Publish Time: 2025-12-20 Origin: Site
IP67 connectors are often promoted as being fully waterproof, but is this truly the case? Many devices, such as smartphones and outdoor equipment, come with this rating, leading to the misconception that they are entirely resistant to water.
In this article, we will explore what the IP67 rating actually means and whether devices with this rating can be considered fully waterproof. You’ll learn about its limits, real-world scenarios, and how to choose the right IP rating for your needs.
IP, or Ingress Protection, refers to a standard used to measure how well an enclosure protects electronic components from dust and water. The IP rating is expressed with two digits: the first digit represents solid protection (such as dust), and the second digit indicates water protection.
For example, IP67 connectors feature the number "6" for complete dust protection and the number "7" for water resistance, meaning they are designed to withstand immersion in water up to a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes.
First Digit (Solids Protection) | Second Digit (Water Protection) |
0 - No protection | 0 - No protection |
1 - Protected against large objects | 1 - Protected against vertically dripping water |
2 - Protected against medium objects | 2 - Protected against water when tilted 15° |
3 - Protected against small objects | 3 - Protected against spraying water |
4 - Protected against tiny objects | 4 - Protected against splashing water |
5 - Dust protected | 5 - Protected against low-pressure water jets |
6 - Dust-tight | 6 - Protected against powerful water jets |
7 - No dust ingress | 7 - Protected against temporary immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes |
8 - Protection from dust | 8 - Protected against continuous immersion |
The first digit in an IP rating defines the level of protection from solid particles. In the case of IP67, the "6" signifies that the connector is dust-tight, offering the highest level of protection from dust.
The second digit, "7", refers to protection from water. It means the product can survive immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for a maximum of 30 minutes. However, it is important to note that IP67 connectors are not designed for continuous exposure to water, which sets them apart from higher IP ratings such as IP68.
While IP67 connectors do provide water resistance, they are not fully waterproof. The rating allows for temporary immersion in water, but only under specific conditions. Devices rated IP67 can be submerged up to 1 meter for a maximum of 30 minutes. This is suitable for accidental drops into water, such as a phone falling into a pool, but it is not meant for extended submersion or use in high-pressure water environments.
This temporary water resistance is what differentiates IP67 connectors from fully waterproof products. The misunderstanding that IP67 is "fully waterproof" often leads to misuse, where devices are exposed to water beyond the rated limits, causing potential damage.
In real-world conditions, IP67 connectors perform well in situations where a device might be exposed to rain, splashes, or brief submersion. However, if the device is left in water for too long or exposed to high-pressure water (such as from a hose or a waterfall), the water may seep into the device, bypassing the protection.
Many users mistake IP67 as a guarantee for complete waterproofing, but it is crucial to understand the limits of the rating. For example, a smartphone with an IP67 rating can withstand a sudden drop into a pool but should not be used underwater for prolonged periods.
The first digit of the IP67 rating, "6", ensures that IP67 connectors are completely dust-tight. This means that no dust particles can enter the device, which is particularly important in environments like factories, construction sites, or outdoor locations where dust and dirt can damage electronic components.
This dust protection ensures that the connector remains functional even in dusty conditions, preventing any degradation of performance caused by the intrusion of solid particles.
The second digit of the IP67 rating, "7", indicates that the connector can withstand temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes. This means that while IP67 connectors are not designed for continuous water exposure, they are resistant to accidental submersions or splashes.
Testing for water resistance in IP67 connectors is conducted under controlled conditions, which are typically freshwater environments. This means that devices with this rating can survive accidental drops into pools or water bodies, but they are not suitable for use in environments with high water pressure or saltwater.
The main difference between IP67 connectors and IP68 connectors lies in their water protection capabilities. While IP67 ensures protection against immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, IP68 offers protection against continuous immersion beyond 1 meter. Devices with an IP68 rating are designed for use in environments where prolonged exposure to water is expected, such as underwater use or deep-water immersion.
In short, IP68 connectors provide a higher level of water resistance, making them a better choice for applications that involve extended submersion or continuous exposure to water.
IP69K connectors provide the highest level of protection, particularly in environments with high-pressure water exposure. Unlike IP67, which only offers temporary immersion protection, IP69K connectors are designed to withstand high-pressure water jets from all directions. This makes them ideal for industries where equipment is regularly cleaned with powerful water jets, such as in the food processing or automotive industries.
While IP67 connectors are perfect for accidental immersion and dust resistance, IP69K connectors are built to endure more extreme conditions, providing greater durability and longevity in demanding environments.
Feature | IP67 | IP68 | IP69K |
Dust Protection | Dust-tight | Dust-tight | Dust-tight |
Water Immersion | Temporary immersion up to 1m (30 minutes) | Continuous immersion beyond 1m | Protection against high-pressure water jets |
Water Resistance | Not for prolonged exposure | For deeper and longer immersion | Suitable for extreme environments like industrial washdowns |
Common Uses | Outdoor electronics, smartphones | Marine equipment, submersible devices | Food processing, high-pressure industrial environments |
IP67 connectors are commonly used in consumer electronics such as smartphones, smartwatches, and wireless headphones. These devices are often exposed to rain, spills, or occasional drops into water, making the IP67 rating ideal for protecting them against such incidents.
For example, many high-end smartphones come with an IP67 rating, allowing users to use their devices in wet conditions without worrying about water damage.
IP67 connectors are also widely used in outdoor and industrial equipment, such as security cameras, outdoor lighting, and GPS devices. These devices are exposed to harsh weather conditions, including rain, dust, and mud. The dust-tight and water-resistant features of IP67 connectors ensure that these devices continue to function reliably in challenging environments.
For instance, outdoor security cameras with IP67 connectors can withstand rainstorms and accidental splashes, providing consistent performance for surveillance applications.
Application | Example Devices | Why IP67 Connectors? |
Consumer Electronics | Smartphones, smartwatches | Resistant to accidental drops in water, dust, and rain |
Outdoor Equipment | Outdoor cameras, lighting | Designed for environments exposed to dust, rain, and splashes |
Industrial Machinery | Manufacturing equipment | Protection from dust and occasional exposure to water |
Automotive Industry | Car sensors, GPS devices | Protection against dust, moisture, and accidental water exposure |
IP67 connectors are ideal for devices that may be exposed to dust, dirt, and water, but where immersion is not a regular occurrence. They are perfect for consumer electronics, outdoor equipment, and industrial tools that require protection from accidental water exposure or occasional immersion in water.
If your equipment will be exposed to more demanding environments, such as prolonged submersion in water or high-pressure water jets, then you should consider higher IP ratings like IP68 or IP69K. These ratings offer better protection for devices that need to operate in more extreme conditions, ensuring durability and long-term reliability.
In conclusion, IP67 connectors provide excellent protection against dust and temporary water immersion, but they are not fully waterproof. While they can handle accidental submersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, they are not suitable for continuous or high-pressure water exposure. Understanding the limitations of IP67 connectors is crucial when selecting the right protection for your devices. For more extreme water resistance, higher ratings such as IP68 or IP69K may be necessary to ensure your equipment remains functional in more demanding environments. Shenzhen Haiyuncheng Electronic Co., Ltd. offers durable and reliable connectors that ensure your devices are protected in various environments.
A: IP67 indicates that a product is dust-tight and can withstand temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes, making it highly resistant to both dust and water.
A: No, IP67 connectors are not fully waterproof. They can handle short submersions but are not designed for continuous immersion or high-pressure water exposure.
A: Yes, IP67 connectors are ideal for outdoor equipment that may be exposed to dust and water, such as security cameras and outdoor lights.
A: IP67 connectors can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for a maximum of 30 minutes. Prolonged exposure exceeds their capabilities.
A: IP68 offers higher water protection than IP67, allowing for continuous immersion beyond 1 meter. IP67 is for temporary submersion only.