What Is IP68? Defining What This Rating Means

Polycase has an enclosure to cover any level of ingress protection you are looking for. We offer both NEMA rated enclosures and IP rated enclosures, and our customers depend on us for enclosures that fulfill the most exacting industry standards.

If you’re searching for an IP68 enclosure, we can help. Polycase offers a full range of IP68 enclosures designed to offer the most consistent performance and the most rugged construction. But before you decide, take some time to first ask the question: What is IP68? You need to understand everything the IP68 rating entails.

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How to Understand IP Ratings

IP or Ingress Protection ratings specify the degree of protection an enclosure offers from solid objects and water. There are two numbers (IPXX) indicating the protection level of the enclosure. The first number indicates protection against solid object ingress, on an ascending scale of 0 to 6, and the second number indicates protection against water ingress, on an ascending scale of 0 to 8.

The IP rating scale is based on the IEC 60529 standard. This standard describes a variety of levels of protection against water and solid objects, assigning each protection level a number on the scale. For a full rundown of how to use the IP rating scale, see Polycase’s complete guide to IP ratings. If you know you need an IP68 enclosure, read on to learn more key facts about this rating. 

What Is IP68?

Now it’s time to look at what the IP68 rating means, using the two-digit formula we mentioned earlier. We’ll look at the first digit, which measures particulate and solid resistance, and then the second digit which measures water resistance.

A 6 as the first digit means the enclosure is completely dust-tight. This is the maximum level of dust protection rated under the IP system. With an IP68 enclosure, your device will remain protected even from large amounts of windblown dust and other particulate matter.

An 8 as the second digit means the enclosure is completely watertight, even under conditions of prolonged submersion. An IP68 enclosure will protect your device against splashing water, dripping water, rain, snow, hose spray, submersion and all of the other ways by which water can penetrate a device enclosure. 

Make sure to carefully read the details of each IP rating in IEC 60529 and match them with the needs of your project. The differences in, for example, an IP67 vs. IP68 rating are subtle, but they can make a big difference in certain applications.

Order an IP68 Electrical Box Today!

Polycase AN-01F Diecast Aluminum IP68 Enclosure

Can You Convert IP68 to a NEMA Enclosure Rating?

Many enclosures have both IP ratings and NEMA ratings. So, it’s reasonable to wonder: What is IP68 when converted to a NEMA rating?

In most cases, you can use an IP to NEMA conversion chart to find a rough NEMA rating equivalent to an IP rating. However, note the reverse often isn’t true—NEMA ratings won’t always convert to IP ratings due to the number of additional factors NEMA ratings include. 

As for the actual equivalent ratings, an IP68 enclosure is generally equivalent to a NEMA 6P enclosure. That means both enclosure types are completely watertight, even when submerged at depths of over a meter. Both are the highest levels on their respective scales, providing the best protection available for the devices they guard.

What IP68 Enclosures Does Polycase Offer?

If you need an IP68 electrical box, Polycase offers a variety of sizes, styles and materials. These are some of our most popular IP68 models:

• Polycase AN Series: Diecast aluminum IP68 enclosures ready to weather anything.
• Polycase WQ Series: Hinged polycarbonate IP68 enclosures with a reinforced fiberglass and polycarbonate base.
• Polycase HD Series: Ultra-tough black polycarbonate IP68 enclosures suitable for a variety of applications.
• Polycase ZQ Series: Sturdy polycarbonate IP68 enclosures with optional clear covers.

Discover the Difference Between IP67 vs. IP68 in Our Guide!

Polycase HD-22F Polycarbonate IP68 Enclosure

Questions or comments? Contact Polycase online or call us at 1-800-248-1233. We’ll happily guide you through the enclosure selection process or answer any other questions you might have.