IP67 vs IP68: Waterproof Ratings Explained for Hard Cases

What Do IP Ratings Mean?

IP stands for Ingress Protection, a standardized rating system defined by IEC 60529. The two-digit number tells you exactly how resistant an enclosure is to solids and liquids.

First Digit: Solid Protection (0-6)

• 0 — No protection
• 1 — Protected against objects larger than 50mm (hands)
• 2 — Protected against objects larger than 12.5mm (fingers)
• 3 — Protected against objects larger than 2.5mm (tools)
• 4 — Protected against objects larger than 1mm (wires)
• 5 — Dust protected (some dust may enter but won't affect operation)
• 6 — Dust tight (complete protection against dust)

Second Digit: Liquid Protection (0-9)

• 0 — No protection
• 1 — Protected against vertical dripping water
• 2 — Protected against dripping water when tilted 15 degrees
• 3 — Protected against spraying water up to 60 degrees from vertical
• 4 — Protected against splashing water from any direction
• 5 — Protected against water jets from any direction
• 6 — Protected against powerful water jets
• 7 — Protected against temporary immersion (1 meter, 30 minutes)
• 8 — Protected against continuous immersion (depth specified by manufacturer)

IP67: The Hard Case Standard

Most premium hard cases — Pelican, Nanuk, SKB — are rated IP67. This means:

• 6 — completely dust tight. No dust particles can enter the sealed case.
• 7 — survives submersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.

How IP67 Is Tested

The case is submerged in a water tank at 1 meter depth. After 30 minutes, it's removed and opened. If no water has entered the sealed interior, it passes. The case must also pass a dust test where fine particles are blown at the case under pressure with no ingress.

Real-World IP67 Protection

IP67 means your case handles:

• Falling into a river or lake (up to 3 feet deep)
• Getting caught in a thunderstorm
• Being dropped in mud or sand
• Sitting on a wet boat deck
• Accidental submersion during water crossings

It does NOT protect against:

• Extended underwater use (diving)
• High-pressure water (fire hoses, pressure washers)
• Submersion deeper than 1 meter

IP65: The Budget Case Standard

Budget cases like the Apache series typically rate IP65:

• 6 — dust tight (same as IP67)
• 5 — protected against water jets, but NOT submersion

The difference matters. IP65 cases handle rain, splashes, and spray but should never be submerged. If your gear might end up in water, spend the extra money for IP67.

Beyond IP67

IP68

Some specialty enclosures offer IP68 — continuous submersion beyond 1 meter. The exact depth and duration are specified by the manufacturer. For hard cases, IP68 is rare and usually found only in dive-specific housings.

IPX8

When you see an "X" replacing a digit (like IPX8), it means that specific protection type wasn't tested. IPX8 means the item was tested for water immersion but not dust.

Do IP Ratings Degrade Over Time?

Yes. The O-ring gasket that provides the water seal can deteriorate with age, UV exposure, and chemical contact. Inspect your case gasket periodically:

• Look for cracks, flat spots, or hardening
• Clean the gasket and sealing surface regularly
• Replace the O-ring if it shows wear (most manufacturers sell replacements)
• Keep latches properly adjusted for even seal compression

The Bottom Line

For serious gear protection, IP67 is the minimum standard. It ensures your case handles both environmental dust and accidental water exposure. If you work near water, choose IP67 over IP65 — the price difference is small compared to the cost of water-damaged equipment.