Introduction to IP67 vs IP68
When it comes to electronic devices, water resistance is an important factor to consider. Whether you’re using your phone at the beach, taking your tablet on a boat, or just want peace of mind in case of accidental spills or drops, a water-resistant device can provide added protection and peace of mind. But with so many different ratings and standards available, it can be confusing to know which device is the most suitable for your needs.
One factor to consider is the IP rating, or “Ingress Protection” rating. These ratings are used to evaluate the level of protection an enclosure provides against the intrusion of solid objects (such as dust) and liquids (such as water). The IP rating is indicated by a two-digit number, with the first digit indicating the level of protection against solid objects and the second digit indicating the level of protection against liquids.
When it comes to water-resistant devices, two of the most common IP ratings you’ll encounter are IP67 and IP68. But what exactly do these ratings mean, and how do they differ? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the difference between IP67 and IP68, and help you understand which rating is best for your needs.
We’ll start by defining each rating and providing examples of devices that carry them. Then, we’ll compare the two ratings in terms of the depth and duration of water protection they provide and their suitability for different environments and activities. Finally, we’ll offer tips for choosing the right water-resistant device for your needs. So, if you’re considering purchasing a water-resistant device and want to understand the key differences between IP67 and IP68, keep reading.
What is IP67
IP67 is a common rating for water-resistant devices, and it indicates that the device is protected against dust and can be immersed in water up to a depth of 1 meter for a duration of 30 minutes without suffering any damage. The “6” in the rating indicates that the device is dust-tight, meaning that no dust can penetrate the enclosure. The “7” in the rating indicates that the device can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
Examples of devices with an IP67 rating include smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. Many of these devices are designed to withstand accidental drops or spills, and can be used in environments where they may be exposed to water or moisture. For example, you might use a phone with an IP67 rating at the beach, by the pool, or while participating in water sports.
It’s important to note that IP67 rating does not guarantee that a device is waterproof. While the device may be able to withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, it may not be able to withstand longer periods of immersion or deeper depths. Additionally, the IP67 rating does not cover protection against water pressure, so the device may not be suitable for use at depths beyond 1 meter.
Overall, the IP67 rating provides a good level of protection against water and dust for everyday use, and is suitable for a wide range of environments and activities. However, it may not be the best choice for more extreme or specialized use cases. If you need a device that can withstand deeper immersion or longer periods of exposure to water, you may want to consider a device with a higher rating, such as IP68.
What is IP68
IP68 is another common rating for water-resistant devices, and it indicates that the device is protected against dust and can be immersed in water at a depth beyond 1 meter for an extended period of time without suffering any damage. The “8” in the rating indicates that the device can withstand continuous immersion in water beyond 1 meter.
Examples of devices with an IP68 rating include rugged smartphones and tablets, as well as some dive computers and wearable fitness trackers. These devices are designed to withstand more extreme environments and activities, and can be used in a variety of wet or aquatic settings. For example, you might use a rugged smartphone with an IP68 rating while hiking in the rain, or a dive computer while scuba diving.
It’s important to note that the IP68 rating does not specify a specific depth or duration of water protection. Instead, it simply indicates that the device is suitable for continuous immersion in water beyond 1 meter. As such, the actual level of protection provided by an IP68 rated device can vary widely, and it’s important to consult the manufacturer’s specifications for more detailed information.
Overall, the IP68 rating provides a high level of protection against water and dust for specialized or extreme use cases. If you need a device that can withstand deep immersion or long periods of exposure to water, an IP68 rated device may be the best choice for you. However, it’s important to carefully consider your needs and the specific capabilities of the device before making a purchase.
Comparison of IP67 and IP68
Now that we’ve defined and provided examples of both the IP67 and IP68 ratings, let’s take a closer look at the differences between the two.
Depth of Water Protection
One of the key differences between IP67 and IP68 is the depth of water protection they provide. As we mentioned earlier, the IP67 rating indicates that a device can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, while the IP68 rating indicates that a device can withstand continuous immersion in water beyond 1 meter. This means that, in general, an IP68 rated device will provide more protection against water than an IP67 rated device.
Duration of Water Protection
Another difference between IP67 and IP68 is the duration of water protection they provide. The IP67 rating indicates that a device can withstand immersion in water for up to 30 minutes, while the IP68 rating indicates that a device can withstand continuous immersion in water.
Suitability for Different Environments and Activities
Given the differences in depth and duration of water protection, it’s not surprising that IP67 and IP68 rated devices are suitable for different environments and activities. In general, IP67 rated devices are suitable for everyday use and can withstand accidental spills or drops, as well as brief immersions in water. They are a good choice for environments where water or moisture may be present, such as the beach, pool, or rain.
On the other hand, IP68 rated devices are designed for more specialized or extreme use cases, and can withstand deep immersion and long periods of exposure to water. They are a good choice for aquatic environments, such as diving or snorkeling, as well as for activities that may involve exposure to water or moisture, such as hiking in the rain.
When choosing a water-resistant device, it’s important to consider your needs and the specific environments and activities you’ll be using the device in. This will help you determine the appropriate level of water protection you need, and whether an IP67 or IP68 rated device is the best choice for you.
Conclusion: Understanding the Key Differences Between IP67 and IP68 Ratings for Water-Resistant Devices
In general, IP67 rated devices are suitable for everyday use and can withstand accidental spills or drops, as well as brief immersions in water. They are a good choice for environments where water or moisture may be present. On the other hand, IP68 rated devices are designed for more specialized or extreme use cases, and can withstand deep immersion and long periods of exposure to water. They are a good choice for aquatic environments and activities that may involve exposure to water or moisture.
When choosing a water-resistant device, it’s important to consider your needs and the specific environments and activities you’ll be using the device in. This will help you determine the appropriate level of water protection you need, and whether an IP67 or IP68 rated device is the best choice for you. So, it is essential to carefully consider your needs and the specific capabilities of the device before making a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions about IP67 vs IP68
An IP rating, or “Ingress Protection” rating, is a standard used to evaluate the level of protection provided by an enclosure against the intrusion of solid objects (such as dust) and liquids (such as water). The IP rating is indicated by a two-digit number, with the first digit indicating the level of protection against solid objects and the second digit indicating the level of protection against liquids.
IP67 means that a device is protected against dust and can be immersed in water up to a depth of 1 meter for a duration of 30 minutes without suffering any damage. The “6” in the rating indicates that the device is dust-tight, meaning that no dust can penetrate the enclosure. The “7” in the rating indicates that the device can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
IP68 means that a device is protected against dust and can be immersed in water at a depth beyond 1 meter for an extended period of time without suffering any damage. The “8” in the rating indicates that the device can withstand continuous immersion in water beyond 1 meter. The actual depth and duration of protection provided by an IP68 rated device will depend on the specific capabilities of the device and the conditions in which it is used.
The main difference between IP67 and IP68 is the depth and duration of water protection they provide. IP67 rated devices can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, while IP68 rated devices can withstand continuous immersion in water beyond 1 meter. Additionally, the IP68 rating does not specify a specific depth or duration of water protection, while the IP67 rating does.
The appropriate rating for you will depend on your needs and the specific environments and activities you’ll be using the device in. In general, IP67 rated devices are suitable for everyday use and can withstand accidental spills or drops, as well as brief immersions in water. They are a good choice for environments where water or moisture may be present. On the other hand, IP68 rated devices are designed for more specialized or extreme use cases, and can withstand deep immersion and long periods of exposure to water. They are a good choice for aquatic environments and activities that may involve exposure to water or moisture.
