IP Protection Codes
IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings — what IP65, IP67, IP68 actually mean.
Reference
IP rating format: IP
First digit — solids
| Digit | Protection |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Protected 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) |
| 5 | Dust-protected — ingress not fully prevented but does not harm operation |
| 6 | Dust-tight — no ingress |
Second digit — liquids
| Digit | Protection |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Vertical dripping water |
| 2 | Dripping water when tilted up to 15° |
| 3 | Spraying water up to 60° from vertical |
| 4 | Splashing water from any direction |
| 5 | Water jets (6.3 mm nozzle) from any direction |
| 6 | Powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle) |
| 7 | Immersion to 1 m for 30 min |
| 8 | Continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified depth) |
| 9K | High-pressure high-temperature jets |
Common ratings
- IP20
- Typical indoor equipment — finger-safe only
- IP44
- Bathroom fixtures — splash resistant
- IP54
- Outdoor lighting — some dust & splash
- IP65
- Dust-tight + water jets — outdoor enclosures
- IP67
- Dust-tight + 30 min at 1 m depth — watches, phones
- IP68
- Continuous immersion at manufacturer-specified depth
- IP69K
- Steam/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.
Last updated: