IPX7, IP44, IP65, or IP67: you often see these codes on electronic products and outdoor gear. But what do they actually mean? This explanation shows how an IP rating works and what the different digits say about protection against dust and water.
What does an IP rating mean?
An IP rating indicates the degree to which a product is protected against the ingress of solid objects, dust, dirt, and water.
IP stands for Ingress Protection.
A full IP code usually consists of the letters IP followed by two digits. A common example is IP67.
- IP = Ingress Protection
- First digit = protection against solid objects and dust
- Second digit = protection against water
A higher number generally means a stronger protection level within that category. However, the two digits should always be considered separately.
What does the X in IPX mean?
When an IP rating contains an X, like IPX7, it means no protection class is specified for that position.
For IPX7, only water protection is indicated. No specific dust rating is given with this code.
An X does not automatically mean a product has no dust protection. It simply means no protection class is specified for that part.
What does the first digit of an IP code mean?
The first digit indicates protection against solid objects and dust.
| Classification | Protection against solid objects and dust |
|---|---|
| IP0X | No specific protection |
| IP1X | Protection against objects larger than 50 mm |
| IP2X | Protection against objects larger than 12.5 mm |
| IP3X | Protection against objects larger than 2.5 mm |
| IP4X | Protection against objects larger than 1 mm |
| IP5X | Dust protected; a limited amount of dust may enter |
| IP6X | Completely dust-tight |
What does the second digit of an IP code mean?
The second digit indicates the type of water exposure the product is rated for.
| Classification | Protection against water |
|---|---|
| IPX0 | No specific protection against water |
| IPX1 | Protection against vertically falling water drops |
| IPX2 | Protection against dripping water when tilted slightly |
| IPX3 | Protection against spraying water |
| IPX4 | Protection against splashing water from all directions |
| IPX5 | Protection against water jets |
| IPX6 | Protection against powerful water jets |
| IPX7 | Protection against temporary immersion in water |
| IPX8 | Protection against prolonged immersion according to the manufacturer's conditions |
| IPX9 | Protection against powerful water jets under high pressure and high temperature |
What does IPX4 mean?
IPX4 means a product is protected against splashing water from all directions.
The X indicates no specific protection class against dust or solid objects is mentioned within this classification. The number 4 relates only to water.
What does IPX5 mean?
IPX5 indicates a product is protected against water jets.
This is a higher water protection class than IPX4. However, it does not automatically mean the product is suitable for underwater use.
What does IPX6 mean?
An IPX6 classification means a product is protected against powerful water jets.
With IPX6, only water protection is indicated. The X means no specific dust classification is given within this code.
What does IPX7 mean?
IPX7 means a product is protected against temporary immersion in water.
This is clearly different from just protection against rain or splashing water. Still, IPX7 should not automatically be read as "completely waterproof under all conditions."
It remains important to follow the manufacturer's usage conditions.
What does IPX8 mean?
IPX8 indicates a product is suitable for prolonged immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.
The exact depth and duration may vary per product. Always check the product specifications.
Common IP classifications explained
Besides IPX codes, you often see classifications indicating both protection against solid objects and water protection.
| IP code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| IP20 | Protected against finger contact and larger objects, but not against water |
| IP21 | Protected against larger objects and vertically falling water drops |
| IP23 | Protected against larger objects and sprayed water |
| IP44 | Protected against objects larger than 1 mm and splashing water from all directions |
| IP54 | Dust-protected and protected against splashing water |
| IP55 | Dust-protected and protected against water jets |
| IP56 | Dust-protected and protected against powerful water jets |
| IP65 | Completely dust-tight and protected against water jets |
| IP66 | Completely dust-tight and protected against powerful water jets |
| IP67 | Completely dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion |
| IP68 | Completely dust-tight and suitable for prolonged immersion according to the manufacturer's conditions |
| IP69 | Completely dust-tight and protected against powerful water jets under high pressure and high temperature |
What is the difference between IPX7 and IP67?
The difference lies in the classification for protection against dust and solid objects.
IPX7 means:
- X = no specific dust classification given
- 7 = protected against temporary submersion in water
IP67 means:
- 6 = completely dust-tight
- 7 = protected against temporary submersion in water
Both ratings indicate the same water protection class. IP67 explicitly states the product is completely dust-tight.
What is the difference between IP65, IP66, and IP67?
IP65, IP66, and IP67 are all completely dust-tight. The difference is in water protection.
- IP65 = dust-tight and protected against water jets
- IP66 = dust-tight and protected against powerful water jets
- IP67 = dust-tight and protected against temporary submersion
IP67 is not simply “a better version” of IP66. The products are rated for different types of water exposure.
What is the difference between IP67 and IP68?
Both IP67 and IP68 have 6 as the first digit. Both ratings indicate the product is completely dust-tight.
The difference lies again in the second digit.
- IP67 = temporary submersion
- IP68 = prolonged submersion according to manufacturer’s conditions
For an IP68 product, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s conditions for depth and duration of use.
Is a product with an IP rating completely waterproof?
Not automatically.
An IP rating tells you what kind of water exposure a product is rated for. For example, IPX4 relates to splashing water, while IPX7 covers temporary submersion.
A product that handles rain well isn’t necessarily suitable for underwater use.
Even a very high IP rating doesn’t mean you can expose a product to water under all conditions indefinitely. Always consider the exact rating and any manufacturer conditions.
Is a higher IP rating always better?
Generally, a higher individual number indicates a stronger protection class. Still, you need to consider both numbers separately.
For example, both IP65 and IP67 are completely dust-tight. The difference is that IP65 offers protection against water jets, while IP67 is rated for temporary submersion.
So don’t just look at the overall number, but especially at the type of protection you actually need.
Which IP rating do you need?
That entirely depends on the conditions in which you use the product.
For a product used only indoors, a low rating may be sufficient. For gear used outdoors, protection against rain and splashes is important.
If you use your gear in conditions where it can regularly get wet or even temporarily submerged, a higher water rating is more relevant.
So first consider the actual use, then choose the appropriate protection class.
IP ratings summarized briefly
An IP rating tells you how well a product is protected against the intrusion of solid objects, dust, and water.
In a code like IP67, the first digit indicates dust protection and the second digit water protection. An X, as in IPX7, means no specific rating is given for that position.
Especially for products used outdoors, it’s wise to check the IP rating. Don’t just compare the numbers; look at the specific protection each digit represents.
Frequently asked questions about IP and IPX
What does IP stand for?
IP stands for Ingress Protection. The rating indicates how well a product is protected against the intrusion of solid objects, dust, and water.
What does IPX stand for?
In an IPX rating, the X means no specific protection class is assigned for that position. For example, IPX7 indicates water protection but no specific dust rating.
What does IP67 mean?
IP67 means a product is completely dust-tight and protected against temporary submersion in water.
What does IPX7 mean?
IPX7 means a product is protected against temporary submersion. Within this code, no specific dust protection rating is given.
Is IP68 better than IP67?
For submersion, IP68 is intended for prolonged exposure under the manufacturer's conditions, while IP67 covers temporary submersion. Both ratings are fully dust-tight when the first digit is 6.
Does IP65 mean a product is waterproof?
IP65 means the product is completely dust-tight and protected against water jets. However, this does not automatically mean it is suitable for submersion.
Which IP rating is suitable for outdoor use?
That depends on the expected conditions. Light rain and splashes require different protection than strong water jets or submersion. Always check what the specific IP rating means and whether it matches your intended use.
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