IP67 vs IP68: What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?
IP67 vs IP68: What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?
A practical guide to ingress protection ratings for waterproof electronics and membrane selection.
What Do IP67 and IP68 Mean?
IP (Ingress Protection) ratings are defined by IEC standard 60529. The first digit (6) indicates complete protection against dust. The second digit indicates water resistance:
- IP67 — Dust tight + immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes
- IP68 — Dust tight + continuous immersion beyond 1 meter (depth and duration specified by manufacturer)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | IP67 | IP68 |
|---|---|---|
| Dust Protection | ✅ Complete (6) | ✅ Complete (6) |
| Water Test Method | Static immersion 1m / 30min | Continuous immersion (depth & time per manufacturer) |
| Typical Pressure | ~10 kPa | ≥ 10 kPa (often 50–100 kPa) |
| Test Duration | 30 minutes | Specified by manufacturer (often 1–24 hours) |
| Common Use Cases | TWS earbuds, smart watches, outdoor sensors | EV battery packs, automotive lamps, deep-water devices |
| Membrane Requirement | Standard ePTFE / TPU | High-pressure ePTFE with reinforced backing |
How to Choose the Right Rating
Choose IP67 When:
- The device may be splashed, rained on, or briefly submerged
- Cost is a primary concern
- Typical applications: TWS earbuds, fitness trackers, handheld tools
Choose IP68 When:
- The device operates in permanently wet or submerged environments
- Pressure equalization is critical (battery packs, automotive sealed units)
- Safety standards demand continuous waterproofing (EV, industrial)
How Mimoyin Membranes Help You Achieve IP67 / IP68
- ePTFE Membranes — Proven up to IP68, WEP ≥ 50 kPa, customizable pore size and thickness
- TPU Membranes — Acoustic-friendly, ≤1dB loss, IP67 suitable for TWS and wearables
- PU Membranes — Cost-effective IP67 solution for general protection
- Custom Die-Cutting — Precision shapes to match your housing design
Not Sure Which Rating You Need?
Our engineering team can help you select the right membrane and validate waterproof performance. Contact us for free samples and technical consultation.
Related tool: free breathability–waterproof calculator — convert airflow to IP67/IP68 water depth instantly.
References & Standards
- IEC 60529 — IP Code (IEC official): the international standard that defines the IP67 / IP68 ratings referenced throughout this site.
- EU RoHS Directive: restriction of hazardous substances for electrical and electronic equipment placed on the EU market.
- EU REACH Regulation: registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemicals.
- US EPA — PFAS: federal guidance on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances relevant to fluoropolymer choices.
- W. L. Gore & Associates: the originator of expanded PTFE (ePTFE) membrane technology.