A lot of people are fairly confused about the naming that comes with IP rating. Does it protect dust or… water? or both? but what does IP rating even mean? When picking out devices, it’s VERY important to know how well they can stand up to dust and water. That’s where the IP (Ingress Protection) rating comes in. This system tells you just how resistant a device is to environmental factors. In this article, we’ll break down the differences between IP68 and IP69, so you can make a better decision when buying.
IP68 vs IP69 Overview
What’s an IP Rating?
The IP rating is a two-digit number that tells you how well a device is protected from dust and water. The first digit refers to how resistant it is to solids (like dust), while the second digit shows how well it’s protected from liquids (like water).
Why IP Ratings Matter for Devices
Knowing a device’s IP rating is helpful, especially if you’re going to use it in rough conditions. Whether it’s dust, rain, or being submerged in water, the rating tells you if your device will hold up. It gives you a clear idea of what to expect from your device’s durability.
What’s IP68?
What Does IP68 Mean?
IP68 is one of the highest ratings for dust and water protection. Devices with this rating are fully sealed against dust and can handle being submerged in water for longer periods (usually over 1 meter deep).
Key Features of IP68
- Dust Protection: The “6” means the device is completely dust-tight. No dust can get inside, which is perfect for places with a lot of fine particles floating around.
- Water Resistance: The “8” means the device can be submerged in water deeper than 1 meter, usually up to 30 minutes or more, depending on the device.
Common Devices with IP68 Rating
- S24 Ultra, iPhone 16 Pro Max and Redmi Note 13 Pro plus
What’s IP69?
What Does IP69 Mean?
IP69 is also high up there on the protection scale, but it focuses more on high-pressure water jets and steam cleaning. Devices with this rating are built to resist intense water pressure, not just submersion.
Key Features of IP69
- Dust Protection: Like IP68, the “6” means the device is completely protected against dust.
- High-Pressure Water Resistance: The “9” means the device can survive high-pressure water jets (80-100 bar) and even steam cleaning.
Common Devices with IP69 Rating
- Most latest flagship phones like iQOO 13 and OnePlus 13 now feature both IP68 and IP69 ratings, meaning they are ensured for both high water jets and deep submersion.
Key Differences Between IP68 and IP69
Water Resistance
Both ratings protect against water, but the main difference is the type of protection. IP68 is built to withstand submersion in water, making it ideal for underwater use or devices exposed to rain. IP69 is designed for high-pressure water jets, making it better for devices that need regular cleaning.
Pressure Resistance
IP69 can handle high-pressure water streams, unlike IP68. This makes it better suited for environments where devices are cleaned with jets of water or steam.
When Should You Choose IP68 or IP69?
Which One Do You Need?
The right rating depends on your needs. If you’re looking for a device that can survive water immersion, like diving or just using it in the rain, IP68 is a good choice. If your device will face high-pressure water jets or frequent cleaning, IP69 is the better option.
Real-World Uses
- Go for IP68 if your device will be submerged in water, like when you’re swimming or using it in the rain.
- Choose IP69 if your device will need to endure high-pressure cleaning, like in food processing or medical fields.
Conclusion
To sum it up, IP68 is great for dust and water protection, especially for devices that might get submerged. IP69, on the other hand, is built for extreme cleaning environments, handling high-pressure water jets and steam. But if we consider real-world situations, there would be little reason to seek an IP69-only device, because it is extremely unlikely you’ll ever have to face high-pressure water streams. That’s why most devices being released now feature both the IP68/IP69 ratings.
