The IP68 rating, as defined in GB/T 4208-2017 (equivalent to IEC 60529), represents the highest level of protection against dust and water intrusion for electrical enclosures. The IP code consists of two digits: the first indicates protection against solid particles (on a scale of 0 to 6), and the second denotes water resistance (on a scale of 0 to 8). Thus, IP68 is the highest protection level under this classification.
IP stands for Ingress Protection. This rating system specifies the degree to which an electrical enclosure is protected against foreign objects (e.g., dust) and moisture. The standard was established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and adopted as a U.S. national standard in 2004.
Testing is conducted according to GB 4208-2008 / IEC 60529-2001, which evaluates the ability of product enclosures to resist dust and water ingress. Common protection levels include IP23, IP44, IP54, IP55, IP65, IP66, IP67, and IP68.
Purpose of the IP Rating Standard:
- Ensure electrical equipment meets specified enclosure protection levels.
- Protect users from hazardous internal components.
- Prevent solid particles from entering the enclosure.
- Guard against harmful effects of water ingress.
IP Protection Levels
1. First Digit - Solid Particle Protection
The first digit indicates the level of protection against solid objects and hazardous parts.
2. Second Digit - Liquid Ingress Protection
The second digit indicates the level of protection against water.
Tables of Protection Levels
Table 1: First Digit - Solid Particle Protection
| Digit |
Protection Level |
Description |
| 1 |
IP1X |
Protected against solid objects over 50 mm (e.g., hands). |
| 2 |
IP2X |
Protected against solid objects over 12.5 mm (e.g., fingers). |
| 3 |
IP3X |
Protected against solid objects over 2.5 mm (e.g., tools and wires). |
| 4 |
IP4X |
Protected against solid objects over 1 mm (e.g., small wires and screws). |
| 5 |
IP5X |
Dust-protected - limited ingress allowed, but not harmful. |
| 6 |
IP6X |
Dust-tight - completely protected against dust ingress. |
Table 2: Second Digit - Liquid Ingress Protection
| Digit |
Protection Level |
Description |
| 1 |
IPX1 |
Protected against vertically falling drops of water. |
| 2 |
IPX2 |
Protected against vertically dripping water when tilted up to 15°. |
| 3 |
IPX3 |
Protected against spraying water at angles up to 60°. |
| 4 |
IPX4 |
Protected against splashing water from any direction. |
| 5 |
IPX5 |
Protected against water jets from any direction. |
| 6 |
IPX6 |
Protected against powerful water jets or heavy seas. |
| 7 |
IPX7 |
Protected against immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. |
| 8 |
IPX8 |
Protected against continuous immersion under conditions specified by the manufacturer. |
What Does IP68 Mean?
IP68 is the highest waterproof rating for connectors. The first digit "6" means total dust resistance, and the second digit "8" indicates the ability to withstand continuous immersion in water under specified conditions.
While many products claim an IP68 rating, truly reliable and rigorously tested IP68 connectors are rare. For example, some manufacturers test their IP68 connectors by submerging them in 10 meters of water for two weeks or in 100 meters of water for 12 hours under destructive conditions--all while maintaining full functionality.
Testing Standards
- Dust Protection : Complete prevention of dust ingress.
- Water Protection : Continuous immersion under specified pressure and duration.
It's important to note that IP68 testing conditions--including equipment, parameters, and duration--must be agreed upon by both suppliers and customers. The tests are more rigorous than those for lower IP ratings.
For instance, some brands test their waterproof connectors in 10 meters of water for two weeks without failure, and under destructive conditions at 100 meters for 12 hours while ensuring performance integrity.
Your message must be between 20-3,000 characters!