IP68 Rating
IP68 is an Ingress Protection rating defined by the international standard IEC 60529. The first digit, six, confirms that the enclosure is completely dust tight. The second digit, eight, confirms protection against continuous immersion in water under conditions, including depth and duration, that are specified by the manufacturer and are usually more severe than one metre.
Key Takeaways
IP68 describes an enclosure that is dust tight and protected against continuous water immersion.
The immersion depth and duration are defined by the manufacturer rather than fixed by the standard.
It provides stronger liquid protection than IP66 and IP67.
The rating is defined by IEC 60529, the international ingress protection standard.
The two digit Ingress Protection code describes resistance to solids and liquids. In IP68 the first digit of six confirms a dust tight seal and the second digit of eight confirms protection during prolonged immersion in water beyond the depth used for IP67.
Unlike lower ratings, the eight in IP68 does not correspond to a single fixed test. The manufacturer states the depth and time for which the device has been verified, for example immersion at one and a half metres for thirty minutes, and this should be checked against the intended use.
IP67 covers immersion to one metre for thirty minutes, while IP68 covers deeper or longer immersion as defined by the manufacturer. Both provide complete protection against dust.
Rugged phones, tablets and handhelds rated to IP68 suit emergency services, marine and offshore work, utilities and any role where accidental submersion or sustained heavy water exposure is likely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Complete dust ingress and continuous immersion in water to a depth and duration specified by the manufacturer.
There is no single fixed depth. The manufacturer defines and states the verified immersion depth and time, often beyond one metre.
For water protection yes, because it covers deeper or longer immersion. Both are completely dust tight.
The International Electrotechnical Commission standard IEC 60529, known in Europe as EN 60529.
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