IP68 rating explained: dust-tight with specified immersion protection

Want the full system, or to decode any other code? See the IEC 60529 standard explained or the IP rating decoder.

How to read the IP68 code

Key facts

Standard

IEC 60529 (Ingress Protection code)

Dust

6 = dust-tight under the IEC 60529 dust test

Water

8 = continuous immersion under specified product conditions

Depth and time

Product-specific conditions; numeral 8 must be more severe than numeral 7

Universal depth or time

None — verify the manufacturer declaration for the exact product

Does not cover

High-pressure jets, swimming (unless stated), corrosion, impact

What IP68 protects against

The first digit, 6, declares a dust-tight enclosure under the IEC 60529 dust test. The second digit, 8, declares continuous immersion under product-specific conditions that are more severe than the numeral-7 immersion conditions. The code does not give every IP68 product one universal depth or duration.

Two products can therefore both be IP68 while carrying different immersion conditions. For a design, purchase or use decision, read the product datasheet or instructions rather than importing another product's depth or time limit.

What IP68 does NOT protect against

IP68 is an immersion designation, not automatic evidence that the enclosure passed separate water-jet tests. Where both jets and immersion matter, verify that the product documentation declares both applicable protections. The IP code also does not by itself address corrosion, chemical compatibility, salt water, mechanical impact or seal ageing.

It is also not automatic permission to swim with a device. Movement, temperature, water chemistry, controls used underwater, seal condition and warranty restrictions may fall outside the declared immersion conditions. Follow the manufacturer's use statement for the actual product.

IP68 at a glance

IP67 vs IP68

Both ratings declare solids numeral 6, and both use an immersion water numeral. IP67 uses numeral 7 with defined temporary-immersion test conditions. IP68 uses numeral 8 with product-specific continuous-immersion conditions that must be more severe than numeral 7.

Do not assign one universal depth to every IP68 product or assume immersion automatically proves jet resistance. The actual product declaration and intended exposure still control the decision.

See the full IP67 rating page

IPX8 vs IP68: same water numeral, different solids declaration

Both use water numeral 8 and therefore rely on product-specific immersion conditions. IP68 also declares solids numeral 6, meaning dust-tight under the IEC 60529 dust test; IPX8 leaves the solids characteristic unspecified.

That extra solids numeral does not make every IP68 product a stronger immersion product than every IPX8 product. Compare the stated immersion conditions for the actual products.

See the full IPX8 rating page

IP68 vs IP69K

These designations address different water exposures. IEC 60529 IP68 is an immersion designation. Commercial “IP69K” wording is often used for high-pressure, high-temperature jet protection, but the exact notation and test regime depend on the cited standard; IEC IP69 and ISO 20653 K-bearing codes should not be collapsed into one label.

One exposure does not automatically imply the other. Verify the exact designation, standard, edition and manufacturer declaration when both immersion and high-pressure cleaning matter.

See the full IP69K rating page

5ATM vs IP68 (watches and wearables)

These are different marking systems. IP68 is an enclosure ingress-protection designation under IEC 60529. Watch water-resistance markings are governed by the applicable watch standard and manufacturer instructions rather than being interchangeable with an IP depth.

For swimming or other water activity, use the manufacturer's explicit activity guidance for that watch or wearable. Do not convert an IP68 result or a pressure marking into a universal permitted swimming depth.

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