Understanding IP Ratings: IP63, IP64, IP65, IP67, and IP68

This article breaks down the differences between common IP (Ingress Protection) ratings, specifically IP63, IP64, IP65, IP67, and IP68. These ratings are crucial for understanding the level of protection an electrical enclosure provides against both solid objects and water.

What are IP Ratings?

IP ratings, as defined in standards like AS-1939 (clause 6), indicate how well an enclosure protects its internal components. The rating is expressed as “IP” followed by two digits:

First Digit: This digit signifies the level of protection against solid objects, such as dust and fingers.
Second Digit: This digit represents the level of protection against water ingress.

Let’s dive into what each of these digits means within the context of our selected IP ratings.

IP Rating Breakdown

IP63

First Digit (6): Indicates the enclosure is dust-tight. This means complete protection against the entry of dust.
Second Digit (3): Signifies protection against sprays of water from any direction, up to 60 degrees from the vertical.

IP64

First Digit (6): Again, dust-tight, providing complete protection against dust ingress.
Second Digit (4): Means protection against splashing water from any direction. Limited ingress is permitted.

IP65

First Digit (6): Consistent with the others, this rating is also dust-tight.
Second Digit (5): Provides protection against low-pressure water jets from any direction. Limited ingress is permitted.

IP67

First Digit (6): Still dust-tight, ensuring no dust can enter.
Second Digit (7): Offers protection against short periods of immersion in water, specifically between 15cm and 1m deep.

IP68

First Digit (6): As with all the above, it’s dust-tight.
Second Digit (8): Indicates protection against long, durable periods of immersion in water, and under pressure. This is a higher level of protection than IP67, and the specific depth and duration are often specified by the manufacturer.

Comparing the Ratings

IP Rating	Solid Object Protection	Water Protection
IP63	Dust-tight	Sprays of water (up to 60 degrees from vertical)
IP64	Dust-tight	Splashing water (limited ingress permitted)
IP65	Dust-tight	Low-pressure water jets (limited ingress permitted)
IP67	Dust-tight	Short periods of immersion (15cm to 1m)
IP68	Dust-tight	Long, durable periods of immersion (under pressure)

Key Takeaways

All the listed ratings (IP63, IP64, IP65, IP67, and IP68) are dust-tight, providing the highest level of protection against solid objects.
The main difference lies in the degree of water protection.
IP63 offers protection against water sprays, while IP64 guards against splashing water.
IP65 is designed to withstand low pressure water jets.
IP67 is suitable for short immersions, while IP68 is the highest level, providing long-term immersion protection under pressure.

When selecting an enclosure, it is crucial to consider the specific environmental conditions it will be exposed to and choose the IP rating that provides adequate protection. This will help ensure the longevity and reliability of your electrical equipment.

Conclusion

IP ratings provide a standardized way to evaluate the resistance of devices against dust and water ingress. The differences among IP63, IP64, IP65, IP67 and IP68 lie in their level of protection as explained here.