Guide to IP Ratings in Hard Cases
Hard case protection guide
Guide to IP Ratings in Hard Cases
IP ratings (Ingress Protection) tell you how well an enclosure resists dust and water ingress. For hard cases, this is one of the clearest ways to understand environmental protection — from dusty worksites to heavy spray and temporary immersion. This guide explains the rating system and compares the most common levels used on protective cases.
What IP ratings mean
Clear definition first: what “IP” is measuring and why it matters on hard cases.
IP stands for Ingress Protection. It’s a standard way to describe how effectively a sealed enclosure resists materials entering the case — primarily solid particles (like dust) and water. The rating is written as IP followed by two numbers.
The advantage of IP ratings is clarity: they separate marketing language from measurable protection categories, helping you choose the right case for your environment.
Key point: IP ratings are about ingress (dust and water getting in). They do not describe impact resistance or how well contents are protected from drops.
How to read the two digits
Professional explanation: first digit = solids, second digit = water. Higher isn’t always “better” — it depends on your risk.
| Part of the rating | Measures protection against | What it means for a hard case |
|---|---|---|
| First digit | Solids (dust, particles) | Higher numbers mean stronger resistance to dust/solid ingress. Many premium protective cases target the highest practical level for solids. |
| Second digit | Water | Different numbers indicate different types of exposure (spray/jets vs immersion). This is usually the digit that drives the real-world choice. |
In most hard-case buying decisions, you’ll see the same or very similar solids protection across a range, and the main question becomes: do you need protection from spray and powerful water jets (IP66), or from temporary immersion (IP67)?
Water protection levels (explained clearly)
This section is about water only: what each commonly seen level is designed to handle.
IP65
Suitable for water jets in general conditions. Think strong rain, splashes, or directed water exposure, but not submersion.
IP66
Designed for powerful water jets. A strong option for harsh weather, heavy spray, wash-down style exposure — still not an immersion rating.
IP67
Designed for temporary immersion under defined conditions. Commonly described as short-duration immersion up to around 1 metre for up to 30 minutes (test conditions apply).
IP68
Designed for continuous immersion. The exact depth and duration are defined by the manufacturer for the specific product/model.
Simple selector: If your risk is spray, heavy rain, or wash-down — IP66 is typically the target. If your risk includes accidental short submersion — IP67 is the key threshold.
IP65 vs IP66 vs IP67 vs IP68 (comparison table)
One table, one decision: compare the ratings side-by-side.
| Rating | Water exposure type | Typical use case | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP65 | Water jets | Rain, splashes, general spray exposure | Not intended for immersion |
| IP66 | Powerful water jets | Harsh weather, heavy spray, wash-down conditions | Not intended for immersion |
| IP67 | Temporary immersion | Accidental short submersion risk + dusty environments | Commonly described as ~1 m / ~30 min (conditions apply) |
| IP68 | Continuous immersion | Regular immersion scenarios (product/model specific) | Depth/time defined by manufacturer |
Choosing the right rating for your environment
Practical guidance: match the rating to real exposure, not worst-case imagination.
- Dusty worksites / off-road travel: focus on strong solids protection and a properly sealed design.
- Heavy rain / wash-down / marine spray: IP66-style water-jet protection is typically the practical target.
- Accidental drop into shallow water: IP67 is the most relevant rating to look for.
- Frequent immersion: consider IP68 and confirm the depth/time specification for the exact model.
Real-world note: performance depends on correct closure and seal condition. Even the best rating can be compromised by grit on the gasket or a poorly seated lid.
What IP ratings don’t cover
This section prevents confusion: IP is not a drop rating and not a guarantee against misuse.
Impact and drop protection
IP ratings do not measure how well a case protects against drops or impact. That depends on the case shell, corners, latches/hinges, and how well the contents are supported (foam fit, dividers, etc.).
Protection with an unclean seal
Ratings assume correct closure and a clean, undamaged gasket. Sand or grit on the seal is one of the most common real-world causes of leakage.
Practical rule: If you can feel debris on the gasket, clean it before closing the lid — it takes seconds and protects the seal.
Keeping protection reliable (best practice)
Short checklist to maintain the seal and keep ratings meaningful over time.
- Seal care: wipe the gasket and sealing surfaces before closing.
- Close properly: ensure the lid is evenly seated and all latches are engaged.
- After salt exposure: rinse the exterior with fresh water and dry naturally.
- Foam fit: reduce internal movement to protect contents during transport.
- Valves/ports: if your case has a pressure valve, keep the area clean and avoid tampering.
Browse the Safecase range
Compare sizes and features across the full range. If you know your required internal measurements, use the case finder for best-fit recommendations.
FAQ
Does IP67 mean the case is fully waterproof?
IP67 is commonly used to describe protection against temporary immersion under defined conditions. It’s a strong rating for real-world use, but it is not the same as indefinite or deep-water submersion.
Is IP66 or IP67 better?
They are designed for different exposure. IP66 targets powerful water jets. IP67 targets temporary immersion. Choose based on your most likely environment.
What’s the difference between IP67 and IP68?
IP67 is commonly described as temporary immersion under defined conditions. IP68 is continuous immersion, and the exact depth/time are set by the manufacturer for the model.
