The Difference Between IP65 And IP68 Waterproof And Dustproof Tests

IP: stands for Ingress Protection, sometimes also interpreted as International Protection.
Standard: It complies with the IEC 60529 international standard (the Chinese equivalent is GB/T 4208).
Purpose: It measures the protection provided by electrical equipment enclosures against the ingress of solid foreign objects (including dust) and liquids (water).

The IP rating consists of two numbers: the first digit indicates the level of dust resistance (0-6), and the last digit indicates the level of water resistance (0-8). The higher the number, the stronger the protection.

Dust resistance (first digit)
0: No protection;
1: Protected against intrusion by solid objects larger than 50 mm;
2: Protected against intrusion by solid objects larger than 12.5 mm;
3: Protected against intrusion by solid objects larger than 2.5 mm;
4: Protected against intrusion by solid objects larger than 1.0 mm;
5: Dust-tight protection, preventing complete intrusion of dust but not affecting device functionality;
6: Tightly dust-tight, preventing dust from entering.

Water resistance (last digit)
0: No water resistance;
1: Protected against dripping water (no effect from vertically falling water drops);
2: Protected against dripping water when tilted 15°;
3: Protected against dripping water when tilted 60°;
4: Water splashing onto the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect;
5: Water spraying onto the enclosure from a nozzle (12.5 L/min) from any direction shall have no harmful effect;
6: Water spraying onto the enclosure from a high-pressure nozzle (100 L/min) shall have no harmful effect;
7: No water ingress when immersed in water at a specified pressure and time (e.g., 1 meter depth for 30 minutes);
8: No water ingress when continuously immersed in water under conditions agreed upon between the manufacturer and user (more stringent than IPX7);
9K: Protected against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets. Withstands high-pressure, high-temperature water jets at close range (0.1-0.15 m).
For example, IP67 indicates that the device is completely dustproof and can withstand temporary immersion in water.

IP68 indicates that the device has the highest level of dustproofness and top-tier water resistance, allowing it to withstand prolonged submersion in water under certain conditions without damage. IP68 testing typically involves continuous water immersion for at least 30 minutes and up to a depth of 1.5 meters. The IP68 rating also requires that the device withstand prolonged immersion under certain conditions, such as immersion in 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. This means the device has excellent water resistance and can be used underwater without damage.

IP65, on the other hand, is a slightly lower rating than IP68 in terms of dust and water resistance. IP65 testing typically requires devices to withstand a water jet pressure of 30 kg/cm² at a distance of approximately 3 meters for approximately 15 minutes. IP65 also requires devices to be dustproof to prevent the ingress of dust particles. Compared to IP68, IP65 offers weaker water resistance, only withstanding erosion by water jets, not sustained immersion.

The Importance of IP65 and IP68 Waterproof And Dustproof Tests

1. Product Reliability and Durability

IP65 and IP68 waterproof and dustproof tests is the only objective standard for verifying whether a product's design (such as sealing structure, material selection, and craftsmanship) meets the expected level of protection. It simulates harsh real-world environments (such as heavy rain, dust, and accidental water exposure) to identify design flaws early on.
Dustproof: Prevents dust and particles from entering the device. Dust can wear out delicate components (such as camera lenses and mechanical transmissions), cause circuit shorts (such as blocking heat dissipation holes and causing overheating), and lead to poor connections.
Waterproof: Prevents moisture from entering the device. Moisture can cause electrochemical corrosion, short circuits that burn components, and mold growth, leading to performance degradation. IP68-level protection significantly extends the device's lifespan in humid environments.

2. User Experience: Safety and Trust

For devices connected to a power source (such as outdoor lighting and power tools), good water and dustproofing is essential for electrical safety, preventing the risk of electrical leakage and electric shock. For automotive electronics, security surveillance equipment, and other devices, IP testing ensures stable operation in all weather conditions, preventing safety incidents caused by functional failure.
IP ratings are a functional commitment to users. Testing ensures this commitment is met, allowing users to confidently answer calls in the rain or rinse outdoor speakers with water, ensuring the expected product experience and building trust in the brand.

3.Market Competition: Compliance and Competitiveness

Many industry standards and national regulations mandate that equipment meet certain IP ratings. For example, lighting exported to Europe must comply with CE directives, and outdoor industrial equipment must meet IEC standards. Without the corresponding IP certification, products cannot be legally sold.

In markets with fierce homogeneous competition (such as smartphones and wearables), IP68 has become a hallmark feature of high-end products, a reflection of technological strength that directly supports higher product pricing and brand positioning.

4.For Brands and Businesses: Risk Control and Cost Saving

Reducing after-sales costs and business risks:
Rigorous testing can identify and resolve potential issues before production, avoiding massive warranty costs, returns, recalls, and reputational damage caused by widespread water and dust ingress after product launch. This is a crucial risk prevention measure.
A product that generates numerous complaints due to waterproofing failure can severely damage a brand's image, and the resulting negative reputation requires significant marketing investment to mitigate. A reliable IP rating is one of the most intuitive indicators of quality.