IP67

IP67 is an Ingress Protection rating defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) under the standard IEC 60529. The rating uses two digits to indicate the level of protection a device provides against solids and liquids.

The first digit, 6, means the enclosure is dust-tight: there is no ingress of dust to interfere with operation. The second digit, 7, indicates protection against immersion in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. This means the device should resist water intrusion during such immersion under standardized testing conditions.

Testing and interpretation: IP67 ratings are awarded based on standardized laboratory tests that assess dust ingress and water immersion tolerance. The tests assume specific conditions and may not reflect every real-world scenario. Ratings describe performance under controlled conditions, and real-world factors such as temperature, mechanical wear, saltwater, chemicals, or prolonged submersion can affect protection.

Limitations and considerations: An IP67 device is not necessarily protected against high‑pressure water jets or prolonged, deep, or saltwater immersion beyond the specified limits. The rating does not guarantee lifelong protection; seals, gaskets, and surrounding materials can degrade over time. The device may also require proper maintenance and correct re-sealing after servicing.

Typical use: IP67 is common in consumer electronics and portable devices that need dust resistance and temporary submersion tolerance, such as smartphones, cameras, and wearable devices. For deeper or longer immersion, higher ratings such as IP68 may apply, depending on manufacturer specifications.

See also: IP ratings, IEC 60529, dust protection, water immersion.