What is IP68? Your Guide to Waterproof & Dustproof Protection

Shinging offers an enclosure that meets any desired level of ingress protection you need. We provide NEMA rated enclosures as well as IP rated enclosures, and our clients rely on us for enclosures that meet the highest industry standards. If you need an IP68 enclosure, we are here to assist. Shinging offers an extensive range of IP68 enclosures designed for optimal performance and maximum durability. Before you decide, pause to reflect on this question: What is the meaning of IP68? It's important to grasp all that the IP68 rating involves.

How to Comprehend IP Ratings

IP or Ingress Protection ratings indicate the level of defense an enclosure provides against solid materials and moisture. Two figures (IPXX) denote the enclosure's level of protection. The initial digit signifies defense against solid object entry, ranging from 0 to 6, while the subsequent digit represents defense against water entry, ranging from 0 to 8. The IP rating scale follows the IEC 60529 standard. This standard outlines different degrees of safeguarding against water and solid materials, designating a number to each level of protection on the scale.For an exhaustive explanation of utilizing the IP rating scale, refer to Shinging’s comprehensive guide on IP ratings. If you're aware that an IP68 enclosure is necessary, continue reading to discover additional important details about this rating.

What does IP68 mean?

Now we will examine what the IP68 rating signifies, utilizing the two-digit system we discussed previously. We’ll examine the first digit, indicating particulate and solid resistance, followed by the second digit representing water resistance. A 6 as the first digit signifies the enclosure is fully dust-tight. This is the highest level of dust protection classified according to the IP standard. Featuring an IP68 rating, your device will be shielded from significant windblown dust and various particles. The number 8 as the second digit indicates the enclosure is entirely waterproof, even when subjected to extended periods of submersion. An IP68 enclosure will protect your device from splashes, dripping water, rain, snow, hose spray, immersion, and various other ways that water can penetrate a device's casing. Carefully analyze the details of every IP rating outlined in IEC 60529 and match them with your project’s needs.The differences between an IP67 and an IP68 rating are minor, but they can greatly influence particular applications.

Can IP68 be translated into a NEMA enclosure rating?

Numerous enclosures feature both NEMA ratings and IP ratings. It’s logical to question: What does IP68 translate to in terms of a NEMA rating? Generally, you can refer to an IP to NEMA conversion chart to determine an approximate NEMA rating that corresponds to an IP rating. It is essential to understand that the reverse is often untrue—NEMA ratings do not consistently equate to IP ratings due to the multiple additional factors included in NEMA ratings. Regarding the actual equivalent ratings, an IP68 enclosure usually equates to a NEMA 6P enclosure. This suggests that both forms of enclosures are fully waterproof, even when submerged at depths greater than one meter.Each denotes the highest level on their respective scales, providing the maximum safety for the devices they safeguard.