Electronics

IP Protection Codes

IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings — what IP65, IP67, IP68 actually mean.

Updated Apr 19, 2026 2 min read

IP rating format: IP. Higher digits = more protection. X means not tested.

First digit — solids

DigitProtection
0No protection
1Protected against solid objects > 50 mm (back of hand)
2> 12.5 mm (fingers)
3> 2.5 mm (tools, thick wires)
4> 1 mm (most wires)
5Dust-protected — ingress not fully prevented but does not harm operation
6Dust-tight — no ingress

Second digit — liquids

DigitProtection
0No protection
1Vertical dripping water
2Dripping water when tilted up to 15°
3Spraying water up to 60° from vertical
4Splashing water from any direction
5Water jets (6.3 mm nozzle) from any direction
6Powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
7Immersion to 1 m for 30 min
8Continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified depth)
9KHigh-pressure high-temperature jets

Common ratings

IP20Typical indoor equipment — finger-safe only
IP44Bathroom fixtures — splash resistant
IP54Outdoor lighting — some dust & splash
IP65Dust-tight + water jets — outdoor enclosures
IP67Dust-tight + 30 min at 1 m depth — watches, phones
IP68Continuous immersion at manufacturer-specified depth
IP69KSteam/pressure wash — food processing, automotive

Notes

  • IP67 is a one-time 30-min test in clean fresh water — not a warranty for repeated dunking, hot showers, or salt water.
  • Screen shattering or button wear can break the seal — used devices are typically not the rated IP.
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