 | No special protection |
1 | Prevents the back of the hand from contacting hazardous parts and protects against solid foreign objects with a diameter of ≥50mm |
2 | Prevents finger contact with hazardous parts; protects against solid foreign objects ≥12.5mm in diameter |
3 | Protects against solid foreign objects with a diameter of ≥2.5mm. |
4 | Protects against solid foreign objects with a diameter of ≥1.0mm. |
5 | Dustproof, allowing trace dust intrusion without affecting the normal operation of the equipment |
6 | Completely dustproof, no dust can get inside the device, the highest level of dustproofness |
The second number (Y): represents the waterproofness of the IP rated electrical enclosure. The ratings range from 0 to 8.
0 | No special protection |
1 | Prevents vertically falling water droplets |
2 | When the electrical equipment is tilted at 15°, it is still protected from dripping water intrusion |
3 | Resistant to moisture intrusion at an angle of up to 60° from either side of the vertical. |
4 | Prevents water intrusion from splashing in all directions |
5 | Low-pressure water spray for at least 3 min. |
6 | Protect against large amounts of water sprayed for at least 3min. |
7 | Protection against the effects of 30min immersion in water at a depth of 1m |
8 | Protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water greater than 1m in depth |
Combined with these two numbers, the IP system generates a comprehensive and concise rating that accurately describes the protective effectiveness of IP enclosures. For example, when comparing an IP65 and IP67 enclosure, it is clear that the IP67 enclosure provides better protection against water than an IP65 enclosure. This simplifies the process of selecting IP enclosures and ensures that the level of protection meets the requirements of the application.
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IP67 enclosure
The IP67 enclosure is completely dustproof, no dust can enter the device and it can be immersed in water up to a depth of 1 m for 30 min. High strength, corrosion-resistant materials are used, such as polycarbonate IP67 enclosures.
IP67 enclosure with “dust tight + short-term water immersion protection” core competence, widely used in non-long-term immersion, but need to resist dust and temporary water environment. Common application scenarios include:
- Outdoor electronic equipment: such as outdoor surveillance cameras, LED outdoor displays, etc., which need to withstand long-term sand and leaf dust, and at the same time deal with short-term water accumulation after heavy rain.
- Industrial Cleaning: In the food processing or chemical industry, electrical equipment may need to withstand high-pressure rinsing or briefly immersed in water, and IP67 enclosure can effectively safeguard its normal work.
- Consumer electronics: such as high-end smartphones, sports watches, etc. IP67 enclosure can protect them from being damaged when they are accidentally dropped into sinks and puddles.
- Automotive Manufacturing: Certain sensors and control units mounted on the chassis or exterior of a vehicle, IP67 enclosure can help them cope with the impact of heavy rain water and high pressure water flow.
In short, IP67 enclosure provides a strong dust and waterproof capability that can cope with most harsh environments.
IP68 Enclosure
IP68 enclosure is completely dustproof, can be in the water to prevent continuous immersion, the protection ability is better than IPX7 (1 meter water depth immersion for 30 minutes), its specific immersion depth, pressure and duration can be agreed by the manufacturer and the user according to the specific application scenarios, such as: “2 meters of water depth continuous immersion for 24 hours”, “The IP68 enclosure is the preferred choice for electrical equipment exposed to high humidity, prolonged immersion in water or extreme dust environments due to its core advantage of “dust tightness + continuous immersion protection”. Common application scenarios are.
- underwater equipment: underwater cameras, sensors, underwater lighting drive enclosures for pools/spas, etc.
- Long-term outdoor exposure equipment: communication equipment that is buried underground for a long period of time and may be submerged by groundwater, equipment that is mounted on a dock or boat hull that will be subjected to constant wave water impact.
- High flooding/long-term waterlogging scenarios: such as the electrical control boxenclosure of urban underground pipeline corridors, and outdoor base station equipment in low-lying areas.
- Highly demanding consumer electronics: some professional-grade or military-standard smartphones and watches that can be used in swimming or deep-water activities.
In short, IP68 enclosures are designed to withstand continuous immersion for longer periods of time and deeper water pressure. When choosing, it is important to know the specific test conditions of the IP rated enclosure manufacturer, as not all IP68 enclosures are created equal.
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IP67 and IP68 enclosure similarities
IP67 and IP68 enclosures are both reliable choices for the protection of electrical and electronic equipment, and although there are significant differences in their waterproofing properties, there are also similarities:
Complete protection against dust: Both IP67 and IP68 enclosures achieve the highest “dust tightness” rating, which completely prevents the ingress of dust and grit. Whether on construction sites, in desert environments, or in industrial locations where fine particles are present, IP67 and IP68 enclosures provide robust dust protection for the electronic components inside the device, preventing short circuits, overheating, or mechanical failures due to dust buildup.
Safety Protection: Both IP67 and IP68 enclosures protect against accidental contact by workers or other solid foreign objects. In workplaces where electrical equipment may come into contact with people or small tools, the safety protection of the IP67 and IP68 enclosures prevents electrocution accidents and maintains the integrity of the equipment.
Waterproof protection: Both IP67 and IP68 enclosures protect against water intrusion, including dripping, splashing, spraying, and the impact of pressurized jets of water, making them ideal for use on equipment that is frequently exposed to wet environments, and providing safe, stable operation even when subjected to water flow in harsh outdoor environments or industrial environments.
Protection from immersion: Both IP67 and IP68 enclosures are protected against immersion in water up to a depth of 1m for 30min, making them ideal for equipment that may be exposed to rain or temporarily submerged in water.
The differences between IP67 and IP68 enclosures
IP67 and IP68 enclosures are highly compatible in terms of dust and basic water resistance. The core difference between them lies in their ability to withstand immersion in water, which directly determines their application scenarios and performance limits.
- IP67 enclosure: Up to 30 minutes of immersion in 1 meter of water.
- IP68 enclosure: The specific immersion depth, pressure and duration can be agreed between the manufacturer and the user according to specific application scenarios, and the degree of stringency should be higher than that of IP67 enclosure.
Although both IP67 and IP68 enclosures are resistant to immersion, IP68 enclosures are more flexible and can withstand greater pressure and longer immersion times, providing a safer, more reliable and stable operating environment for underwater electrical equipment. In short, IP67 enclosures are protected against accidental immersion, while IP68 enclosures are protected against water immersion for long periods of time.
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Choose Supro's IP rated electrical enclosure
Supro is a professional IP rated electrical enclosure manufacturer, with the advantage of advanced equipment, rich manufacturing experience and professional engineering team, providing perfect IP rated electrical enclosure manufacturing solutions for more than 3,000 companies around the world, and providing real manufacturer offer.
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