- An IP68 rating guarantees complete protection against dust ingress (level 6) and resistance to continuous immersion in fresh water beyond 1 meter (level 8).
- Testing for IP68 certification is governed by IEC standard 60529, with exact immersion depths (typically 1.5 to 6 meters) defined by the device manufacturer.
- IP68 resistance applies strictly to static fresh water and does not protect against salt water, soapy water, steam, or high-pressure water movement.
- Standard manufacturer warranties generally exclude liquid damage, even for hardware certified with an IP68 rating.
An IP68 rating is an international standard defined under International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard 60529 that certifies a device as completely dust-tight and capable of surviving continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer. Most consumer electronics with an IP68 rating can withstand fresh water submersion up to a depth of 1.5 meters (approximately 5 feet) for a duration of 30 minutes. This classification represents one of the highest ingress protection levels available for consumer technology, including smartphones, smartwatches, and rugged hardware.
Understanding the technical mechanics of the IP rating system helps consumers evaluate how resilient their electronic devices are against daily environmental hazards. The ‘IP’ prefix stands for Ingress Protection, a global framework established to replace vague marketing terms like ‘waterproof’ or ‘water-resistant’ with precise, verifiable laboratory benchmarks. Standardized testing ensures that devices bearing the IP68 designation meet uniform structural criteria against solid particulates and liquid exposure under specific test parameters.
What Do the Digits in an IP68 Rating Mean?
The two numbers following the ‘IP’ prefix define explicit protection thresholds against solid objects and liquid penetration, respectively. The first digit evaluates protection against solid particles on a scale from 0 to 6, while the second digit evaluates liquid protection on a scale from 0 to 9K.
The first digit, ‘6’, is the maximum rating achievable for solid ingress protection, indicating that an enclosure is entirely dust-tight and prevents fine particles from entering over an eight-hour continuous test. The second digit, ‘8’, indicates high-level liquid ingress protection, certifying that the device withstands continuous submersion in fresh water beyond a depth of 1 meter under manufacturer-defined parameters.
| IP Code Component | Numeric Value | Protection Standard Defined by IEC 60529 |
|---|---|---|
| First Digit (Solids) | 6 | Full protection against dust ingress; dust-tight enclosure over 8 hours. |
| Second Digit (Liquids) | 8 | Protected against continuous water immersion beyond 1 meter depth. |
What Is the Difference Between IP67 and IP68?
The primary distinction between an IP67 rating and an IP68 rating lies in the maximum depth and duration of water immersion the sealed enclosure can endure. An IP67 rating certifies protection against temporary submersion in fresh water up to a depth of 1 meter (3.3 feet) for a maximum of 30 minutes. In contrast, an IP68 rating requires the device to withstand immersion deeper than 1 meter for at least 30 minutes, with the exact depth determined by the manufacturer.
For example, modern flagship smartphones certified with an IP68 rating are often tested by manufacturers at varying depths beyond the baseline: Apple specifies up to 6 meters for 30 minutes on recent iPhone models, while Samsung typically specifies 1.5 meters for 30 minutes on Galaxy S series devices. Both ratings provide identical level-6 solid particle protection, ensuring zero dust penetration into internal electrical assemblies.
Can You Swim or Shower with an IP68 Rated Device?
Although an IP68 rating offers robust protection against accidental liquid exposure, it does not guarantee safety during active swimming or showering. Standard IEC 60529 laboratory tests are conducted using static, clean fresh water at controlled temperatures between 15°C and 35°C (59°F to 95°F). Real-world environmental conditions introduce physical pressures and chemical compounds that can breach internal seals:
- Saltwater Degradation: Ocean water contains salt that corrodes internal metallic components, charging ports, and protective rubber gaskets upon drying.
- Chemical Solvents and Soaps: Shampoos, body washes, and household detergents act as surfactants, lowering the surface tension of water and allowing liquid to penetrate tight gaps.
- Steam and Thermal Stress: Hot showers generate vaporized steam, consisting of smaller water droplets under temperature differentials that easily bypass static water gaskets.
- Dynamic Hydraulic Pressure: Swimming, diving, or holding a device under running water creates dynamic pressure that easily exceeds the static pressure used in laboratory certification tests.
How Is IP68 Certification Testing Conducted?
To receive an official IP68 rating, manufacturers must submit sample units to independent testing facilities operating under strict IEC 60529 protocol requirements. Solid particle testing requires placing the device in an sealed dust chamber with circulating talcum powder under continuous vacuum pressure for up to eight hours to confirm zero dust accumulation.
Liquid testing requires submerging the active or inactive unit in a pressure vessel filled with fresh water at a depth exceeding 1 meter. Because the IEC standard allows manufacturers to define exact submersion parameters above 1 meter, technical documentation must specify both the depth limit and test duration to remain compliant with official reporting guidelines.
Why Does Water Damage Void IP68 Warranties?
Despite marketing campaigns highlighting IP68 resistance, major consumer electronics manufacturers explicitly exclude liquid damage from standard manufacturer warranties. Protection against liquids relies on internal silicone gaskets, hydrophobic mesh covers, and structural adhesives, all of which naturally degrade over time due to wear, drops, or exposure to temperature shifts.
Furthermore, electronics manufacturers equip devices with internal Liquid Contact Indicators (LCIs). These small paper strips permanently turn pink or red when contacting moisture. If an LCI is triggered, warranty claims are rejected, leaving repairs to the consumer regardless of the device’s original IP68 certification.
Best Practices for Maintaining IP68 Water Resistance
Users can preserve the integrity of their device’s protective seals over its lifecycle by following proper maintenance practices:
- Rinse the device in clean fresh water if exposed to salt water, chlorine, or sugary liquids, and dry it thoroughly with a soft microfiber cloth.
- Ensure SIM card trays and physical port covers are completely flush and free of debris before exposing the device to moisture.
- Avoid using forced high-pressure air or hot hairdryers near speaker grills and microphone ports, which can tear thin waterproof acoustic membranes.
- Allow liquid-exposed charging ports to dry completely for two to four hours before plugging in a wired charging cable to avoid electrical shorts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IP68 fully waterproof or water-resistant?
An IP68 rating signifies high water resistance rather than absolute waterproofness. Under standard IEC 60529 guidelines, an IP68 certified device resists continuous fresh water submersion beyond 1 meter. However, protection is limited to controlled fresh water environments, and structural resistance can degrade over time due to wear, drop damage, or chemical exposure.
Can an IP68 phone take photos underwater?
While an IP68 phone can technically function submerged in shallow fresh water, pressing physical buttons under water can cause seal leakage due to pressure changes. Furthermore, touchscreens generally do not respond accurately under water, and swimming pool chemicals or salt water can corrode ports and rubber seals over time.
Does an IP68 rating wear off over time?
Yes, IP68 water resistance degrades over time. Internal silicone gaskets, adhesive seals, and hydrophobic coatings deteriorate due to everyday drops, physical shocks, exposure to hot water or steam, and chemical contact with soaps or body lotion. Physical repairs can also break factory seals if not professionally re-sealed.
What should I do if my IP68 device gets dropped in salt water?
If an IP68 device falls into salt water, immediately rinse it with clean, static fresh water to wash away residual salt crystals. Gently pat the device dry with a lint-free cloth and allow the charging port to dry completely for at least two to four hours before plugging in a charger.