IP Protection: IP54, IP64, IP65, IP68

When it comes to weatherproof or waterproof enclosures, security camera installers need to have a clear knowledge what IP65, IP66 or IP67 mean. In general IP stands for Ingress Protection. IP ratings are given in form of two-digit code, such as IP68 or IP67. The first numerical digit describes the rating that is given for solid objects. The second digit represents the level of protection against fluids. The higher the number, the stronger the level of protection. For detailed information see the chart below.

Protection against solid objects
1st Digit	Protection Level	Details
0	Non-protected	Non-protected
1	Protected against solid objects greater than 50 mm	Large body parts, such as a hand or a knee.
2	Protected against solid objects greater than 12 mm	Fingers or similar objects.
3	Protected against solid objects greater than 2.5 mm	Tools, wires, etc of diameter or thickness greater than 2.5 mm.
4	Protected against solid objects greater than 1.0 mm	Wires or strips of thickness greater than 1.0 mm. Generally,  solid objects exceeding 1.0 mm
5	Dust protected	Ingress of dust is not totally prevented but dust does not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with satisfactory operation of the equipment
6	Dust-tight	No ingress of dust, complete protection against contact.
Protection against liquids
2nd Digit	Protection Level	Details
0	Non-protected	No special protection
1	Protected against dripping water	Vertically falling drops
2	Protected against dripping water when tilted up to 15º	Vertically dripping water shall have no harmful effect when the enclosure is tilted at any angle up to 15º from its normal position
3	Protected against spraying water	Water falling as spray at an angle up to 60º  from the vertical hasn’t any harmful effect
4	Protected against splashing water	Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction  hasn’t any harmful effect
5	Protected against water jets	Water projected by a nozzle (6.3 mm) against enclosure from any direction hasn’t any harmful effect
6	Protected against powerful water jets	Water projected in powerful jets (12.5 mm nozzle) against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.
7	Able to protect against Immersion up to 1 m	Ingress of water is harmless when the enclosure is immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time
8	Able to protect against Immersion beyond 1 m	The equipment is suitable for continuous submersion in water under conditions, specified by the manufacturer