Outdoor Applications: Is IP65 Enough or Do You Need IP67?

Selecting and assessing an electronics enclosure can be a challenging endeavor. These enclosures frequently safeguard your essential electronics — ranging from equipment controls to security systems. How can you make certain you select the correct one? Luckily, there's an easy shorthand that reveals essential information about the protective qualities of an enclosure: ingress protection ratings, often referred to as IP ratings. This evaluation system is globally employed to assess the protective features of electronic devices and electrical enclosures against the entry of water and solid materials. Due to its foundation in guidelines established by the international specialists and organizations at the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), it ranks as one of the most dependable instruments for ensuring your enclosure choice meets your requirements. IP65 and IP67 are two highly recognized waterproof enclosure classifications, and you've likely encountered them while examining various enclosure models.You may be curious about their distinctions and how each one achieves its goal. We will explore that today, but initially, let’s review how IP ratings function.

What Are IP Ratings?

To understand how IP ratings function, refer to an IP ratings chart. Every IP rating consists of a two-digit figure, with each digit representing a distinct significance:

The initial digit indicates the degree of safeguarding against the entrance of solids, such as dust, dirt, debris, and unintentional contact.

The second digit indicates the degree of defense against the intrusion of liquids, such as water, chemicals, and any other fluids that could be found in the device's surroundings.

Keep in mind that certain elements are not considered by IP ratings, like protection against heavy impacts and resistance to corrosion. To safeguard against these conditions, consider our NEMA 4x enclosures or review the NEMA ratings (for corrosion) and IK ratings (for impacts).

The IP65 Rating versus the IP67 Rating: A Direct Comparison

When comparing IP65 and IP67, it's important to understand that both offer high-level ratings that ensure strong protection and are appropriate for outdoor enclosures. Nonetheless, there are several important differences that could significantly impact your particular use case. An additional article covers the differences between IP65 and IP66 enclosure ratings. Both IP65 and IP67 enclosures feature a “6” as their initial digit, indicating they provide complete protection against the entry of solid objects. Both types of enclosures usually come with gasket seals that can prevent the entry of even extremely fine particles. Therefore, both are appropriate for various outdoor uses that demand dust-tight shielding. The primary distinction between an IP65 rating and an IP67 rating lies in the level of liquid ingress protection they provide. Both offer outstanding water resistance, yet the significance of their second digits shows the varying levels of protection embedded in their designs:

An enclosure with an IP65 rating offers defense against low-pressure water jets from all directions, along with protection against condensation and water spray. It is appropriate for various outdoor structures that will not face severe weather like flooding.

An enclosure with an IP67 rating provides significantly greater defense against water penetration. An enclosure with this rating will also safeguard against high-pressure water jets and brief immersion at depths of up to one meter.

The sole significant protective quality that neither of these enclosure ratings provides is safeguarding against extended immersion at depths greater than one meter. In case your enclosure could be underwater for long durations and at significant depths, you will require an IP68 enclosure that is designed to safeguard against such circumstances.

IP65 and IP67 Enclosures from Shinging

Shinging has numerous enclosure options with both IP65 and IP67 ratings available. Here are some of our most popular options with these ratings:IP65 Rated Enclosures:Encolsure Series: This hinged enclosure line offers an economical ABS indoor option alongside the polycarbonate outdoor version. The all plastic design includes a molded-in padlocking feature to keep your components safe from unauthorized access.Enclosure Series: Outdoor-rated IP65 polycarbonate enclosures with a clear plastic cover for easy monitoring of internal components, plus PCB bosses and silicone gasket.

IP67 Rated Enclosures:Enclosure Series: Our premier outdoor aluminum enclosures, rated all the way up to IP68 for prolonged submersion protection. With a waterproof gasket and built-in natural EMI protection, the enclosure series is a great choice for all kinds of demanding applications.Enclosure Series: Fiberglass-reinforced polycarbonate outdoor enclosures with high-quality stainless steel latches for quick access to internal components. These weatherproof, waterproof enclosures are among our toughest models.

IP65 and IP67 Rated Enclosures:Enclosure Series: Our durable outdoor hinged enclosures are rated all the way up to IP68 for prolonged submersion protection. These weatherproof and waterproof enclosures make for great junction boxes for easy access to electrical components without having to remove the lid.Enclosure Series: Constructed from impact-resistant polycarbonate, the Enclosure Series is rated all the way up to IP68 for prolonged submersion protection. They provide a screw-close lid with the option for tamper-resistant screws for added security. These weatherproof and waterproof enclosures make for great junction boxes along with the Enclosure Series.

We have enclosures at nearly all common IP ratings, so if you haven’t seen one that fits your needs perfectly yet, make sure to check our full selection. We also offer custom cutouts and custom digital printing on most of our enclosures at competitive prices.Shinging is an industry leader in electronics enclosures with over 65 years of experience. We create ideal enclosure solutions for industrial clients, educational institutions and home electronics enthusiasts alike — and we’d like to help you create yours!