IP67 and IP68 differ in how long and how deep a device can be submerged in water. IP67 covers submersion up to 1 metre for 30 minutes, while IP68 extends that to depths beyond 1 metre for longer durations specified by the manufacturer. For most everyday use cases, including field work, travel, and equipment transport, IP67 provides more than enough protection. The sections below break down exactly what each rating means, where the real differences lie, and which one matters most when choosing a protective case.
What does the number after ‘IP’ actually mean?
IP stands for Ingress Protection, and the two digits that follow it each measure a different type of protection. The first digit rates resistance to solid particles like dust on a scale from 0 to 6. The second digit rates resistance to water on a scale from 0 to 9. A rating of IP67, for example, means the device has achieved the highest dust protection level (6) and the seventh level of water resistance (7).
The standard behind these ratings is IEC 60529, an internationally recognised framework used by manufacturers across electronics, industrial equipment, and protective gear. When a product carries an IP rating, it means it has been tested under controlled conditions to verify it meets those specific thresholds.
Understanding the structure of the rating matters because it tells you exactly what was tested and what was not. A product rated IP67 has been confirmed dustproof and water-resistant to a defined depth and duration. It has not necessarily been tested against high-pressure water jets, extreme temperature changes, or chemical exposure. The numbers tell a precise story, but only within the scope of what was measured.
How deep and how long can IP67 and IP68 devices go underwater?
IP67 certifies that a device can be submerged in up to 1 metre of fresh water for up to 30 minutes without water ingress. IP68 certifies submersion beyond 1 metre, but the exact depth and duration are set by the manufacturer rather than the standard itself, which means IP68 specifications vary between products.
In practical terms, this distinction matters most for devices that might be fully submerged during use, such as underwater cameras or dive equipment. For the vast majority of professional and everyday scenarios, including rain, splashes, puddles, and brief accidental drops into water, IP67 handles the situation without issue.
One important detail: both ratings are tested in still, fresh water. Neither rating accounts for salt water, chlorinated water, or water under pressure. A device rated IP67 or IP68 may still be damaged by ocean spray or a pressurised hose because those conditions fall outside the scope of the test.
Is IP68 always better than IP67 for real-world use?
IP68 is not always better than IP67 for real-world use. While IP68 offers greater submersion depth and duration on paper, the practical advantage only applies in situations where a device is genuinely submerged beyond 1 metre. For the overwhelming majority of field professionals, travellers, and equipment users, IP67 protection covers every realistic water exposure scenario they are likely to encounter.
There is also a subtlety worth noting: IP68 does not automatically include IP67 protection. Because IP68 tests are conducted at greater depths, a manufacturer is not required to also test at the shallower IP67 conditions. This means an IP68-rated product has not necessarily been verified against the specific 1 metre, 30-minute test. In practice, most IP68 products do meet IP67 conditions, but the certification does not guarantee it unless both ratings are listed.
For protective cases used in transport, storage, and field deployment, IP67 is the relevant benchmark. It confirms the case will keep water and dust out during rain, splashes, and brief submersion, which covers the conditions professionals actually work in.
What are the limits that neither IP67 nor IP68 covers?
Neither IP67 nor IP68 covers high-pressure water, salt water, steam, condensation from rapid temperature changes, or chemical exposure. Both ratings are based on controlled submersion in still, fresh water. Any water exposure outside those conditions is not addressed by the certification, regardless of how high the rating is.
Other gaps include:
- Pressure washing: High-pressure water jets are tested separately under IPX5 and IPX6 ratings. IP67 and IP68 do not cover this.
- Salt water and corrosive liquids: Marine environments and industrial settings introduce chemicals that can degrade seals and materials over time, even on certified products.
- Repeated submersion: IP ratings reflect a single test event. Repeated exposure, especially with worn seals or damaged closures, can reduce effective protection.
- Impact and drop resistance: Water and dust ingress protection says nothing about how well a product handles physical shock. These are separate performance criteria.
- Extreme temperatures: Thermal stress, condensation, and temperature cycling are not part of IP testing.
This is why professionals who work in genuinely demanding environments look beyond the IP rating alone. A case that combines IP67 certification with impact-resistant construction and a pressure equalization valve addresses a broader set of real-world risks than the IP number alone suggests.
Which IP rating should you look for in a protective case?
For a protective hard case used to transport or store valuable equipment, IP67 is the right minimum standard to look for. It confirms the case is fully dustproof and can handle submersion up to 1 metre for 30 minutes, which covers rain, flooding, and accidental water exposure in virtually every professional field scenario. IP68 offers deeper submersion, but that additional margin rarely changes outcomes in transport and storage use cases.
Beyond the IP rating, a well-specified protective case should also offer:
- Impact-resistant shell construction to absorb shocks during transit
- A pressure equalization valve to prevent vacuum lock when moving between altitudes or temperatures
- A reliable latching and sealing system that maintains the IP rating after repeated use
- A customizable interior to hold equipment securely and prevent movement-related damage
IP67 cases that combine certified water and dust protection with these additional features give professionals a complete solution rather than a single-metric answer to a multi-variable problem.
How HUSK Cases delivers on IP67 protection
HUSK Cases builds its range around exactly the protection criteria described above. Every case in the lineup carries IP67 certification, meaning full dustproof performance and verified water resistance to 1 metre for 30 minutes. The NK-7 high-impact polypropylene shell handles physical shock, and a built-in pressure equalization valve manages atmospheric pressure changes during air travel or altitude shifts. Cases are rated for a temperature range of -40°C to +80°C and backed by a 5-year warranty.
Key features across the HUSK range include:
- IP67-certified waterproof and dustproof construction
- NK-7 high-impact polypropylene shell for shock resistance
- Pressure equalization valve for altitude and temperature changes
- Over 40 sizes to match different equipment types and configurations
- Custom interior options with modular foam layouts tailored to your specific gear
- Competitive pricing without sacrificing core protection specifications
Whether you are protecting camera equipment, drones, audio gear, or field electronics, HUSK Cases offers the protection you actually need at a price that makes sense. Browse the full range at huskcases.com to find the right format for your equipment.