IP67 vs IP68 vs IP69K: Which Waterproof Rating Do You Need?
Complete guide to IP protection ratings for Australian conditions. Learn the real differences, testing standards, and which rating suits mining, marine, and outdoor applications.
"Is IP68 waterproof enough for my application?" — We hear this question weekly from Australian engineers designing equipment for mining, marine, and outdoor environments. The answer isn't always straightforward.
Common Misconception
Many engineers assume IP69K is "better" than IP68 because the number is higher. This is wrong. IP68 and IP69K test for completely different conditions. Some applications need both ratings.
This guide will help you understand exactly what each rating means, how they're tested, and which one you need for Australian conditions—where equipment faces everything from desert dust storms to tropical monsoons to high-pressure mine washdowns.
Quick Answer: Which IP Rating Do You Need?
| Your Application | Recommended IP Rating |
|---|---|
| Indoor industrial equipment | IP54 or IP65 |
| Outdoor (rain and dust) | IP65 or IP66 |
| Occasional water splash | IP67 |
| Temporary submersion (puddles, flooding) | IP67 |
| Continuous underwater use | IP68 (check depth rating) |
| Marine / boats | IP68 minimum + corrosion resistance |
| Mining equipment | IP68 + IP69K for washdown areas |
| Food processing / commercial kitchen | IP69K |
| Agricultural machinery | IP69K (high-pressure cleaning) |
| Road vehicles (external) | IP69K (car wash survival) |
Note: These are general guidelines. Specific requirements depend on your exact operating conditions. Contact us for application-specific advice.
Understanding IP Ratings: The Basics
What Does "IP" Stand For?
IP stands for Ingress Protection (sometimes called International Protection). It's defined by the international standard IEC 60529 , which is adopted in Australia as AS 60529 .
The IP code consists of two digits: IP[First digit][Second digit]
First Digit: Solid Object Protection (0-6)
Second Digit: Liquid Protection (0-9K)
The "K" in IP69K
The "K" suffix comes from the German standard DIN 40050-9, specifically designed for road vehicles and equipment requiring high-pressure washdown. It's not simply "IP69 plus something extra" — it's a completely different test standard now incorporated into ISO 20653.
IP67: Temporary Immersion
Dust tight + 1 meter water for 30 minutes
Testing Standard
- Dust: Complete protection (no ingress)
- Water depth: 1 meter (measured to bottom of device)
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Water temperature: 15-35°C (fresh water)
Real-World Performance
- Survives heavy rain and storms
- Safe if dropped in puddle or shallow water
- Handles temporary flooding conditions
- NOT for continuous underwater use
Common IP67 Applications
💡 Real Project Example
"We supplied IP67-rated connectors for a Sydney outdoor lighting company's street lamp wire harnesses. The connectors need to handle Sydney's occasional heavy storms and flooding, but they're never continuously submerged. IP67 was the perfect balance of protection and cost for this application."
IP68: Continuous Immersion
Dust tight + extended underwater operation
Critical: IP68 Depth Varies by Manufacturer!
Unlike IP67 (which has a fixed 1m/30min standard), IP68 depth and duration are defined by the manufacturer. One IP68 product might be rated for 1.5m for 30 minutes, while another is rated for 10 meters continuously. Always check the specific datasheet.
Testing Standard
- Dust: Complete protection (no ingress)
- Water depth: Greater than 1m (manufacturer specified)
- Duration: Continuous (manufacturer specified)
- Water temperature: Typically 15-35°C
Common IP68 Specifications
- Budget connectors:1.5m / 30min
- Standard industrial:2-3m / 1 hour
- Marine grade:5-10m / continuous
- Subsea equipment:50m+ / continuous
Common IP68 Applications
💡 Real Project Example
"For a Western Australian boat electronics company, we specified IP68-rated connectors with a 3-meter continuous submersion rating. The key was ensuring the connectors also had 316 stainless steel contacts for salt water corrosion resistance — IP68 alone doesn't guarantee salt water survival."
IP69K: High-Pressure Hot Water Jets
Designed for industrial washdown procedures
IP69K Testing Standard (ISO 20653 / DIN 40050-9)
IP69K is the most demanding water protection test. It simulates industrial high-pressure cleaning:
- Water temperature: 80°C (176°F)
- Pressure: 100 bar (1450 psi)
- Flow rate: 14-16 liters/minute
- →Distance: 10-15 cm from surface
- ↻Angles: 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°
- ⏱Duration: 30 seconds per angle
IP69K ≠ IP68 + Something Extra
IP69K does NOT include IP68 protection. IP69K tests for high-pressure jets, not submersion. If your equipment needs to survive both underwater operation AND high-pressure cleaning, you need connectors rated for both IP68 AND IP69K.
Why IP69K Matters for Australia
Mining
Mining equipment is cleaned daily with high-pressure washers. Without IP69K, water penetrates and causes electrical failures.
Agriculture
Harvesters and tractors accumulate mud and debris. Farmers use pressure washers for cleaning, destroying non-IP69K connectors.
Food Processing
HACCP requirements mandate regular high-temperature sanitization. IP69K is essential for food-safe equipment.
💡 Real Project Example
"A Queensland mining equipment operator came to us after repeated connector failures. Their equipment worked fine underground, but failed within 3 months. The cause? Daily high-pressure cleaning destroyed their IP68 connectors. We replaced them with IP68+IP69K rated DEUTSCH connectors — no failures in 2+ years since."
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | IP67 | IP68 | IP69K |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dust Protection | Complete | Complete | Complete |
| Water Immersion | 1m / 30min | Varies (1.5m - 50m+) | Not tested |
| High-Pressure Jets | No | No | 100 bar / 80°C |
| Continuous Submersion | No | Yes (depth varies) | No |
| Relative Cost | $ | $$ | $$$ |
| Connector Availability | Excellent | Good | Limited |
| Typical Use | Outdoor, automotive | Marine, underwater | Washdown, food, mining |
Australian Industry Requirements
Recommended Ratings
- • Underground equipment: IP68 minimum
- • Washdown areas: IP69K required
- • Best practice: IP68 + IP69K dual rated
Connector Choice
DEUTSCH connectors (TE Connectivity) are the industry standard for Australian mining, offering IP67 to IP69K options with proven reliability.
Recommended Ratings
- • Above deck: IP67 minimum
- • Bilge/wet areas: IP68 required
- • Underwater (thrusters, etc.): IP68 with depth rating
Additional Requirement
IP ratings only test fresh water. For marine applications, also require salt spray testing (ASTM B117) and corrosion-resistant materials (316 stainless steel, marine-grade plastics).
Food Processing
Recommended Ratings
- • All equipment: IP69K required
- • Must withstand 80°C sanitization
- • HACCP compliance essential
Additional Requirements
Food-safe materials, smooth surfaces (no bacteria traps), chemical resistance to cleaning agents. Often requires 316L stainless steel enclosures.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IP68 better than IP67?
Not necessarily. IP68 allows for deeper/longer immersion, but if your equipment only needs to survive rain and occasional splashing, IP67 is sufficient and more cost-effective. IP68 is only "better" if you actually need continuous underwater operation.
Can I use IP67 equipment in the rain?
Yes, absolutely. IP67 is designed to handle much more than rain — it can survive temporary immersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Rain is no problem.
Do IP ratings degrade over time?
Yes, seals can degrade from UV exposure, temperature cycling, and general wear. We recommend inspecting IP-rated connections annually and replacing seals per manufacturer recommendations, especially in harsh Australian conditions.
What IP rating do I need for a car wash?
IP69K. Car washes use high-pressure hot water similar to IP69K testing conditions. This is why many automotive connectors for external applications are IP69K rated.
Need Help Choosing the Right IP Rating?
With 18 years of experience building wire harnesses for Australian conditions, we can help you select the right protection level for your application. Our CNAS & ISO 17025 certified laboratory can verify IP ratings to ensure your products meet specifications.
Free consultation on IP rating selection
Access to IP67, IP68, and IP69K connectors
In-house testing and verification
Experience with mining, marine, and food industries
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