What Do IP65 and IP67 Protection Ratings Mean?

The IP (Ingress Protection) code indicates the level of protection an electrical or electronic device provides against solid foreign objects and water. The first digit refers to protection against solid objects and dust, the second to protection against water.

• IP65: Fully protected against dust ingress and protected against water jets under the conditions specified in the standard.
• IP67: Fully protected against dust ingress and protected against temporary immersion in water under the conditions specified in the standard.

IP67 does not mean better than IP65 in every situation; the two ratings refer to different water tests. Especially in applications that require washdown, high-pressure water or chemical cleaning, the relevant tests and the manufacturer's statements should be checked separately. Also note whether the protection level applies to the entire device or only to a section such as the front panel.