IP68 (Ingress Protection): what it is, how it works and what it does
IP68 is an ingress protection rating indicating that a device is dust-tight (level 6) and resistant to water immersion up to 1.5 metres for 30 minutes (level 8). It is applied as a certification to electronic devices and consumer equipment.
Definition
IP68 is a classification within the Ingress Protection (IP) rating system that certifies the degree of protection a device offers against the intrusion of solid particles and water. It is a certification that guarantees full protection against water and dust, as stated in product datasheets and catalogues.
Code structure
The IP code consists of two numerical digits, each evaluated independently:
- First digit (6): indicates the device is dust tight, meaning it is hermetically sealed against the ingress of solid particles.
- Second digit (8): indicates resistance to water immersion. For IP68, the specification corresponds to immersion up to 1.5 metres in depth for 30 minutes.
Operating principles
The IP68 certification is obtained through standardised tests that verify the device's sealing (gaskets, membranes, coatings) prevents the penetration of dust and water under the specified conditions. The result is expressed as a combined resistance: IP68 (water and dust).
IP68: dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5 m for 30 min).
Applications
The IP68 rating is commonly found on:
- Mobile phones and portable devices.
- Consumer electronics.
- Instrumentation and industrial components exposed to humid or dusty environments.
Scope and limitations
The IP68 certification specifically covers resistance to static immersion in fresh water up to 1.5 m for 30 minutes and dust-tightness. It does not imply:
- Resistance to immersion at greater depths or for longer durations.
- Protection against salt water, pressurised liquids, or high-pressure jets.
- Guaranteed operation under prolonged or repeated immersion conditions.
Interpretation in a product
When a product states IP68 certification in its technical sheet or labelling, the manufacturer declares that the device has passed the corresponding ingress tests for both levels. The consumer can interpret that the equipment withstands, at minimum, temporary immersion in water up to 1.5 m and exposure to dust without compromising its operation. However, the certification does not override the manufacturer's stated usage conditions, and water exposure is typically not covered by warranty in most cases.
In catalogues and product descriptions, the mention IP68 appears as a resistance attribute, often accompanied by the phrase «IP68 water resistance» or «certified IP68 waterproofness» depending on the target market language.