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Waterproof ratings explained what IP rating IP67 and IP68 really mean
Understanding the real IP68 limits in wet weather is essential if you want to keep your smartphone safe during rain, storms, or accidental exposure to water. Many people assume that an IP68 rating means complete waterproof protection, but the truth is more complicated. This rating only applies to controlled laboratory tests, which are very different from the unpredictable conditions your phone faces outdoors.
At Phone Expert, we help Australians make informed decisions about water resistance and provide support for devices exposed to moisture, dust or unexpected splashes. If your phone has been affected by water or you want professional advice, our team is ready to assist with a quick check or expert repair.
What an IP rating is and how international protection works
An IP rating is a standard code that shows the degree of protection against solid particles and liquid for a device enclosure.
The IP rating system comes from the international electrotechnical commission and is sometimes called international protection. Each IP code has a first digit for dust and a second digit for water. These IP ratings are determined by iec test methods, and the rating signifies the protection provided at a defined level of protection. In simple terms, the rating indicates how a device can withstand contact with dust and water.
Quick definition
- IP code two digits where the first digit covers protection against solid particles
- first digit zero to six where six is dust-tight
- second digit zero to nine where higher numbers show a higher level of protection
A quick scenario Imagine light rain on a commute. A phone with a suitable resistance rating may handle a splash but not deep submersion.
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Common questions and answers
What does an IP rating ensure
It shows the level of water resistance and dust resistance under lab conditions and rating ensures only those test conditions.
What does ratings explained usually cover
It clarifies solids and liquids, test set ups, and why rating does not guarantee protection in every real use.
What does IP68 is the highest mean
It is often said in shops, but different ratings offer a high shield for different threats. One is not always best for you.
Can a rating prevent water damage
No. A rating is often misunderstood. It lowers risk within limits but cannot promise outcomes.
How to read IP67 and IP68 rating numbers
An IP67 rating means dust-tight with protection against temporary submersion in water up to a depth of 1 meter for a limited time.
The IP68 rating means dust-tight with protection against deeper submersion where exact depth and duration are set by each maker. In practice, IP67 and IP68 ratings share the same dust rule while water limits differ. The second digit grows with a higher level of protection against liquid. Always check details specified by the manufacturer.
Reading the numbers
- first digit six means complete protection from dust
- second digit seven means water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes
- second digit eight can allow water with a depth beyond 1 meter when the maker sets the limit
To decide between IP67 and IP68, consider if you will be around water often. Many people do not need immersion in water beyond 1. If you want more headroom, IP68 offers added margin for submersion.
Waterproof versus water resistant in practice
Waterproof is often used loosely while water resistant refers to performance at a tested limit rather than magic immunity.
No consumer phone is truly waterproof in the absolute sense. The rating offers guidance for use around water but the rating does not guarantee protection in every scenario. A splash or heavy rain is different to submersion, and water pressure at depth can change outcomes.
Compare at a glance
- Water resistant handles light rain and a quick splash
- Waterproof protection claims vary, so check the exact depth
- Water and dust resistance relates to seals in the enclosure
Consider a beach day. Salt water and sand are harsh. Rinse rules and limits can vary by brand. When in doubt, avoid deliberate submersion.
What the IP68 rating means for phones and wearables
An IP68 rating means the device is dust-tight and can handle submersion where the exact depth and duration are set by the maker.
Many IP68 devices are tested to a depth of 1.5 meters, sometimes more. The IP68 rating means deeper limits than IP67, but use still has boundaries. Some labs test for continuous immersion in water, but others set time caps. The phrase IP68 rating means can be misleading unless you read the fine print.
Key points
- IP68 rating offers greater margin than IP67 in water
- IP68 waterproof rating appears on many flagshIP phones
- IP68 waterproof applies to clear water unless noted
If you drop a watch that stays submerged in water for longer than advised, seals may fail. That is why the rating means you should still handle with care.
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When IP69 and IP66 rating matter
IP69 focuses on water projected in powerful jets and high temperature washdown while IP66 rating covers strong water jets.
These are about jet force rather than long soaks. The second digit nine targets water jets from any direction, not deep submersion. Choose IP69 when you face regular washdowns. For building sites, IP66 may be enough if immersion is unlikely.
At a glance
- IP69 suits pressure cleaning and a higher level of protection against jets
- IP66 suits driving rain and water jets without submersion
- Neither is about continuous immersion in water
Think of an outdoor speaker on a ute. It may need to withstand a jet during cleaning rather than swim time.
Picking the right IP rating for your enclosure and use
Choose the right IP rating by matching real tasks with the level of protection you need for liquid and dust.
Write down where the device lives, the kind of splash risks, and if you could submerge it. If your enclosure might sit near a sink, IP67 can be enough to withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter. If you dive or swim, the rating indicates nothing about chlorinated pools unless the maker says so.
Decision checklist
- Do you face water beyond 1 meter or only brief puddles
- Will water jets be used during cleaning
- Do you need complete protection from dust for workshops
Remember, an IP rating meets a lab test and not every real life accident. If unsure, ask Phone Expert to review your use case.
What each rating means for liquid jets and submersion
The water digit maps to common events such as splash, water jets, and submersion.
Seven is about water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes while eight can permit a depth of 1.5 meters or more as specified by the manufacturer. Nine targets jet force. In any case, do not assume the device will withstand continuous immersion in water beyond your manual. Many seals cannot withstand immersion in water combined with motion and water pressure.
Quick table
| Water event | Typical mapping | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| splash or light rain | six or seven | safer to avoid long soak |
| water jets | six or nine | think about jet force and angle |
| submersion | seven or eight | check exact depth and time |
If you must submerge a device, read the manual for the exact depth. Some makers allow immersion in water for 30 minutes, others do not.
When this may not be the right fit
If you need complete protection for diving or long swims, consumer phones are not suited to continuous immersion in water.
Lab tests do not model surf or rapid temperature changes. If your work sees water projected in powerful jets daily, choose products built for that scene. If you care about warranty, note that water damage can still be excluded even when a rating looks strong.
Common limits
- Seals age and the rating is often valid only when new
- Impacts can break the enclosure
- Many warranties exclude liquid faults
How to judge if you need this now or later
Act now if you work around sinks, farms, or boats and want a high level of protection against accidental drops in shallow water.
Wait if your risk is light rain only and you already keep devices in a case. If you are unsure, book a chat with our team. We can match the right IP rating to your day and suggest cases that add waterproof protection.
Rule of thumb
- Regular wet work Choose IP67 today
- Pools and cameras Consider IP68 after checking the manual
- Factory washdown Investigate IP69 gear rather than phones
Where this connects to ingress protection and next steps in protection rating
Ingress protection standards sit beside cases and gaskets to create a higher level of protection in the real world.
Next steps Book a test, ask us about case seals for your enclosure, and learn how to submerge safely if your work demands it. We can advise on water and dust care so your device can withstand routine water exposure.
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FAQs about IP rating and waterproof use
IPx8 means the maker claims submersion performance but does not state dust performance with the first digit. The exact depth depends on the manual.
Often they can handle a set depth and time, but the IP68 rating means the device is tested in fresh water only unless stated. Chlorine or surf can change outcomes.
A rugged case can raise the water protection rating but no setup is truly waterproof under all conditions.
In short, IP67 covers water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes while IP68 rating means deeper or longer limits. Always check the exact depth and duration.
Yes. Limits are specified by the manufacturer and can vary by model, so the rating offers guidance rather than a guarantee.
Final notes for careful buyers
Remember that an IP rating meets a controlled test. You must still avoid deliberate dunking unless needed. Do not assume the device can withstand continuous immersion in water. If you want to be safe around water, talk to Phone Expert. We repair and advise on water protection and can help you choose or service the right gear.
Glossary and quick facts
- IP rating A label that shows the degrees of protection provided for dust and water
- water resistant Means some defence under limits not blanket immunity
- IP67 and IP68 Two common labels where seven is 1 meter and eight can be deeper
- IP68 rating means deeper limits that are often set per model
- IP68 rating means the device can pass a lab test with water with a depth defined by the maker
Proof notes
- IP68 waterproof appears on many flagshIPs yet the rating indicates lab tests
- Many brands warn that continuous immersion in water beyond stated limits can void support
- IP68 offers deeper limits than IP67 for submersion
Care tIPs
- Rinse gently after surf if your manual allows it
- Avoid hot taps or jet washing unless rated to IP69
- Do not submerge after a drop until seals are checked
- Keep a record that the IP rating meets your needs
If your phone has been submerged in water and you want a fast assessment, drop into Phone Expert. We will check seals, test for dust and water faults, and help you avoid future issues.
