Ultimate Guide to IP Ratings

Here are a few IP ratings you’ll see often — and what they actually mean:

• IP65: Fully dust-tight, protected against low-pressure water jets

• IP66: Dust-tight, protected against strong water jets

• IP67: Dust-tight, and can handle temporary water immersion

• IP68: Dust-tight, and protected from long-term immersion

• IP69K: The highest level — dust-tight and resistant to high-pressure, high-temperature water jets (great for harsh environments like factories or vehicles)

Water Jet Resistance vs. Immersion: What’s the Difference?

Here’s a common misconception: IP68 isn’t necessarily “better” than IP66 — it’s just different.

• IP66 is tested for pressurized water jets, but not immersion

• IP68 is tested for immersion, but not high-pressure sprays

So if you’re cleaning equipment with a hose or pressure washer, IP66 or IP69K is what you need. But if the product will be fully submerged, even for long periods, go for IP68.

Common IP Ratings Explained

With so many IP codes out there, it can be tricky to figure out which ones are most relevant to your needs. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common IP ratings and what they really mean in practical terms.

Quick Overview of Popular IP Ratings

• IP44 – Protected against solid objects over 1mm and splashes of water from any direction. Common in indoor lighting and bathroom zones.

• IP54 – Offers limited dust protection and is safe against water splashes. Often used for outdoor wall lights under cover.

• IP65 – Dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets. Great for outdoor lighting and enclosures.

• IP66 – Dust-tight and withstands high-pressure water jets. Suitable for harsh outdoor environments.

• IP67 – Dust-tight and can survive temporary immersion in water (up to 1m for 30 minutes). Ideal for equipment that may get submerged occasionally.

• IP68 – Dust-tight and protected from continuous immersion. Used in underwater lighting, phones, or poolside equipment.

• IP69K – Top of the line. Dust-tight and built to resist high-pressure, high-temperature water jets. Perfect for heavy-duty or industrial applications.

What’s Considered Waterproof or Weatherproof?

Good question! These terms get thrown around a lot, but here’s what actually qualifies:

• Waterproof: Usually refers to IP67 and IP68, since they handle immersion.

• Weatherproof: Often means IP65 or IP66, since they can handle rain, spray, and hose-downs.

If you’re shopping for outdoor use, at minimum go for IP54 — but IP65 or higher is more reliable, especially in exposed or wet environments.

Don’t Be Fooled: Higher Isn’t Always Better

It’s easy to assume that a higher number always means better protection — but that’s not quite true.

For example:

• IP68 handles immersion, but not necessarily water jets

• IP66 resists strong sprays, but isn’t tested for submersion

So instead of just picking the highest rating, think about how and where you’ll use the product. A light fixture on a rainy wall doesn’t need to survive underwater. And a sensor in a pool doesn’t need to withstand high-pressure cleaning.

Choose the right rating for your actual environment — not just the biggest number.

IP Ratings for Different Applications

Not all environments are created equal — and neither are IP ratings. Choosing the right one depends on where and how your product will be used. Here’s a breakdown of common applications and the IP ratings that make sense for each.

Indoor vs Outdoor Use

Let’s start with the basics.

• Indoor spaces usually don’t face much water or dust, so IP20 to IP65 is enough, depending on the area.

• Outdoor environments are more demanding. You’ll want at least IP54, but IP65 to IP68 is ideal for exposed areas.

Think about rain, dust, and wind — if your product will face the elements, it needs extra protection.

Bathrooms & Kitchens

These rooms have high humidity and regular water exposure, so IP ratings matter a lot here — especially for lighting.

Most countries follow a zone system for bathroom lights:

• Zone 0 (inside the bath or shower): Needs IP67 minimum

• Zone 1 (above the shower or tub): Go for IP45, though IP65 is safer

• Zone 2 (60cm area around shower or sink): IP44 or higher is required

For kitchens, areas near sinks or cooking surfaces benefit from at least IP44, especially for lights or outlets that may face splashes.

Electronics & Power Supplies

Some electronics, like power supply units or transformers, need room to “breathe.” That’s why you’ll often see:

• IP20 or IP21 for indoor power units

• Higher ratings only if they’re placed in dusty or wet environments

In sensitive industrial setups, IP65+ is common to prevent dust buildup or accidental contact.

Lighting Systems (Indoor & Outdoor)

Lighting is one of the most common use cases for IP-rated products. Here’s a quick guide:

• Indoor ceiling lights: Usually IP20–IP44 is enough

• Bathroom lights: Use the zone guide above

• Outdoor lights under a roof: IP44–IP54

• Fully exposed outdoor lights (like wall-mounted or garden lights): IP65 or IP66

• Underwater or pool lights: IP68 required

Choosing the right rating protects the light and ensures long-term performance.

Mobile Devices & Wearables

Even phones, earbuds, and watches come with IP ratings now. Here’s what to expect:

• IP67: Safe from dust and can survive being dropped in water (up to 1m for 30 mins)

• IP68: Better for longer submersion (depth and time vary by brand)

• IPX4: Common for sweat or splash protection in earbuds and fitness bands

• IPX7/IPX8: Seen in waterproof smartwatches or rugged headphones

Before taking your device swimming, always double-check what the IP rating actually covers.

Types of IP-Rated Enclosures

IP ratings aren’t just for lights and phones — they also play a big role in the world of electrical enclosures. These are the boxes, cases, and housings that protect everything from control panels to power supplies. The right IP-rated enclosure keeps your components safe from dust, water, and accidental contact.

Let’s explore the most common types of enclosures and where they’re typically used.

General-Purpose Enclosures

These are your everyday protective housings for electronics or wiring systems. They’re built to be versatile and are often mounted on walls or poles.

• Common in homes, offices, and light commercial use

• Usually rated between IP44 and IP66, depending on indoor or outdoor use

• Can be made of plastic, metal, or polycarbonate

These are ideal for protecting basic electrical setups from splashes, dust, or light rain.

Floor-Standing and Wall-Mounted Boxes

Need something bigger and sturdier? These enclosures are designed for more heavy-duty applications.

• Floor-standing units are used in data centers, factories, and power stations

• Wall-mounted boxes are great for circuit breakers, switchgear, or metering systems

• Often rated IP55, IP65, or higher for tough environments

• Provide added space for racks, panels, or fuses

These enclosures are built to last — and to protect important equipment from rough conditions.

Handheld Device Enclosures

These are small, portable housings used for remote controls, test tools, or sensors.

• Usually made from ABS plastic or lightweight aluminum

• Often include space for LCD displays or battery compartments

• Common IP ratings: IP54–IP67, depending on how rugged they need to be

Perfect for engineers or technicians working in the field, especially where water or dust might be a concern.

Instrument and Power Supply Cases

These protect measurement devices, voltage regulators, or power adapters.

• Some are basic (like IP20 for indoor, low-risk environments)

• Others are fully sealed (IP65–IP67) for use in dusty or damp areas

• Heavy-duty cases may include anti-corrosion coatings for chemical or marine environments

Choosing the right case helps extend the life of sensitive gear and ensures consistent performance.

Enclosure Accessories and Custom Options

Enclosures can be tailored for specific jobs with the right accessories:

• Mounting brackets and plates for different surfaces

• Cable glands and seals to maintain the IP rating

• Locks, keypads, or hinges for added security

• Transparent covers for easy visual checks

• Optional ventilation elements to manage heat without sacrificing protection

Customizing your enclosure setup means you get the perfect fit for your project — without compromising on protection.

How Are IP Ratings Tested?

IP ratings aren’t just guessed — they’re the result of controlled lab tests designed to measure real-world protection. Here’s how it works:

Testing Methods

To determine an accurate IP rating, products go through a series of tests based on the IEC 60529 standard. These tests focus on two things:

• Dust protection: Items are placed in a dust chamber and exposed to fine particles to check if any get inside.

• Water protection: This includes water spray tests, jet nozzles, and immersion tests at various depths and durations.

Depending on the level being tested, labs simulate everything from light splashes to high-pressure cleaning or full submersion.

Accredited Testing Labs

To ensure the results are trustworthy, testing should be done by certified third-party labs, such as:

• UL (Underwriters Laboratories)

• Intertek

• SGS

• TÜV or other internationally recognized facilities

These labs provide official IP rating certificates, proving that your product meets the protection level claimed.

Beware of Fake IP Ratings

Unfortunately, not all ratings you see are legit. Watch out for:

• Made-up codes like “IP79” (which doesn’t exist)

• Claims without certification documents

• Vague language like “waterproof” with no IP number

Always ask for test reports or third-party certificates if you’re sourcing products for critical use or resale.

IP vs NEMA Ratings: What’s the Difference?

While IP ratings are common worldwide, in the United States, you might also come across NEMA ratings. So, how do they compare?

When to Use Each System

• Use IP ratings when working with international standards or products sold globally.

• Use NEMA ratings when dealing with U.S. regulations, especially in industrial or hazardous environments.

NEMA Covers More Than Just Dust & Water

NEMA ratings (defined by NEMA 250) include dust and water protection, but also cover:

• Corrosion resistance

• Icing conditions

• Oil exposure

• Mechanical impact

This makes them a bit broader in scope, especially for heavy-duty applications.

Quick Comparison Chart