What does IP68 water/dust rating actually mean? Ingress Protection (IP) ratings

2024.08.29

In today's era of rapidly advancing technology, the performance and durability of electronic devices are receiving increasing attention. Among these, the IP68 rating, one of the highest standards for dust and water resistance, has become a key factor for many consumers when choosing products. But what exactly does IP68 represent? How does it influence our choice and usage of products? In this article, we will delve into the specifications of international dust and water resistance ratings, decode the meaning of the "IP" mark, and explore the practical value and significance of the IP68 rating in everyday life, helping readers to fully understand the importance of this critical standard.

What is IP68,IP Code Ratings

 What is the IP Rating? 

The International Protection Marking, or Ingress Protection Rating, commonly known as the IP code, is a standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to assess the dust and water resistance capabilities of electronic devices. In this standard, "IP" stands for "Ingress Protection," with the two following digits indicating the level of dust and water resistance. The IP rating is tested and certified according to the IEC 60529 standard, which includes ratings for dust, water resistance, and additional performance requirements like impact and vibration resistance.

How to interpret the IP code?

The IP rating consists of two digits, with common examples being IP66, IP67, and IP68. The first digit indicates the level of dust protection, while the second digit represents the level of water resistance. These ratings are tested under specific conditions and certified by international certification bodies. Taking the highest rating, IP68, as an example, the code can be divided into three parts:

 

 IP

IP Code

  6 

Dust Protection Level 

 8 

Water Resistance Level

        

What does the IP68 rating represent?

IP68 is the highest rating in the international dust and water resistance standards, typically used for products designed for prolonged immersion and extreme environments. Products with an IP68 rating are completely dustproof and can be continuously submerged in static water deeper than 1 meter while maintaining normal functionality.

What standards are used for international dust and water resistance rating certification?

1. Dust Protection Level 

Solid object ingress protection (first digit) indicates the dust protection level, with higher numbers representing better protection.

IP Code

Protection

Object size

0

No Protection

N/A

1

Can contact large surface areas, such as the back of the hand; but may not protect against contact with fingers.

50mm ⭡

2

Can come into contact with fingers.

12.5mm ⭡

3

Can contact tools such as thick wires.

2.5mm ⭡

4

Can contact tools such as screws and wires.

1mm ⭡

5

Does not completely prevent dust from entering.

N/A

6

Can come into contact with dust.

N/A

1. Water Protection Level 

Water ingress protection (second digit) indicates the water resistance level, with higher numbers representing better protection.

* Notes: The water referred to here is fresh water, excluding seawater.

IP Code

Protection

Protection time / distance.

0

No protection

N/A

1

Can block vertically dripping water, such as a light rain.

10 min

2

Even if the device is tilted at 15 degrees, it can still block vertically dripping water.

10 min

3

Even if the device is tilted at 60 degrees, it can still block direct spraying water.

5 min

4

Can block spraying and splashing water from all directions.

5 min

5

Can block low-pressure water from a nozzle with a diameter of 6.3mm from all directions.

3 min ,from a distance of 3 meters.

6

Can block high-pressure water from a nozzle with a diameter of 12.5mm from all directions.

3 min ,from a distance of 3 meters.

7

Can be submerged in water at a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.

30 min

8

Can be submerged in water deeper than 1 meter; the manufacturer must specify the actual depth.

As defined by the manufacturer.

Applications of IP68 rated products:

  • 3C products such as smartphones, tablets, remote controls, keyboards, mice, and computer accessories.
  • Outdoor sports products like knee pads, gloves, and shoes.
  • Diving products such as underwater cameras and diving monitors.
  • Surveillance products like high-end IP cameras and outdoor network cameras.

What are the features of IP68 rated surveillance products?

  • Completely dustproof. 
  • Can be continuously submerged in still water over 1 meter deep while maintaining normal functionality.
  • Offers higher dust and water resistance performance.
  • Suitable for more extreme environments.

What is the IK10 international standard for impact protection level? Impact-resistant and shock-resistant cameras

In which environments are IP68 surveillance products applicable

Due to their high dust and water resistance ratings, IP68 surveillance products are suitable for a variety of locations:

  1. Outdoor Environments: If you need to install surveillance devices outdoors, such as at construction sites, parks, roads, airports, and along coastlines, where exposure to sunlight, wind, rain, and snow is prolonged, IP68 surveillance cameras are the preferred choice.
  2. Underwater Environments: If you need to monitor in water environments, such as swimming pools or reservoirs, IP68 surveillance products can effectively handle these conditions.
  3. Industrial Environments: If you need to use surveillance devices in industrial settings, such as chemical plants, steel mills, and petrochemical facilities, the high dust resistance of IP68 surveillance products can effectively prevent damage from industrial dust and severe vibrations.
  4. High-Illumination Environments: If you need to use surveillance devices in brightly lit environments, such as during the night or in areas with high illumination, the features of IP68 surveillance products can effectively protect cameras from interference caused by intense lighting.

 

IP68 rated cameras offer excellent dust and water protection, meeting various environmental needs. When selecting suitable surveillance products, it’s important to not only consider the waterproof and dustproof ratings but also your specific requirements and the quality of the products.

The Omnieye Advanced series DF/BM/BF/DM network cameras not only meet the IP68 dust and water resistance rating but also achieve IK10 impact resistance, making them the best choice for installation in any environment that requires prolonged exposure to natural or special conditions.

 

 

strong>IK10 rating Advanced BM   strong>IK10 rating Advanced BM   strong>IP68 rating Advanced DF

Advanced BM 

Zoom Bullet Camera

 

Advanced DM 

Zoom Dome Camera

 

Advanced DF 

Zoom Dome Camera

 

In today's era of rapidly advancing technology, the performance and durability of electronic devices are receiving increasing attention. Among these, the IP68 rating, one of the highest standards for dust and water resistance, has become a key factor for many consumers when choosing products. But what exactly does IP68 represent? How does it influence our choice and usage of products? In this article, we will delve into the specifications of international dust and water resistance ratings, decode the meaning of the "IP" mark, and explore the practical value and significance of the IP68 rating in everyday life, helping readers to fully understand the importance of this critical standard.

What is IP68,IP Code Ratings

 What is the IP Rating? 

The International Protection Marking, or Ingress Protection Rating, commonly known as the IP code, is a standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to assess the dust and water resistance capabilities of electronic devices. In this standard, "IP" stands for "Ingress Protection," with the two following digits indicating the level of dust and water resistance. The IP rating is tested and certified according to the IEC 60529 standard, which includes ratings for dust, water resistance, and additional performance requirements like impact and vibration resistance.

How to interpret the IP code?

The IP rating consists of two digits, with common examples being IP66, IP67, and IP68. The first digit indicates the level of dust protection, while the second digit represents the level of water resistance. These ratings are tested under specific conditions and certified by international certification bodies. Taking the highest rating, IP68, as an example, the code can be divided into three parts:

 

 IP

IP Code

  6 

Dust Protection Level 

 8 

Water Resistance Level

        

What does the IP68 rating represent?

IP68 is the highest rating in the international dust and water resistance standards, typically used for products designed for prolonged immersion and extreme environments. Products with an IP68 rating are completely dustproof and can be continuously submerged in static water deeper than 1 meter while maintaining normal functionality.

What standards are used for international dust and water resistance rating certification?

1. Dust Protection Level 

Solid object ingress protection (first digit) indicates the dust protection level, with higher numbers representing better protection.

IP Code

Protection

Object size

0

No Protection

N/A

1

Can contact large surface areas, such as the back of the hand; but may not protect against contact with fingers.

50mm ⭡

2

Can come into contact with fingers.

12.5mm ⭡

3

Can contact tools such as thick wires.

2.5mm ⭡

4

Can contact tools such as screws and wires.

1mm ⭡

5

Does not completely prevent dust from entering.

N/A

6

Can come into contact with dust.

N/A

1. Water Protection Level 

Water ingress protection (second digit) indicates the water resistance level, with higher numbers representing better protection.

* Notes: The water referred to here is fresh water, excluding seawater.

IP Code

Protection

Protection time / distance.

0

No protection

N/A

1

Can block vertically dripping water, such as a light rain.

10 min

2

Even if the device is tilted at 15 degrees, it can still block vertically dripping water.

10 min

3

Even if the device is tilted at 60 degrees, it can still block direct spraying water.

5 min

4

Can block spraying and splashing water from all directions.

5 min

5

Can block low-pressure water from a nozzle with a diameter of 6.3mm from all directions.

3 min ,from a distance of 3 meters.

6

Can block high-pressure water from a nozzle with a diameter of 12.5mm from all directions.

3 min ,from a distance of 3 meters.

7

Can be submerged in water at a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.

30 min

8

Can be submerged in water deeper than 1 meter; the manufacturer must specify the actual depth.

As defined by the manufacturer.

Applications of IP68 rated products:

  • 3C products such as smartphones, tablets, remote controls, keyboards, mice, and computer accessories.
  • Outdoor sports products like knee pads, gloves, and shoes.
  • Diving products such as underwater cameras and diving monitors.
  • Surveillance products like high-end IP cameras and outdoor network cameras.

What are the features of IP68 rated surveillance products?

  • Completely dustproof. 
  • Can be continuously submerged in still water over 1 meter deep while maintaining normal functionality.
  • Offers higher dust and water resistance performance.
  • Suitable for more extreme environments.

What is the IK10 international standard for impact protection level? Impact-resistant and shock-resistant cameras

In which environments are IP68 surveillance products applicable

Due to their high dust and water resistance ratings, IP68 surveillance products are suitable for a variety of locations:

  1. Outdoor Environments: If you need to install surveillance devices outdoors, such as at construction sites, parks, roads, airports, and along coastlines, where exposure to sunlight, wind, rain, and snow is prolonged, IP68 surveillance cameras are the preferred choice.
  2. Underwater Environments: If you need to monitor in water environments, such as swimming pools or reservoirs, IP68 surveillance products can effectively handle these conditions.
  3. Industrial Environments: If you need to use surveillance devices in industrial settings, such as chemical plants, steel mills, and petrochemical facilities, the high dust resistance of IP68 surveillance products can effectively prevent damage from industrial dust and severe vibrations.
  4. High-Illumination Environments: If you need to use surveillance devices in brightly lit environments, such as during the night or in areas with high illumination, the features of IP68 surveillance products can effectively protect cameras from interference caused by intense lighting.

 

 

IP68 rated cameras offer excellent dust and water protection, meeting various environmental needs. When selecting suitable surveillance products, it’s important to not only consider the waterproof and dustproof ratings but also your specific requirements and the quality of the products.

The Omnieye Advanced series DF/BM/BF/DM network cameras not only meet the IP68 dust and water resistance rating but also achieve IK10 impact resistance, making them the best choice for installation in any environment that requires prolonged exposure to natural or special conditions.

 

 

strong>IK10 rating Advanced BM   strong>IK10 rating Advanced BM   strong>IP68 rating Advanced DF

Advanced BM 

Zoom Bullet Camera

 

Advanced DM 

Zoom Dome Camera

 

Advanced DF 

Zoom Dome Camera

 

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