IP67, IP68, and IP69K are the three most common ingress protection ratings you’ll encounter when selecting industrial connectors. Specifying the wrong one can mean premature connector failure in the field — or, more expensively, paying for protection you don’t need.
This guide explains exactly what each rating means, how they’re tested, and which one applies to your application.
What Does “IP” Mean?
IP stands for Ingress Protection, defined by IEC 60529. Every IP code has two digits:
- First digit (1–6): Protection against solid particles (dust, debris)
- Second digit (1–9): Protection against liquids (water, steam)
For industrial connectors, the first digit is almost always 6 (dust-tight) in IP6X ratings. The meaningful difference is in the second digit.
| Rating | First Digit (Dust) | Second Digit (Water) |
|---|---|---|
| IP67 | Dust-tight | Temporary immersion: 1m for 30 min |
| IP68 | Dust-tight | Continuous immersion: depth and duration defined by manufacturer |
| IP69K | Dust-tight | High-pressure, high-temperature water jets |
IP67 in Detail
Test condition: The connector is submerged in water at 1 meter depth for 30 minutes.
What this means in practice: IP67 protects against splashing, rain, temporary flooding, and accidental brief immersion. It does not mean the connector is rated for continuous underwater use.
IP67 is sufficient for:
- Outdoor machinery exposed to rain
- Factory floor equipment with occasional cleaning (low-pressure water hose)
- Agricultural equipment subject to weather exposure
- Sensors on equipment that may experience brief water contact during operation
IP67 is not sufficient for:
- Equipment continuously submerged or partially submerged in liquid
- High-pressure or steam cleaning applications
- Connectors on pump housings, submersible motors, or underwater equipment
IP68 in Detail
Test condition: Continuous immersion in water. The specific depth and duration are defined by the manufacturer (not standardized by IEC 60529 — this is commonly misunderstood). A typical IP68 specification is “1.5m for 30 minutes” or “3m continuous,” but always verify the manufacturer’s stated conditions.
What this means in practice: IP68 connectors can remain in water indefinitely, within the manufacturer’s stated parameters. Suitable for environments where connectors may be permanently or frequently submerged.
IP68 is required for:
- Submersible pumps and underwater equipment
- Connectors installed in cable trays or conduits subject to flooding
- Marine and offshore equipment
- Agricultural irrigation systems with connectors installed at ground level
IP68 is not sufficient for:
- High-pressure steam cleaning (the water jet force exceeds the test conditions)
- Applications requiring IP69K (see below)
IP69K in Detail
Test condition: The connector is subjected to high-pressure water jets at 80°C (176°F), delivered at a flow rate of 14–16 L/min at 80–100 bar pressure, from a nozzle 10–15 cm away, at multiple angles.
What this means in practice: IP69K connectors can survive the harshest industrial cleaning procedures, including steam cleaning and high-pressure hot water washdown. This is the standard for food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and meat processing equipment.
IP69K is required for:
- Food processing machinery (meat, poultry, dairy, bakery)
- Pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturing equipment
- Beverage processing and bottling lines
- Any equipment cleaned with high-pressure steam or hot water jets
- Car wash equipment
Key detail: IP69K does not imply IP68. A connector rated IP69K may not be rated for continuous submersion. If you need both, look for connectors rated IP67/IP68 AND IP69K.
Common IP Rating Misconceptions
Misconception 1: IP68 is always better than IP67
IP68 specifically covers prolonged immersion. If your application involves high-pressure cleaning but no submersion, IP68 offers no benefit over IP67 — and neither protects against the high-pressure jet test in IP69K.
Misconception 2: IP ratings are permanent
IP ratings apply to new connectors assembled according to specification. Damaged cable jackets, improperly torqued cable glands, cracked connector shells, or worn seals will all compromise IP protection. Connectors in harsh environments should be inspected periodically.
Misconception 3: IP69K replaces IP67 and IP68
These ratings test different threats. A connector rated IP69K was not necessarily tested for 1-meter submersion. Specify based on the actual threats your application faces, not just the highest number.
Misconception 4: The IP rating applies to the mated connector only
This is true. An unmated IP67 M12 connector sitting on a shelf is not IP67-protected. The mated IP rating is achieved only when the plug is fully mated with the socket. Exposed connectors (awaiting mating) need protective caps rated for the intended environment.
IP Rating Selection by Application
| Application | Recommended IP |
|---|---|
| General indoor factory (dry) | IP54 minimum |
| Outdoor equipment, rain exposure | IP67 |
| Occasional low-pressure washdown | IP67 |
| Equipment near liquid processes | IP67 or IP68 |
| Submersible / underwater equipment | IP68 (verify depth/duration) |
| Food processing, steam cleaning | IP69K (verify also IP67/68 if needed) |
| Pharmaceutical manufacturing | IP69K |
| Car wash equipment | IP69K |
| Marine / offshore | IP68 (verify corrosion resistance separately) |
IP Rating and Connector Type
Not all connector types are available in all IP ratings:
- M12 circular connectors: Widely available in IP67; IP69K versions exist but selection is narrower
- M8 circular connectors: IP67 widely available; IP69K more limited
- Heavy duty connectors (HDC): IP65, IP67, and IP68 widely available; IP69K available from select manufacturers
- Aviation/circular connectors: IP67 standard; IP69K limited
When IP69K is a hard requirement, verify availability with the connector manufacturer before committing to a connector family in your design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between IP67 and IP68 connectors?
IP67 connectors are tested for temporary immersion at 1 meter for 30 minutes. IP68 connectors are rated for continuous or prolonged submersion, with the specific depth and duration defined by the manufacturer. IP68 offers greater protection for applications where connectors remain submerged, but neither IP67 nor IP68 protects against high-pressure water jets.
Do I need IP69K connectors for food processing equipment?
Yes, in most cases. Food processing equipment is routinely cleaned with high-pressure hot water or steam. IP69K is the minimum rating for connectors on equipment that undergoes this type of cleaning. Standard IP67 connectors will fail quickly in these environments.
Can an IP68 connector be used in a washdown environment?
Not reliably. IP68 tests for submersion pressure, not high-velocity jet pressure. A connector that passes IP68 may still fail when hit by a high-pressure cleaning jet. For washdown environments, specify IP69K.
Is IP67 sufficient for outdoor electrical enclosures?
For most outdoor applications involving rain and splash water, IP67 is adequate. For applications near power washers or in climates with extreme driving rain, IP69K provides additional assurance.
Why does IP68 not specify a standard depth?
IEC 60529 defines the IP68 test protocol but allows manufacturers to specify the exact depth and duration. This means “IP68” from different manufacturers may represent different levels of protection. Always check the manufacturer’s stated IP68 conditions (e.g., “IP68: 1.5m / 30 min” vs. “IP68: 10m / continuous”) before selecting.
Need IP67, IP68, or IP69K-rated M12, M8, or heavy duty connectors? Contact our engineering team with your application environment details.
