What is IP 68?

One of the usual features in modern smartphones and electronic devices is “IP” protection or certification. This is a standard that shows the level of resistance against the elements, so it is an important element to know if a device can be submerged in water or not. Next, we will see what this certification is and what types exist.

IP degrees are the acronym for “International Protection” or “International Protection”, it is actually a certification that ensures that a device complies with the protection standards against the elements, which belong to the IEC 60529 protection standard. For example, Samsung has IP68 on its high-end phones, so they are completely sealed and waterproof.

When devices comply with IP protection, it means that they have been able to pass a series of rigorous tests that certify the total IP degree of protection against the entry of solid objects (such as dust or sand), as well as as of liquid in the device. 

In short, the IP protection ratings of a device ensure that it is protected against water and dust. In this sense, the nomenclature is usually represented accompanied by two digits, which are those that indicate the degree of protection. The higher this number, the more protected the device will be against the elements, in some cases being able to submerge several meters in water.

What do the numbers that accompany the IP protection mean?

To fully understand how IP certification works, you need to understand what each number means. In this sense, the following points must be understood:

• Each number indicates a different factor.
• The first shows protection against solid objects, such as dust or sand.
• The second shows the protection against water and humidity.

Here’s how the combined IP protection index works:

The first number:

• 0: There is no protection.
• 1: Protects against solid bodies greater than 50 mm in diameter.
• 2: Protects against solid bodies no larger than 80 mm long and 12 mm in diameter.
• 3: Protects the entrance of thin bodies with a diameter of 2.5 mm or more.
• 4: Protects against solid bodies larger than 1 mm.
• 5: Protects against ingress of dust.
• 6: The device is totally watertight.

As for the second figure, which shows the level of protection against moisture:

• 0: No protection.
• 1: Protects from condensation.
• 2: Against drops of water up to 15º.
• 3: Protection against splashes up to 60º vertically.
• 4: Safe from splashes in all directions.
• 5: Against jets of water.
• 6: Protects from jets of water and waves.
• 7: Allows temporary immersion.
• 8: Allows the device to be immersed for a long time and withstands water pressure.

In this sense, the numbers between 0 and 4 do not usually appear on mobile phones. These already have degrees of protection ranging from 5 to 6, or even 8 for the most modern. In this sense, if you find yourself with an IP65 Waterproof label, remember that it is only protected from jets, but it is not submersible.

Therefore, if you ask yourself: IP67, what is it? The answer is very simple, since you will only have to look for the two numbers in their respective tables, to find the degree of IP protection of your terminal. In this case, we find a grade 6 of resistance to solid bodies, which indicates a completely watertight device. On the other hand, we have a 7 in protection factor against humidity, which indicates that the terminal can be submerged for a while. 

Is IP67 waterproof? The answer is yes, although to know how long it can be submerged, you will have to go to the device’s user manual, since developers must explain in detail the time and depth to which a device can be submerged.

On the other hand, although it is becoming less common, some terminals show an X in the first digit, for example, IPX7. What does this mean? In a few words, it indicates that the device is waterproof, so it will not be affected by humidity, being able to submerge it, but it does not have any type of protection against dust and solid bodies. As we have said, this is a type of protection that is no longer usually found in mobile phones, since almost all terminals have a 6 degree of protection against solid bodies.

In this sense, a Samsung mobile such as the S7 or higher, usually already have an IP68 certificate against water, so they are completely waterproof.

What can IP 68 protection do?

In short, the IP68 water resistance allows you to submerge the device in water at a depth of up to one meter, for a maximum time of 30 minutes. In this sense, when obtaining the certification, the manufacturers have to indicate the depth and the exact time to which the device can be submerged.

For example, if you want your device with IP68 to last as long as possible, you should follow the following tips:

• If you have immersed the terminal in a liquid other than fresh water, you should immediately rinse it with fresh water. Do it gently and dry it immediately with a clean soft cloth.
• Whenever you immerse the device in any liquid, you should dry it immediately after removing it, so that moisture does not condense inside it, which could cause damage.
• Despite their level of protection, you should never expose devices with IP68 protection to currents of water such as the jet of a tap or the waves of the sea.

Now that you know what IP68 is and the rest of the nomenclatures, you will have no problem distinguishing IP67 from IP68, as well as being clear about what IP65 protection is.