IP65 vs IP67 vs IP68: What’s the Difference for Rugged Devices?

    When choosing rugged tablets, industrial handhelds, or outdoor mobile devices, IP ratings are often one of the first specifications buyers check. Among them, IP65, IP67, and IP68 are the most frequently mentioned. However, many users misunderstand what these ratings actually mean and how they affect real-world usage.

    I. What Is an IP Rating?

    IP stands for Ingress Protection, a standard defined by IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission). It measures how well a device is protected against solid particles and liquids.

    II. An IP rating consists of two digits:

    First digit (0–6): Protection against dust and solid objects

    Second digit (0–9): Protection against water exposure

    For rugged and industrial devices, the most relevant solid protection level is 6, meaning dust-tight.

    1. IP65 Explained

    IP65 devices are completely protected against dust and resistant to low-pressure water jets from any direction.

    ① What IP65 Protects Against

    · Dust, sand, and fine particles

    · Rain and splashing water

    · Cleaning with low-pressure water

    ② What IP65 Does NOT Protect Against

    · Water immersion

    · Prolonged exposure to heavy rain

    · High-pressure or high-temperature water

    ③ Typical IP65 Use Cases

    Manufacturing plants, Warehouses, Indoor industrial environments, Semi-outdoor logistics operations.

    IP65 is often the most cost-effective choice for industrial users who need dust protection but do not work in wet conditions.

    2. IP67 Explained

    IP67 offers a higher level of water protection while maintaining full dust resistance.

    ① What IP67 Protects Against

    · Complete dust ingress

    · Temporary water immersion (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes)

    · Heavy rain and accidental water exposure

    ② Common IP67 Applications

    · Construction sites

    · Outdoor field service

    · Utility inspection

    · Agriculture and outdoor logistics

    IP67 is widely considered the minimum standard for fully rugged tablets used outdoors.

    3. IP68 Explained

    IP68 is the highest commonly used IP rating for rugged mobile devices.

    ① What Makes IP68 Different

    · Complete dust protection

    · Designed for continuous water immersion, under conditions specified by the manufacturer

    This means some IP68 devices can operate underwater for extended periods, while others are certified for deeper immersion.

    ② Typical IP68 Use Cases

    · Marine environments

    · Flood-prone areas

    · Extreme outdoor operations

    · Emergency services

    III. IP65 vs IP67 vs IP68: Side-by-Side Comparison

    IV. How to Choose the Right IP Rating

    1. Indoor industrial use: IP65

    2. Outdoor and unpredictable weather: IP67

    3. Extreme wet environments: IP68

    Understanding the difference between IP65, IP67, and IP68 helps businesses avoid overpaying—or under-protecting—their equipment. Always match the IP rating to your actual working environment, not marketing labels.Choosing a higher rating than necessary may increase costs without adding real value.