The Difference between IP68 and IP65 Waterproof and Dustproof Tests

With the popularity of smart devices and increasing demands for waterproof and dustproof features in devices like smartphones and watches, waterproof and dustproof technologies have received more and more attention. In the market, the commonly seen waterproof and dustproof ratings are IP68 and IP65. In this article, we will explore the differences between IP68 waterproof and dustproof tests and IP65 waterproof and dustproof tests.

I. First, let’s understand the meaning of IP ratings.
1. IP stands for “International Protection”, which represents the international protection rating for electrical equipment against water and dust. The IP rating is established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) according to the standard “IEC 60529: Degrees of protection provided by enclosures” to indicate the level of water and dust protection provided by electrical equipment.

The IP rating consists of two digits. The first digit indicates the dustproof level, ranging from 0 to 9. A higher number represents a higher level of dustproof protection. The specific meanings are as follows
0 – No protection against dust, meaning the device has no dustproof measures.
1 – Device is protected against solid objects larger than 50mm (e.g., large particles of dust) from entering.
2 – Device is protected against solid objects larger than 12.5mm (e.g., medium-sized particles of dust) from entering.
3 – Device is protected against solid objects larger than 2.5mm (e.g., small particles of dust) from entering.
4 – Device is protected against solid objects larger than 1mm (e.g., small dust particles) from entering.
5 – Device is protected against harmful dust.
6 – Device is dust-tight, with a level of protection higher than level 5.
7 – Device is protected against the ingress of dust in a manner that shall not interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment when immersed in dust for a specified period.
8 – Device is dust-tight and can be immersed in dust for prolonged periods, determined by the manufacturer’s specifications.
9 – Device is dust-tight and suitable for use under specific conditions.

The second digit represents the waterproof level. A higher number indicates a higher level of waterproof performance. The meanings are as follows
0 – No protection against water, meaning the device is not protected against the ingress of water.
1 – Device is protected against dripping water falling vertically.
2 – Device is protected against dripping water when tilted up to 15 degrees from the vertical position.
3 – Device is protected against spraying water up to 60 degrees from the vertical position.
4 – Device is protected against splashing water from any direction.
5 – Device is protected against water jets.
6 – Device is protected against powerful water jets.
7 – Device is protected against the effects of immersion in water under specified conditions.
8 – Device is protected against the effects of continuous immersion in water under specified conditions, with the maximum depth and duration defined by the manufacturer’s specifications.
9 – Device is protected against the effects of long-term immersion in water under extreme conditions.

2. The IP68 rating is currently one of the highest levels of waterproof and dustproof ratings in the market. In the IP68 test, the device needs to undergo continuous immersion testing, typically for a minimum of 30 minutes and up to a depth of 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. Additionally, the IP68 rating requires the device to withstand prolonged immersion in specific environments, such as being submerged in 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. This means that the device has excellent waterproof capability and can be used underwater without being damaged.

3. On the other hand, the IP65 rating is a lower level of waterproof and dustproof rating. In the IP65 test, the device needs to undergo testing with a jet of water at a pressure of 30Kg/cm² at a distance of approximately 3 meters, for a minimum of 15 minutes. Additionally, the IP65 rating requires the device to have dustproof functionality to prevent the entry of dust particles. However, compared to the IP68 rating, the IP65 rating has a weaker waterproof capability and can only withstand the erosion of water jets, rather than sustained immersion.

In conclusion, the differences between IP68 waterproof and dustproof tests and IP65 waterproof and dustproof tests mainly lie in the testing conditions and protective capabilities. Devices with an IP68 rating have excellent waterproof capabilities for prolonged use underwater, while devices with an IP65 rating can only resist the erosion of water jets. Additionally, devices with an IP68 rating also have higher dustproof capabilities, able to prevent the entry of dust particles, while devices with an IP65 rating can only block larger particles and are not fully protected against small dust particles.

For consumers of smart devices, it is crucial to choose the appropriate waterproof and dustproof rating. If your device needs to frequently come into contact with water, such as for swimming or snorkeling activities, then a device with an IP68 rating would be a more suitable choice. It will provide better protection against water damage. However, if you only encounter occasional exposure to rain or occasional splashes of water in your daily life, a device with an IP65 rating would be sufficient.

Immersion tank Waterproof test Device (JL-8): It is for IPX8 test. It can simulate a water depth of 0~50m. The water immersion tank diameter is 600mm and the height is 1200mm. The compressive stress is 10 atmospheres or design according to customer‘s request.

IP Waterproof Test Equipments JL-8

SC-015 Dust-proof Test Chamber (Sand Dust Chamber) is applied to physical and other related performance tests for electronic and electrical products, lamps, electrical cabinets, electrical components, automobiles, motorcycles and their parts and other products under simulated dust climate conditions. Verify whether the performance of the product meets the requirements through verification after the measurement, so as to facilitate the design, improvement, verification and factory inspection of the product. Fully meets IEC60529:1989 +A1:1999 +A2: 2013 <Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)>,IEC60598-1,  GB2423.37-89 (Test L: dust test methods), GB4208, GB/T 4942.2-93(protective casing grade of low-voltage apparatus), GB7000.1 <Luminaires Part 1: General Requirements and Tests> 9.2.1, 9.2.2 and Figure 6, DIN40050 and IP5K0. The dust test chamber is applicable to the IP5X and IP6X dustproof test.

Dustproof Testing Machine SC-015

Lisun Instruments Limited was found by LISUN GROUP in 2003. LISUN quality system has been strictly certified by ISO9001:2015. As a CIE Membership, LISUN products are designed based on CIE, IEC and other international or national standards. All products passed CE certificate and authenticated by the third party lab.

Our main products are Goniophotometer, Integrating Sphere, Spectroradiometer, Surge Generator, ESD Simulator Guns, EMI Receiver, EMC Test Equipment, Electrical Safety Tester, Environmental Chamber, Temperature Chamber, Climate Chamber, Thermal Chamber, Salt Spray Test, Dust Test Chamber, Waterproof Test, RoHS Test (EDXRF), Glow Wire Test and Needle Flame Test.

Please feel free to contact us if you need any support.
Tech Dep: Service@Lisungroup.com, Cell/WhatsApp:+8615317907381
Sales Dep: Sales@Lisungroup.com, Cell/WhatsApp:+8618117273997