IP65 vs IP68: What is the Difference

IP ratings explain how much a specific device can resist water and dust. Two well-known standards include IP65 and IP68, with both providing different protection levels. You must choose the most suitable for use in your applications. This article differentiates between IP65 vs IP68, and when you should use each.

What is an IP Rating?

IP ratings, which indicate Ingress Protection Ratings, are useful for every device. The first number explains the protection from solid particles, which usually falls between 0 and 6, with 6 indicating full protection from dust. The next digit indicates resistance to water, and it falls between 0 and 9, with higher values providing stronger protection.

With these ratings, consumers can choose products that are useful for several applications. As a manufacturer, you can also test your device working with some specific conditions to know how strong their protection level is.

What Does IP65 Mean?

IP65 is a rating that indicates how your device can resist water and dust. The value “6” indicates that it completely offers protection against dust, ensuring that solid particles don’t find their way in. The second value “5” indicates strong protection against water jets of low pressure from all directions. This makes it splash and rain resistant. 

What Does IP68 Mean?

IP68 is a strong ingress protection rating, which indicates great resistance to water and dust. The value “6” means strong dust protection, meaning that no particles can enter. The value “8” indicates that the device will survive continuous water submersion. It will survive this for at least 30 minutes when submerged in water reaching 1.5 meters. 

IP65 vs IP68: What are the Main Differences?

Although IP65 and IP68 signify the extent at which a device can resist dust and water, these standards offer a different level of resistance. It is important you know the differences between these standards. We will shed more light on their differences in this section.

Water Resistance 

IP65 offers complete protection against low-pressure water jets. This means a device with IP65 rating can resist splashes and rain. However, it can’t resist submersion. This means that you can’t submerge IP65 devices in water. 

IP68: This standard offers a higher water resistance compared to IP65. Devices with this rating can tolerate submersion in water for at least 30 minutes based on the specifications of the manufacturer.

If you will be exposing your device to rain or some splashes, IP65 is a suitable standard to go for. IP68 is the ideal standard to choose if your devices will work under high level water exposure. 

Durability and Maintenance

Your device will last longer if it has the required protection against water and dust. Devices with IP68 ratings last longer even under harsh conditions. This is because such devices have a higher resistance to damages that occur from water.

Your IP65 devices may experience degradation if you expose them to humid conditions. Such devices will need extra maintenance to prevent damages. 

On the other hand, IP68 devices can function well under humid conditions without requiring high maintenance. IP68 devices last longer and need minimal maintenance. These devices are a better option. 

Dust protection

The figure 6 in both IP68 and IP65 represents the ability to protect against dust. These devices have a secure seal that prevents dust from getting into crucial components. You can use such devices in applications where protection against dust is important. For instance, you can use them in industrial settings, sites, and outdoor settings.

Cost 

When looking at cost, IP68 devices tend to be more expensive compared to that of IP65. This is because IP68 offers more protection against water and dust. These devices feature waterproofing materials that make them withstand humid conditions and additional sealing that gives protection against dust.

You can get IP65-standard devices for applications that require low water exposure. IP65 is a more budget-friendly option, but it doesn’t offer premium protection. 

Adaptability to Water Exposure

IP68 devices are suitable for use in applications where there is constant exposure to water. These devices can function well in wet and humid conditions without degrading. 

IP65 standards can survive in areas exposed to water splashes or rain while IP68 is a suitable standard for underwater devices like waterproof phones, poolside equipment, and diving equipment. IP65 devices can survive in areas that have low humidity. IP68 devices are best used in areas where there will be submersion.

Applications 

The use cases of IP65 and IP68 differ. You need to consider the level of water exposure to determine the best standard you should go for. 

You can choose IP65 standard for:

• Security cameras
• Consumer electronics with frequent exposure to rain and dust only. 
• Outdoor lights
• Equipment with exposure to dust

You can choose IP68 standard:

• Underwater cameras, smart watches
• Marine equipment and communication devices
• Industrial devices you will be using under high moisture or submersion 
• Devices you will be placing in submerged areas

If you need to protect your devices from rain and dust only, then you can opt for IP65 standard. However, if your devices need protection from submersion and dust, you should choose the IP68 standard.

Durability 

Although IP65 and IP68 can offer protection against rain and dust, IP68 devices last longer in harsh conditions. While IP65 can only withstand rain and dust, IP68 devices can do much more. 

IP68 devices can tolerate extreme conditions like high humidity, harsh weather, and prolonged submersion in water. These devices remain functional and durable even when used in these conditions. 

IP65 devices, on the other hand, are suitable in outdoor lighting and other applications that require less exposure to water. These devices can only be durable when used under the right condition.

Limitations

IP65 and IP68 ratings differ in terms of their limitations. 

IP65 devices can’t withstand prolonged exposure to water, especially submersion. These devices will experience degradation due to such exposure. 

Although IP68 devices have high water resistance, they aren’t really ideal for high-pressure water jets. Also, some of these devices can’t tolerate deep diving.

Therefore, it is important you check the specifications of your device before using it. Ensure your device meets the required standards.

Both IP68 and IP65 have their strengths and weaknesses. Having a good understanding of their differences will help you choose the more suitable rating for your application. It is crucial you consider the application environment before making your choices. Choosing the suitable IP rating contributes to the performance of your devices. 

How to Choose the Best IP Rating for Your Applications

Outdoor equipment

Outdoor equipment like electrical enclosures, LED lights, and security cameras need protection from IP65 against rain and dust. This ensures that the device continues to function even during harsh weather. This is why it is suitable for industrial and commercial  purposes, street lighting, etc.

Moreover, although IP65 resists water jets, it doesn’t work submersion. This is why it doesn’t suit flooding-prone areas, as well as applications that require underwater features. Also, devices that are IP68-rated provide better protection, which ensures that they stand strong even when you submerge them in water continuously.

For this reason, it is suitable for marine environments, harsh weather conditions, and areas where you cannot avoid exposure to water.

Smart Devices and Wearables

Smart devices and wearable like fitness trackers, enjoy the benefits of high IP ratings. IP65 rating means better protection from small water splashes and dust. This makes the devices appropriate for daily use especially in manufacturing facilities and construction. Moreover, smartphones as well as wearables that are IP65 rated can’t survive complete water submersion, and this is why they are not appropriate for industries requiring exposure to wet environments.

In contrast, IP68 rated devices can survive in underwater cases for long periods, therefore making it a reliable option for tasks that require water exposure on a frequent basis such as marine research, field services, etc.

Cost

Cost also plays a significant role in selecting between IP65 VS IP68. Though devices with IP65 rating are usually very affordable and great for several industrial and outdoor applications, products with IP68 rating provide better resistance to water and durability. For industries and businesses that require complete waterproofing, the extra cost for IP68 rating is acceptable, whereas if the need is a simple protection from dust and rain, it is advisable that manufacturers choose a budget-friendly alternative.

Industrial and Marine Applications

Equipment and devices used in marine and industrial applications usually face harsh environmental conditions, humidity, and dust. Control panels, industrial enclosures, as well as electrical systems need protection against dust and as such, IP65 is a common rating for these devices. IP65 is the most suitable rating for outdoor industrial applications. 

IP68 is the ideal standard for industrial devices and marine equipment that operate under prolonged submersion. These devices rely on IP68 ratings since they function under high water exposure. For better protection and equipment durability, IP68 devices are the best option for such applications.

Conclusion

The differences in IP65 and IP68 is evident in their level of protection and water resistance. It is important you consider the requirements of your application before you choose the most suitable rating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you test IP ratings?

Devices that have IP ratings undergo certain testing where they usually come in contact with dust and water. Testing IP68 devices involve submerging them in water at a particular depth and for a certain period. You can test IP65 by exposing them to water jets. 

Is it possible to improve IP65 water resistance?

Yes, it is possible. You can achieve this by using waterproof coatings on your device. However, you can’t still transform your IP65 devices to IP68 standard.