Understanding how the various IP ratings correspond to a device’s resistance to dust and water ingress protection ratings can be noticed on many devices ranging from smartphones to industrial devices to lighting and outdoor electronics. The most common ratings compared are IP68 and IP65. Each of these ratings is a specification of a specific level of protection. Understanding these differences aids manufacturers, engineers, and consumers in selecting the most optimal device for the environmental conditions in which the device is expected to function. The following is an attempt to explain the IP68 VS IP65: Key Differences, the methodology behind the testing, and the importance of reliable testing equipment, such as the Large Dust Proof Test Chamber – OTS Technik, in both the certification process and product reliability.
The IP Ratings – The Basics
The abbreviation, IP, represents ingress protection. The IP rating system is the brainchild of the International Electrotechnical Commission and deals with the ability of a device to withstand the ingress of particulate matter of varying sizes and liquids.
Each rating consists of two digits. The first digit represents the level of protection the device offers against dust and similarly, the second digit represents the protection level against moisture or liquids.
Take for example, IP65 and IP68.
– 6 6 is the rating that shows the device is not penetrable to dust.
– The second number (5 or 8) indicates the water protection level (5 < 8).
The higher the number, the greater the protection.
One of the testing labs that assesses these ratings and certifications is the Large Dust Proof Test Chamber – OTS Technik (located in Germany) which, through the simulation of extreme dusty environments, is able to prove that a product complies with the requirements of a given standard).
What Does IP65 Mean?
IP65 is a protection class that is often used for outdoor devices and industrial equipment.
Devices with this protection class have great resistance to dust and moderate resistance to water.
To put it in simpler terms, IP65 means the following:
– 6 – Dust Tight: The device is completely protected against the ingress of dust.
– 5 – Water Jets: The device is protected against water jets from any direction.
During the test, the water is sprayed onto the device with the pressure that is deemed acceptable, and the device must function after the test.
What Is IP65 Used For?
IP65 is standard and therefore is used in many products due to the level of protection it offers
A few of the most common products that fall under this standard are:
– Outdoor LED lights
– Cameras
– Control panels
– Gardening tools
– Boxes
These devices may be in the presence of dust, splashes, or rain, and it can be said that the device functions properly in such conditions. However, it is worth noting that IP65 devices are not intended to be under water.
What Do IP68 Ratings Mean?
IP68 is rated high on the IP rating scale. Having IP68 means the device is completely dustproof and is also protected against long-term submersion in water.
IP68 means:
– 6 – Dust Tight: Full protection against dust.
– 8 – Water Immersion: The device can stay submerged in water greater than 1 meter for an undisclosed amount of time.
Manufacturers typically specify the exact time and depth for submersion. A few IP68 rated smartphones can be submerged in water for 30 minutes at a depth of 1.5 meters.
Typical Devices with IP68 Ratings
Devices that have IP68 ratings are often used in harsh environments such as:
– Premium smartphones
– Water-resistant cameras
– Electronics used in the marine industry
– Industrial grade sensors
– Weatherproof outdoor surveillance systems
Devices that can be used in rain, underwater, or during water exposure have strong seals due to intensive waterproofing and water-resistance testing.
Differences Between IP68 and IP65 Ratings
With both IP65 and IP68 protected devices, the enclosures are designed to keep dust out completely. The main difference is in water resistance ratings.
Water Resistance
The difference between IP65 and IP68 is water exposure.
IP65 rated devices can withstand low-pressure water jets and can be used in the rain. However, the devices cannot be submerged in water.Devices with an IP68 rating can be placed under water for long periods of time. Therefore, these devices can be used in environments containing water or water and moisture combined.
Use Case Environment
Devices rated IP65 can be used outdoors, as long as they aren’t placed in areas with consistent water exposure. Typical Use Case scenarios for these devices include outdoor lighting and lighting or security systems.
Devices rated IP68 can be used in more extreme environments, like marine environments, underwater sensors and in ruggedized smartphones.
Variations in Testing Methods
The processes and methods of testing the IP65 and IP68 devices vary.
In the IP65 testing process, devices are sprayed with water from several different angles under controlled pressure in order to test the effectiveness of the device.
In testing IP68 devices, the test device is submerged under water and contact is made with the water at a predetermined height for a period of time.
Both of these processes undergo strictly controlled and calibrated testing of the presence of dust. Testing labs like OTS Technik use dust simulation chambers to test devices under controlled dust environments to accurately mimic the dust environments the devices will be used in.
Methodology for Conducting Waterproof and Dustproof Testing
Testing to assess devices against rated IP standards to ensure that they can be used in the conditions that they are specifically made to be used in.
Dust Testing
In order to test against entering dust particles, these tests focus on the enclosure and assess that particles that are not supposed to enter will not be able to enter.
The device to be tested is placed within a controlled environment and is exposed to the fine dust that is circulated in the environment for several hours.
Professional tools, including the Large Dust Proof Test Chamber – OTS Technik, enable engineers to create environments comparable to deserts. This helps to ascertain whether the equipment can comply with the IP6X standards of full dust protection.
Water Testing
Water tests are conducted according to the specified IP rating.
For IP65, water is sprayed with specially designed nozzles. The equipment is required to withstand water jets and prevent water ingress.
For IP68, the equipment is submerged in water tanks according to the manufacturer’s specifications for depth and time.
After testing, the engineers attempt to determine if moisture has entered the equipment, whether there is any physical damage, and whether there are any functional abnormalities.
Why Testing Equipment Needs to be Accurate
Reliable testing equipment is crucial for product certification. Without accurate testing, manufacturers are unable to confirm the protective capabilities of their products.
Effective environmental simulation is required to recreate the actual conditions of dust, water, humidity, and temperature.
An example is the Large Dust Proof Test Chamber – OTS Technik, which is designed to create extreme dust environments. This helps engineers to evaluate the performance of large industrial and electronic products in a controlled manner.
Testing systems created to meet international standards for product safety can be relied to enhance customer confidence and the longevity of the product.
Choosing Between IP65 and IP68
The use case and environment of a device determines the level of protection needed.
For most outdoor electronic devices, IP65 is adequate. This level of protection is enough to guard against rain and dust, which covers most day to day use.
For extreme conditions, IP68 is needed. This means protective devices when water immersion is an issue. The same protection is needed when devices will be used underwater, such as in a marine environment.
On the part of the manufacturer, cost, design, and testing complexity related to all of these protective features should be evaluated. This is because when protective features are added, there is a greater need for strong seals and increased testing.
Conclusion
The more a user knows about ingress protection ratings, the easier it will be to find a suitable device in terms of reliability and durability. IP65 and IP68 ratings signify complete protection against dust but differ in the level of water immersion protection.
For outdoor equipment and industrial electronics, IP65 is the better option. It provides protection against water jets and splashes. However, if devices are to be used underwater for long durations, then IP68 is the ideal protection.
When devices are tested for this protection, manufacturers must use very high quality testing equipment. The OTS Technik, Large Dust Proof Test Chamber is one such equipment used to test if a device can operate in extreme dust conditions.
Understanding the IP68 vs IP65, key differences helps consumers and businesses pick the right devices suited to the environment they will be used in and will minimize the need for replacements.
